The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Bobbie Jo Garrison, a horse owner in Crossville, Tenn., have settled charges of Horse Protection Act (HPA) violations.

“Soring is a cruel and abusive practice; it is not an acceptable method of training,” said W. Ron DeHaven, deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA’s marketing and regulatory programs mission area. “But, some horse owners and trainers will do whatever it takes to win a show, even if it’s illegal.”

Under the agreement, Garrison is neither innocent nor guilty of violating the HPA. She has, however, agreed to a one-year disqualification from showing, exhibiting, or entering any horse in any horse show or exhibition. She is also disqualified for one year from judging, managing, or otherwise participating in any horse show or horse exhibition.

The HPA discourages the cruel and inhumane practice of soring by prohibiting sored horses from participating in exhibitions, sales, shows, and auctions. Soring refers to pain-provoking practices used to accentuate a horse’s gait. The HPA covers all breeds of horses