Mr. Biggs is a casualty of the cruelty in the TWH show world.
Mr. Biggs arrived at S.T.A.R. Ranch Rescue in Waynesville, NC in June 2009. A beautiful bay Tennessee Walking Horse, Mr. Biggs was trained using cruel and barbaric methods, the result of which is that at the young age of 11 he is crippled and in constant pain.
When he could no longer perform and win prize money, the original owners gave him to a Mexican family. The family returned to Mexico leaving Mr. Biggs behind to starve. Neighbors noticed the abandonned horse and began feeding him. They realized he was 'lame' and contacted Creative Horse Connections, who called S.T.A.R. (Save the Animals Rescue). Karen Owens of S.T.A.R. reports, "A farrier was called at 9 PM that night for emergency help. The farrier pointed out the spots behind his front feet above the hooves where the 'soring' occured so Mr. Biggs would raise his feet to his chin...racking. His feet were so sore he could not stand still. He stands in odd positions trying to find comfort to rest. His right shoulder buckles sometimes causing him to stumble. His left shoulder muscle was sore to the touch...back left stifle shot, too late for surgery. He has small bumps above his hooves, indicating chains and/or weights or both. His body is basically destroyed by living on 'pads' on his front feet, throwing off his weight distribution, causing muscles to work unnaturally. Phenylbutazone helped ease his immedate pain, but he cannot remain on it for long term. He is now on another medication to see if we can keep him comfortable."
S.T.A.R. will seek a loving new home for life for Mr. Biggs once they have his pain under control. Karen says, "He can never be ridden again. He will be adopted only to someone with a flat pasture, shelter and other horses.
He deserves loving hands to continue his life long care. How he can walk so peacefully among us 'humans' and trust us at S.T.A.R. is humbling, and a true lesson in forgiveness."
What can we do to put a stop to these torturous practices? I sought advice from Juana Grover of STARS (Sound Trail and Rail Society).
Gen's Miss Ice shown by Madison Grover. TWHs are popular
horses for children and adults. They are gentle, willing,
loving horses who take good care of their riders.
Juana, tell us a little bit about the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. Experienced horseman sometimes state that the Walking Horse is the most loving, accepting and willing of all horses. They enjoy working with people of all ages. They are always willing to learn something new, and once taught, rarely forget. With their fantastic temperament and smooth, ground covering gaits, they are the perfect companion and pleasure horse for riders of all ages.
Why do people use cruel training methods to force them to exaggerate their natural gaits?
I cannot answer this without using a little history of the breed. The walking horse was in its heyday in the 40's when they were generally called Plantation Horses. They worked on the plantations and farms during the week, pulling plows and wagons. Their gait was so smooth and straight, the plantation owner could ride them up and down the planted furrows checking his crops. On Sundays they were hitched to the buggy to proudly drive the family to church. It was said that the Walking Horse was one of the Plantation or farm owners most prized possessions.
Competitions began to spring up for these horses, generally at local fairs. Usually the prize was something like a sack of flour. The popularity of the Plantation Horse grew and in the 40's they were becoming the mount of choice on bridle paths and trail rides across the country because of their smooth gait and wonderful disposition.
Soring of the walking horse is believed to have begun in the 1950s. Most horses carry 55% of their weight on their front legs with the back legs carrying about 45%. It was discovered, probably by accident, that if a horse's front legs were sored the weight carrying percentages were reversed, causing the horse to stride longer and to squat with the hind legs in an effort to carry more weight aft, attempting to relieve pain on the front legs. Action devices (boots, chains, etc.) were introduced to get more action in the front legs.
