Soring

Soring methods include applying diesel fuel and kerosene to burn the skin of horses’ legs, grinding down hooves to expose sensitive tissues, and applying sharp or abrasive objects to tender areas. Horses are forced to wear heavy shoes, tall stacks under their hooves, and chains around their legs that strike against the irritated skin.

When the Horse Protection Act (HPA) was enacted in 1970, it was intended to shield horses from the barbaric practices associated with soring. For over 50 years, however, soring has persisted because of glaring problems with oversight and enforcement of the law. Many of these practices persist largely because the US Department of Agriculture outsources much of its responsibility for HPA enforcement to the very groups that put on shows and competitions—a self-policing scheme that has proven woefully ineffective. For the small number of events to which the USDA does send its own inspectors, the difference is stark. In a USDA review of 2021 data, for example, industry inspectors recorded a 99 percent compliance rate, while USDA inspectors noted a 69 percent compliance rate—in other words, while USDA inspectors found violations in more than 3 out of 10 cases, industry inspectors uncovered next to none. 

AWI has persistently advocated necessary upgrades to the HPA to protect walking horses against such heinous abuse. We have rallied support in Congress for the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, a bill that would end the failed industry self-policing scheme, ban the use of devices closely associated with soring, and increase penalties for violators. 

A win for equine welfare was achieved in May 2024 when the USDA finalized long-awaited HPA regulations. However, the regulations have faced numerous challenges from the Tennessee walking horse industry. Originally slated to come into effect February 1, 2025, the USDA has postponed the effective date until December 31, 2026. In addition, a federal lawsuit filed by the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Association and two horse show owners succeeded in challenging much of the new rule. Despite the setbacks, the improved regulations will eliminate the ineffectual industry self-policing scheme, replacing it with a program of trained and impartial inspectors with veterinary and animal control experience. As the changes are implemented, AWI will continue to work to curb horse soring and advance meaningful reforms.