The boogeyman of regulation looms over the farrier profession in the United States. And much like the mythical figure used to scare children, there are various forms of the farriery boogeyman.
Every few years, new concerns over licensing reemerge, leaving many to wonder whether any state or federal agency will register and qualify farriers beyond the race track. None have.
If the congressman from the Horse Capital of the World doesn't know the difference, why wouldn't the average person assume that all high-stepping horses - indeed, all performance horses - are subject to the same kind of intentional cruelty as Tennessee walking horses?
With a smooth gait well-suited for carrying riders great distances in comfort, the Tennessee walking horse is symbolic of the American South. The breed's unique running walk and high-stepping gait, known as the "big lick,"? can bring big money in the show ring. Those high steps kick up more than dirt in the arena. They're kicking up tensions in the horse community lately, as well.
U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Louisville, and Rand Paul, R-Bowling Green, joined U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., on Tuesday to introduce legislation that they said would "preserve the century-old tradition of the Tennessee walking horse while ending the contemptible practice of the illegal soring of horses."
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., says he will introduce a bill today to eliminate illegal, abusive training practices for Tennessee walking horses - and he hopes to bridge a divide between a widely supported set of existing House and Senate bills and the $3.2 billion industry.
Recent indictments and convictions of eight men working in the walking horse industry — including a farrier — demonstrate the federal government is getting serious about this practice
For the first time in 20 years, the crime of soring is being prosecuted in the U.S. court system. As a result, four individuals have been convicted and four more indicted in regard to soring of Tennessee Walking Horses during the past 6 months.
American Farriers Journal is excited and honored to celebrate its 50th anniversary of publishing the hands-on magazine for hoof-care professionals. Learn more about our special edition, which comes out in December 2024.
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