LEFT: 2005 Grand Champion Main Power wearing chains RIGHT: Barbara McCarthy of Camden, SC shows her
and padded shoes. Owned by Holland, King & Kilgore elegant, TWHs naturally gaited and unshod.
and trained by Joe Cotten. Photo credit:
Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration
At that time, the accepted treatment for a bowed tendon on a horse was to blister them with a chemical agent so the chemicals necessary to sore a walking horse were readily available. The addition of elevating pads between the shoe and actual hoof were introduced at this time, to get even more front end action. In the late 50s' and through the 60s' pads grew to 2 - 3 inches thick and the action devices could weigh as much as 40 ounces (2.5 lbs). At this time it was not unusual to see a walking horse bleeding around the pastern areas of the front legs while in the show ring. Most of the walking horses had terrible scars and calluses in these areas.
Padded shoes are so heavy they must be strapped on
with bands across the hoof. The horse never gets relief
from the unnatural strain and stress caused by thick pads.
The American Horse Protection Association and other humane associations got involved and were responsible for bringing public attention to the problem of soring in the Walking Horse Industry. Through publicity and political pressure, they were instrumental in getting Sen. Joseph Tydings to sponsor the Tydings Bill that became the Horse Protection Act (HPA) of 1970. This act made it a federal offense to show a Walking Horse that had been intentionally sored to alter its gait and enforcement was given to the USDA. Even though the HPA has been in existence since 1970 soring still exists today.
Are there other ways to train that don't require hurting and damaging horses?
Absolutely! They begin with imprinting of the foal immediately after birth followed by daily handling and care. There is no secret to it. You work with the horse consistently from day one, using positive methods to enforce the behavior and gait that you desire.
Tell us about your organization, STARS.
STARS (Sound Trail And Rail Society, Inc.) was founded April 4, 1998, by six dedicated walking horse owners for the purpose of promoting sound (not intentionally sored), humanely trained, flat shod gaited horses with an emphasis on the walking horse. Among the duties of STARS then and today are:
- To educate people and the public about gaited horses
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1960s-era fabric is printed with TWHs, flat shod but with set tails. - To educate members and the public about soring, and other abuses particular to gaited horses
- To keep members informed about happenings within the gaited horse community which affect the welfare of these horses
- To promote sound gaited horses in a fun and relaxing atmosphere by organizing, supporting and promoting sound horse shows, fun days, clinics, trail rides, and other events
- To provide the membership with information regarding the creed of particular horse shows, clinicians, trainers, farriers, publications, candidates running for office in other organizations, etc. All events requiring HIO affiliation are affiliated with the National Walking Horse Association.
Is there anything TWH owners, other equestrians and the general public do to discourage cruelty in TWH training?
First and foremost, TWH owners must realize that not all walking horses are talented enough for the show ring. Only the ones that possess natural talent should be trained for the show ring, such training to be done by consistent saddle time without the use of inhumane methods. If an owner puts a horse with a trainer they should specify in writing that they do not want inhumane techniques used in the training of their horse and they should visit their animal periodically to assure their wishes are being followed.
No horse abuse!
Other equestrians as well as the general public should support only those organizations which have a track record for protecting the walking horse. With the onset of the Internet it is now very easy to learn what is actually happening within the industry. All walking horse shows must utilize a Horse Industry Organization (HIO) certified by the USDA to check horses before competition. The USDA periodically appears, unexpectedly, at a horse show to make sure the HIO is carrying out the law. Often, when the USDA inspectors appear, horses are loaded on trailers and carried off the show grounds rather than have the horse inspected in the presence of the USDA Veterinary Medical Officer because of the likelihood of receiving a ticket for a violation of the HPA. When this happens the equestrian and the general public must realize that that particular HIO is suspect and they should not support that organization in any way. The caring equestrian and person should support groups such as the National Walking Horse Association, Inc. (NWHA), a 501 (C) 3 HIO founded in 1998 for the sole purpose of promoting sound humanely trained walking horses. NWHA has remained true to its mission statement and has a zero tolerance for sored or scarred (scars indicative of soring) walking horses in its show ring.
