NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Walking Horse Trainers' Association has announced a new initiative to detect soring with a two-week suspension for violations.
Under the initiative, testing will be done by independent veterinarians and/or veterinarian technicians. It takes effect immediately.
Soring is pouring caustic chemicals on the hooves and lower legs of horses to induce the high leg kick that wins prizes in competitions. Last month, the Humane Society of the United States released a video showing a trainer abusing and soring horses. Trainer Jackie McConnell of Collierville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to violating the Horse Protection Act. He awaits sentencing.
The trainers group said the horses will be tested for caustic and masking agents through special technology. Trainers refusing to submit to the testing will not be allowed to compete in that show.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
