Univ of Tennessee to show only sound horses at homecoming

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES PRESS RELEASE

Tennessee Walking horse watches worriedly from his stall during horse soring inspections following an undercover operation by HSUS that exposed some of the gross cruelties inflicted on them to accomplish the ‘Big Lick’. Photo: HSUS.

The HSUS Applauds University of Tennessee for Showcasing Only Sound Horses at Annual Homecoming Game

The University has chosen a flat shod Tennessee walking horse to take the spotlight off of the mistreated “Big Lick” horse

The Humane Society of the United States commends the University of Tennessee for choosing to allow only sound horses to participate at this year’s annual homecoming game. In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act, which funds the protection of natural habitat, the University has partnered with the state of Tennessee 4-H organization to celebrate the Tennessee walking horse. Although a Tennessee walking horse demonstration is one of Tennessee’s homecoming traditions, this year the University has decided to showcase a sound, flat shod horse in lieu of their customary “Big Lick” demonstration – following exposes and law enforcement actions against the cruel practice of soring these competitive horses.

“The Humane Society of the United States applauds the University of Tennessee for choosing compassion over tradition by showcasing only sound horses at this year’s homecoming game,” said Keith Dane, director of equine protection for The HSUS. “This sends a clear message that the University will not promote or support the abusive practice of soring, which has long been associated with the unnatural, exaggerated high-stepping gait.”

While the “Big Lick” gait of the Tennessee walking horse has entertained equestrians in the South, it comes at an unacceptable price in animal abuse. This spring, The Humane Society of the United States released undercover video footage revealing the cruel treatment of horses in the Tennessee walking horse industry. The subject of the investigation, nationally known trainer Jackie McConnell, and three accomplices, was filmed abusing horses by using painful chemicals on the horses’ front legs to force them to perform an artificially high-stepping gait for show competitions. This cruel practice, known as “soring,” has been illegal for more than 40 years under the federal Horse Protection Act.

Attendees of this year’s University of Tennessee homecoming game will have the pleasure of viewing the natural grace and beauty of the Tennessee walking horse. Once again The HSUS applauds the University for promoting and celebrating the natural athletic ability and beauty of the horse that bears the state’s name.

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Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2012/11/univ_tenn_homecoming_110212.html