For the last two consecutive years the NWHA National Championship Horse show held in Murfreesboro, TN, has been the largest all flat shod walking horse show in the nation. This association is proving that the sound, humanely trained walking horse, talented enough for the show ring, still exists today. People who really care and want to help stop this horrific treatment of walking horses should join NWHA. Another group worthy of mentioning is FOSH (Friends of the Sound Horse) as their mission is similar to that of NWHA. In addition, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is working very hard to stop this treatment. The long and the short of it is to support the groups and shows who care for the horse with your money and your efforts. Do not support the others in any way. Contact your representatives in government asking that they support increased funding to the USDA to be used for the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act.
Read the follow-up article: Interview with Sue De Laurentis - rehabilitating an abused Tennessee Walking Horse
Please note: These videos are graphic and may disturb some viewers.
Horses Mutilated for Show - Cruelty Behind The Scenes
Video by Humane Society of the United States
Special News Investigation into Soring of Tennessee Walking Horses
See it Through My Eyes is a Girl Scout Gold Award Project
Magnolia Farms, Skywatch Eclipse VF at Celebration
More Information
- Spotlight on abusive horse training. Let's put an end to it now!
- S.T.A.R. Ranch Rescue
- STARS (Sound Trail and Rail Society)
- National Walking Horse Association
- Falconrath Gate Farm
- Enlightened Horsemanship
- FOSH (Friends of Sound Horses)
- Sound Horse Outreach
- HSUS
- USDA Horse Protection Act
- Wikipedia - Tennessee Walking Horse
- The Sadistic Treatment of Tennessee Walking Horses - US News & World Report
- Stop Soring
- Hoof Beats - Walking Horse Feet
- OK, Let's Talk About the TWH Industry
- Today's Mystery: Gaited Horses + Idiots = Magnetic Attraction
- Bribery allegations further taint controversial Tennessee Walking Horse Championship
- More photographs at Jack Schatzberg's site
- More photographs at Natasha Douglas' site
Comments
What a comprehensive article about a terrible "sport".
I find it odd that anyone would even call "mutilation" training.
I think that because of the abuse still involved responsible horse owners should abanodon this "sport".
Caring individuals should boycott it.
My suggestion? Leave the horses alone!
Thanks for letting folks know about this, Eve!
I did not realize such cruel techniques were used on show horses. Thanks for this informative article,
the pictuer of the horse you said was sored had to pass a inspection process to prove it was not sore and passed or they couldn't have shown.then the same horse was inspected post show and passed again.Saddlebred and hackney ponies also wear pads and action devices sometime two at the same time so why not bring their names through the mud!our horses are athletes plain and simple but unfortunantly that is always forgotten.the horses that show with the pads do because they want to thats why there is so many divisions such as all the pleasure classes.peopleshould know what they are talking about before articles such as this are written.I understand that Mr. Biggs is injured and I truley do feel bad for him but injuries happen in ALL breeds.Look how many thorough breds DIE or are injured on the track.our breed show ring life on pads far surpass any other breed.so for all you out there who jumps to conclusions get all the facts before casting stones.We may have a few bad trainers but not al
Just to be clear, what happened to Mr. Biggs is sad, but the article implies that all padded TWHs are sored. They are not.
The photograph of the black show horse with the blue ribbon was taken at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
All horses that show during The Celebration are inspected by both industry inspectors and USDA veterinary medical officers. All participating horses are inspected before entering the ring and, if they win a blue ribbon, after they exit the ring.
Calling a particular horse sore is a serious allegation. You may not like the way he is moving at the moment that the camera captured his movement, but he was not deemed sore by the USDA veterinarians on the scene.
the horse in the pic is sound he was inspected before and after he went in the ring. these horses are bred to do this. how come other breeds such as saddle bred, hackeny, arabs. they have pads and are sored and abused alot more than walking horses. the twh industry is 99% compliant. eve you should get your facts staright before you go posting a pic of a trainer and a popular breeding horse thats you say is sore
I have been to many many Saddlebred/Arab/Hackney shows all around the country. I have met many owners, trainers, and horses. Not one has every been sored or abused. Sure there are some bad owners that abuse these breeds. But the gait on the saddlebred is natural! And yes we use pads but do you ever see us using 4 INCH PADS!? I don't think so. And by the way, why is it that you only ever see reports and investigations on TWH shows and trainers and never on Saddlebreds/Arabs/Hackneys? YOU should get your facts.
