Why is the big lick still allowed?

Soring has been a common and widespread practice in the Tennessee walking horse show industry for decades. Today, judges continue to reward the artificial “Big Lick” gait, thus encouraging participants to sore their horses and allowing the cruel practice to persist.

Is soring illegal?

A. In addition to being inhumane and unethical, soring is a violation of federal law. The Horse Protection Act of 1970 (HPA) made soring illegal, punishable by fines and imprisonment. The HPA makes it illegal for sored horses to participate in shows, sales, exhibitions or auctions.

What does a racking horse do?

The Racking Horse is a horse breed derived from the Tennessee Walking Horse, recognized by the USDA in 1971. It is known for a distinctive singlefoot gait. Its goal is to preserve the breed in a natural state with little or no artificial devices that enhance gait. …

What is keg shod racking?

A “keg shoe” is simply a machine-made horseshoe that is available in various sizes. A large number of, if not most, horses wear this type of shoe.

Is Tennessee Walking Horse illegal?

It is illegal in the U.S. under the Horse Protection Act of 1970. It is closely associated with a unique high-stepping action of the front legs called “big lick” movement in show ring Tennessee Walking Horses.

Where is the big lick banned?

Columbia, Tennessee is a jewel located in picturesque Middle Tennessee — a dynamic community presently enjoying economic prosperity. Unfortunately, Columbia is also “ground zero” in the fight to end the “Big Lick” Animal Cruelty to Tennessee Walking Horses.

What’s the difference between a walking horse and a Racking Horse?

The rack and running walk. The difference between these two gaits is simple: The racking horse has an average-to-short stride length, while the running walk horse has the conformational ability to reach deeply underneath himself with each hind foot. Note that when walking or running, we swing our arms for balance.

Is racking bad for a horse?

The rack is a lateral gait. Lateral gaits require a ventroflexed back. This is just equine biomechanics. This is not bad as long as the rider is smart enough to vary their gaits and allow the back muscles to work in more than one way.

What are keg shoes for horses?

Regular Shoe The regular ol’ horseshoe is what the vast majority of horses wear. When it is premade by machine, it’s often called a “keg” shoe. This shoe supports the normal hoof and protects it under regular riding circumstances. Most horses never need anything more than this.

What does flat shod mean?

The term flat shod means that the horse shoe is not stacked, weighted, unusually thick or otherwise designed to emphasize the gait any more than the horse does on his own without shoes on.

How to teach a horse to rack?

A pair of light chains on the front pasterns also work wonders in helping this type of horse learn to rack. Once the horse is racking, it’s a matter of encouraging that gait through positive re-enforcement and not pushing for speed until the rack is well developed.

Are speed Racking Horses broke to drive?

Most speed racking horses contain a lot of standardbred blood. If you choose a standardbred from racecourse it has been trained for racing and is definitely broke to drive. Those that have competed at least one season have been driven well over a thousand miles.

How to choose the right bit for a Standardbred Racking Horse?

Changing from the snaffle driving bit used during the first few rides to one with some leverage is especially helpful. Three bits commonly used on Standardbred racking horses are a Wonder Bit also known as a Gag bit, a Kimberwick, and a western training bit with 6 ½ ” shanks.

Should you put heavier shoes behind or behind your horse?

Horses that don’t pick up the rack when collected, but continue to trot often respond favorably to a heavier shoe behind. The same sense of balance can be achieved by going barefoot in front with regular shoes behind. The added weight helps the horse swing over into a more lateral gait.