New Walking Horse Bill Expands Blackburn Legislation

The legislation, which expands on similar legislation introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year, would aim to stop soring while preserving what the bill calls the “traditional” Tennessee Walking Horse industry.
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Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) has introduced federal legislation that would crack down on soring while preserving what the bill calls the "traditional" Tennessee Walking Horse industry. The bill expands on similar legislation introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year.

Last year, U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) introduced HR 1518, the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act, which would increase penalties for anyone who sores a horse, and would require the USDA to assign a licensed inspector if Tennessee Walking Horse show management indicates its intent to hire one. The bill would also forbid trainers from using action devices, including metal chains, and stacks and pads used in performance packages. That bill is pending, while a twin bill is pending in the Senate.

In February, U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced HR 4098, the Horse Protection Amendments Act of 2014. Blackburn's bill would create one horse industry organization (HIO) to manage horse shows where Tennessee Walkers would be exhibited. Under HR 4098, that HIO would be composed of equine veterinarians and industry experts who would develop and implement protocols, guidelines, testing policies, and inspection policies for the industry. Under the legislation, these industry experts would be drawn from states most impacted by the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.

The bill also requires that testing used during horse inspections be done “though objective, science-based methods and protocols,” and preserves the oversight structure between the Walking Horse industry and the USDA. The bill does not ban the use of metal chains or performance packages. That bill remains pending in the House's Energy and Commerce Committee

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Written by:

Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who enjoys covering equine welfare, industry, and news. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sonny.

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