I hope the author of this article, as well as the publisher, has good insurance. Showing pictures of USDA inspected/approved horses and placing a title on it that it is a sored horse, will get you a little more publicity that you bargained for I would imagine. This horse and rider are easily recognized and I hope their attorney has a hayday with you, and makes you understand that you can't just spout your lies and get away with it. Try checking into this sport before you write your articles in the future. This one is nothing but HSUS and FOSH recycled lies and propaganda to raise funds for their radical terrorist organizations.
sICK OF IGNORANCE AND NOT FACT ,HOW IS IT NO OTHER DISIPLINES ARE NOT LOOKED INTO?PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW FACTS AND TRUTH BEFORE PUBLISHING IGNORANCE IS UNCALLED FOR!!!!
WHY IS IGNORANCE STILL SO EVIDENT,THE HORSE PROTECTION ACT DOESN'T SPECIFY BREED. YOU SHOULD KNOW ALL THE FACTS BEFORE PUBLISHING LIES.FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS GREAT UNTIL UNTRUE ACCUSATIONS ARE PRINTED.THESE HORSES ARE BETTER CARED FOR THAN MOST PEOPLE ARE.TRUE FACTS WILL GO ALOT FURTHER
I agree with you 100% - there is horrific abuse of horses in ALL disciplines.
Today the story is about Mr. Biggs, a Tennessee Walking Horse and how he was damaged by greedy humans who cherished money more than a fine horse.
Let's plan to discuss other equine sports in the future.
Thank you for reading my article and taking the time to offer your perspective to this discussion.
The author is very misinformed about the Tennessee Walking Horse of today. The information presented is antiquated and certainly does not represent the Tennessee Walking Horse breed of today. The TWH breed is the most regulated and monitored breed in the showring.
Thank you for shedding light on the abuse that some in this breed have had to endure for years. Mr. Biggs story is not as common as it used to be but it still happens.
Hats off to the USDA, HSUS, FOSH and NWHA for staying the course to reduce and then eliminate the offenses against the HPA.
If trainers are so innocent (as some have commented), why do they still pull up stakes and leave shows when the USDA VMOs show up to check on the inspection processes.
Why is there such lobbying going on to prevent use of technology to detect sored horses? Sniffer and Thermography technology still strikes fear in the heart of many trainers. Why?
Again, thanks to the author for being brave enough to delve into this.
You creeps are priceless when it comes to denial. 99% still sore a horse in some way, so don't try to blame other breeds of doing the same. You suck new people into the breed and once they have a huge amount of money invested in show horses, then they find out the cruelty the horses live with every day and choose to turn their heads and pretend it isn't being done to their horses. Sure you take care of your horeses better than most people take care of their children and that is what is so sick about you abusers. STOP SORING YOUR HORSES!!!
you are clueless lumpkin. 99% dont sore horses 1% do. the reason trainers pack up at shows is the vmos dont know what there doing in the inspection tent. when the usda quit makin up there own rules as they go along and stick with the hpa as writin then trainers will stay. you can take the soundeds horse in the country up and i bet those unqualified vmos can make the horse move after ther 20 min inspection process. all hsus and fosh are doing is trying to get people to donate money to there fund that never gets to the horse that really need the money,. i hope the people whoown this horse and the photographer have a hay day with this.
This is a total charade. I am a padded performnce horse owner- own several actually including a couple of multi-World Grand Champions. My horses are better taken care of than my high maintenance self - pedicures, brushouts and primping daily. They never have to endure much of the weather conditions that have plagued Middle Tn for the past few years. These horses are actually cared for better than my husband's and my absolutely spoiled children and grandchildren(trust funds and all.) We would never ever allow any creature that we own to endure one moment of discomfort-period. Putting this aside I would also like to share the fact that we also keep a couple of pleasure walking horses at a respectable hunter/jumper boarding facility here in Williamson County and in my opinion the stalls I encountered on my search are not near as spacious or maintained near as my show walkers- no comparison. Let's spend our time worrying about abused children instead of bogus issues such as this.
assstables why are you defending those creeps? you don't even own a padded horse.
Spoiled Rotten and cared for is in denial like all owners that never get to see the trainers soring the horses. They just show up and ride the horse and take home the trophy. How your horse is treated when you are not looking gives you the right to claim they are well cared for and that is just BS. Try visiting your horse the night before a show and then come back and tell us he is comfortable.
i have 4 padded horses and 3 flat shod and one trail and 10 broodmares. i also started and sold shes on line who was 2007 am 2yr old racking world champion and res wgc. i have her on video the first time she ever had a chain on her and she always showed sound
This information is as old as I am it no where near describes the horse of today.Articles and people like this that are trying to ruin the Walking Horse Industry are costing charities millions of dollars not to mention the lost jobs.
One more thing Donna Benifield the Jackson lady and Benny Johson wish they were still that young.
The fact that these conditions no longer exist is why these old videos must be used. If you want to down grade a Tennessee Walking Horse at least get current video. The USDA offered a $10,000 reward to any one turning in a Trainer that sored a horse. They paid out no rewards because they could not find even one. So when reading and posting on here at least tell every one the facts as it is today and not what it was 30 years ago.
It is a shame that people must bring up history as it were still happening today. This was a bad time but just like slavery it ended so let it die and look at the future and what is happening now and let the past stay in the past.
Thanks for an informative article. The first time I saw a sore horse in the show ring I became sick to my stomach. The horse was at a regional youth show, was clearly lame,sweating profusely,panting, groaning, and stumbled every time it rounded a corner. After passing inspection and entering the warm up ring, I saw the 'adults' helping with the horse put a clear liquid on its pasterns add chains, and rub sand into its pasterns.The chains came off just before the horse entered the show ring. At the time I had no idea what I was watching. That was only a couple of years ago. That rider was rewarded with being in the top five in every class. And while it was the only horse being shown like that, even one is too many. So, yes, it is still going on. And while there may be padded horses that are not sored, a walking horse doing what it was bred to do in bare feet or regular shoes for protection is clearly an improvement. Thank you Eve for an informative article
F Lumpkins first you have shown the level of person you are by addressing people in this industry as creeps.
Your post gives you away as being a person who knows nothing but what he can read in an article and will take it for fact be it true or not.
Here is a fact for you. At one time people sored horses in several breeds. The HPA was written for all breeds but the Tennessee Walking Horse is the only breed that has very horse at a show, sale or exhibition checked. Now you want people to think you are so much better and smarter then explain why that is. There are several high stepping breeds, there are several breeds that were pads but it is only the Tennessee Walking Horses that enforces the HPA and it is only the Walking Horse some people want to bash. Why is that and don't give me the same old cop out about it is only the Tennessee Walking Horse that needs to be checked that has been proven a lie so many times I can't count them any more.
Just tell the facts and stop the lies.
Eve,You need to get out of the dark ages.Do you realize that every horse that competes at the Celebration goes thru the most extreme Government inspection in the horse world?You have unjustly accused every walking horse trainer in that video of soring horses.Your other videos are from the 70's.Good luck with finding a lawyer to defend your accusations,I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.Better get your facts straight.
Great article!
Despite the fact that there is cheating and abuse in all breeds that is no excuse for the ongoing soring in the TWH.
This practice has affected the entire breed-the breeding management, training (or lack thereof) and the image of a great horse.
Unfortunately, we are still in the Dark Ages ... Mr. Biggs showed up just a few weeks ago with evidence of recent soring.
Would you call 2006 'ancient history'? What happened at the Tennessee Walking Horse Championships? 5 of 8 horses entered in the Grand Finale did not pass inspection and the 3 that did pass mysteriously withdrew their horses from competition.
In case you would like to refresh your memory, I've posted a link to that article above: "Bribery allegations further taint controversial Tennessee Walking Horse Championship."
Thanks for the great article.
People need to be aware of what goes on in the walking horse industry, the good and the bad. Horses are being sored today and it needs to stop.
No mass media news organization reported that all but two of the horses ticketed at the 2006 Celebration were exonerated via a legal proceeding called "conflict resolution."
Are there still dinosaurs out there who sore? Yes. Do people still dope race horses and sport horses?
Yet, no one is calling Isabel Worth a "creep." Nor is anyone is painting a wide swath across anyone who does dressage.
Eve - if you want to cover this story and not just get vengeance for Mr. Biggs, dig deeper. Yes, the publicly available information about walking horse shows is damning.
But if you want to be a journalist, find out about conflict resolution. Find out that Vaseline (not Corona?) is allowed by the sniffer. Find out what happens when a horse gets bored during a 20-minute inspection by multiple VMOs and then twitches.
And then you'll get an idea why the exhibitors "cut&run" so they can face the USDA at the Celebration.
eve how come you changed the caption below main power and joe? did someones contact you. thats was probly a good move on your part.
It is rather easy to go out on the internet and find videos and things about any topic under the sun. Whether factual or not, but because you find it and someone said does it make it true? How accurate are those videos today? Think you can figure out how old they are by looking at Donna's hairdo!!! 70's early 80's?? Think that a journalist would know to do their homework before making broad statements such as this. Now everyone would have went along with this article if it had been said that those things went on in the past but those practices has changed, but listeing to the vidoes where they are referring to using 10oz chains well todays times those are illegal, 6oz chains are legal now so the information given at that time is outdated material now. DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST
First of all I believe you need to have permission to post that picture of Joe Cotton. This will be brought to his attention. Second: That picture was taken during the Celebration. All horses are examined by USDA and proven to be sound. Third: Ever hear of a thing called slander? If you are going to publish articles like this, it might be in your best interest to have all your facts straight first. I do not deny that some horses may still be getting sored, but your article implies that ALL padded horses are sored and this is not true. It is sad that Mr. Bigg has these problems but implying all ex padded horses are damaged is ludicrous and false. I have owned 2 ex padded horses and neither of them have a single problem and went on to be happy healthy keg shod pleasure horses. Next time you publish and article you may want to do your homework first.
Here is something to think about.... speed limit is set at 55mph and that gets broken daily... should cars be outlawed?? Because driving a car to fast is usually the cause of mose accidents which could result in a death to someone... so I say lets get rid of the automobiles since we can't get 100% of drivers to not break the speed limit!!!!! ALL IN FAVOR SAY I.... My beat is that all of the people that has the mind set of the author of this article would be DEAD SET AGAINST THAT... because then they might have to walk... or even yet RIDE A HORSE!!!! Hey think if we outlawed automobiles about how much we would be helping to o-zone and how much gas and oil we could save... more you think about that the better it sounds with all of the benefits it would have...
Why not do complete research on the topic and show the other side of the spectrum. There are hundreds of retired show horses who have been on "pads" who have become excellent trail, versatility, and true best friend horses. I had a retired padded show horse who lived to be a healthy and viberant 28, and was ridden until he was 25 (padded until he was 15). I've owned many ex-show horses (previously padded) that I have competed with in various other activities after their retirement such as barrel racing, endurance rides, and dressage. Mr Biggs situation is unfortunate, but is not the standard. Our breed as a whole competes until a much later age than many other breeds. If you're going to write an informative article and present it as fact, do so from an unbiased standpoint. Otherwise, you discredit an entire article.
This article is about Mr. Biggs. There is only one side to this story - Mr. Biggs' side.
While the Special News Investigation videos may be a few years old, they provide an honest overview of the cruel aspect of the high stakes TWH show world. Whether the chains now weigh 6 oz as opposed to 10 oz makes little difference. Their purpose and application is the same.
The article highlights humane TWH trainers and competitors represented by Juana Grover, adorable little Madison Grover and beautiful Barbara McCarthy.
Thanks to all who took the time to read the article and express their opinion.
Lumpkin, FYI I do visit my horses almost on a daily basis- I examine their feet daily and I maintain a legal document with my trainers- signed sealed and delivered on a yearly basis-"NO SORING" I am absolutely satisfied and know beyond any doubt that my horses have never been will and will never be sored. My show horses feet are pristine compared to ANY horse in ANY pasture. You need an education about the TWH industry of today. No other breed compares on the care and welfare of the animal. I am totally insulted by your rude assumptions of my intelligence. I have my horses cared for all the same blue ribbons or no blue ribbons!
Wow! The horsey people seem to have a lot of time on their hands.
Is it my imagination or are some of them a bit defensive?
I love the photo of Barbara McCarthy and her natural horse.
Sorry, but Joe Cotten and his horse look like unnatural freaks. The TWH people can't see that?
Threats to call lawyers and to tell your moms?
Is your brother coming to beat anybody up?
Take a deep breathe. Stroke your horses mane.
Photo's such as these are public domain and proper credit was given.
greta there not when theres a copyright on the photo. i tell you what go to photosbynat and copy and post some of those photos and see what happens. i guess you didnt read the caption under the pic before it was changed. by the way thats not the current owners of main power. holland,king, and kilgore owned him then but not now
ok then i think its inhumane to show a horse barefooted. stone bruise, road founder, cracked bars. thats a good way to lame a horse. i dont think mr.biggs problems came from being sored sounds to me like hes foundered. i think you tree huggers need to do some research before you start making remarks of todays horse. also that footage is 30 yrs. this is not 1979 its 2009.
I have owned TWHs for years and no horse is better taken care of. This article is a lie from beginning to end. Sure, there are a few bad trainers ut we want them out more than anyone. As far as HSUS check out their website about finances-over 110 MILLION dollars in donations-about 6 million to help animals. The rest is for saleries and advertisments to get more donations. This is on their site-no fiction, just their facts. Bet some of you go to church or send your kids to school although there have been some very bad pastors and teachers. I guess your children are not as important to you as our horses are to us. We check our trainers, send vets to check our horses and take very good care of them. But please, do not let common sense or the truth interfere with what you believe. Come down, coime to the barns, I will even let you ride my horses/then make up your own mind. Next this author will be talking about alien babies and Elvis being alive. Just as much truth to that.
these show horses were presented for inspection to both industry and usda inspectors prior to showing. you are implying that these individuals are either stupid or incompetent. owners/photographers/show officials may have an infringment case. hsus has no budget for animal welfare-its all about big salaries for the top brass.
Do the horse people think Capital letters are copywritten? Is that why they don't use them?
Lovers Mama - Do I have this right? You love your horses and they are very well taken care of and any stranger from the internet is welcome to come and ride them to see for themselves?
Jeez, I am so protective I wouldn't even let Elvis hold my alien babies.
Instead of griping and getting all bent outta shape over soring, (no I do NOT approve, it is VERY painful to the horses, inhumane, and self-centered of the owners who do it), we need to see a bigger picture. America is losing its most important piece of history! The American Mustang! Wanna story that will shock the socks off every horse lover in the world? Research what is happening to our horses when we sell them, or send them to places we don't completely check out. Research where the horses and burros that don't get adopted are sent, and see the despicable and inhumane way they are treated! THAT will make you sick! Yes we need to have a voice for the horses that don't have a chance, but lets not compete over every miniscule thing when there is more to the story, and a bigger picture in the puzzle.
Horses are not abused like that at all on present day terms.. WHy don't you get more recent videos instead of the 90's 0r lower? Most walking horses are treated better then humans are. The shoes on there feet are like tennis shoes for humans. It absorbs the shock from the ground. Tennessee Walking horses are not abused or mistreated under any means... plus mr. biggs could have got lame and foundered cause of something else.. most walking horses don't founder cause of the big shoe..
Why did you take it upon yourself to use Magnolia Farms' video on your web blog? Did you receive permission to use this video from the owners? What are you trying to prove? The photo credit was not given of the photo of WGC Main Power and Joe Cotten until yesterday after someone complained. Also, why would The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration staff give you permission to use this photo on your web blog?
The Internet is a sharing environment. Many organizations, businesses and individuals offer their images and videos freely. This is known as "viral" marketing or promotion.
Magnolia Farms courteously provides the embed code of their videos for anyone to use.
As far as TWHNC, there is no copyright notice on their page, and they themselves do not give credit to photographers.
Any organization with a web presence who doesn't want to share their images must take efforts to protect their images, either by putting a statement on their page, right-click protecting or watermarking their images.
Your colleagues at Magnolia Farms and TWHNC are proud of their photos and videos. If the TWH show world is as squeaky clean and wholesome as many of you claim, why then do you seem ashamed to see your videos and pictures on my article?
Consider it my gift to you - free advertising!
it would be OK if you would say that these horses have been through DQP and USDA inspection and passed. instead all you talking about is there all sore
Can the TWH owners and trainers explain the cruelty free training, that you claim, that occurs with these animals for leg action?
Good question Aileen!
If the horses are not sored, why are they wearing chains in the show ring? I do not believe there is any way possible to achieve the unnatural and grotesque action seen in the photo of Main Power or the Magnolia Farms video without the use of pain and cruelty.
I don't care how much the TWH abusers deny it or threaten to sue me ... what you're doing to these animals is a perverse insult to horses, to humans, and to God.
Sorry, I misworded the question :-) It should read "Can the TWH owners and trainers explain the cruelty free training, that they are claiming occurs with these animals for leg action?"
Your information is old and inaccurate. The straps on the hooves are not to hold the "heavy" pads on. They are there to protect the hoof from breaking, should the hind leg strike the front leg by accident. The pads are not heavy. They are neoprene - like sneakers. The horse may have been mistreated by WH trainer, but how can yo ube sure it wasn't mistreated by the family who owned it afterwards. THEY're the ones who left it to starve. It's very easy to jump on this anti-cruelty bandwagon, but for pete's sake get accurate info. This mistreatment is no longer going on, and even when it was, it wasn't industry wide. Look into what Quarter Horse trainers, and Saddle bred trainers, Arab trainers and Hunter Jumper trainers etc. do back in the barn, behind the scenes, before you start accusing TWH trainers of being the only cruel trainers in the horse world.
Laurie, you are absolutely correct that horse abuse exists in other breeds, primarily TB and QH racing but also any gaited breeds such as the American Saddlebred and the Paso Fino, as well as in disciplines such as dressage, jumping and eventing.
However, this article is about Mr. Biggs, a Tennessee Walking Horse, which is why TWH abuse is the focus.
Eve
I am revisiting this after some time has passed, as I still get the occasional angry THW lover at my blog. The rants are always interesting but almost always nonsensical. I am both amused and saddened at the same time by the outraged denial and the language used to accomplish it. Such irrational and irate responses do the TWH folks no good.
I sincerely hope your piece did some good for the cause and I am so pleased to see the words of Barbara McCarthy and the photo of her natural horse.
That's what horses should be: natural. For mankind to bend them to his desire for a certain way of going or a certain fashionable look is simply abuse.
Thank you for writing this piece.
Kim Cox Carneal
enlightenedhorsemanship.net
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