Walking Horse Trainers, Veterinarians React to Celebration Flap

According to Walking Horse trainers and veterinarians, the issues leading to the early closure of the National Celebration show were but another example of a lack of consistency in the interpretation of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).

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According to Walking Horse trainers and veterinarians, the issues leading to the early closure of the National Celebration show were but another example of a lack of consistency in the interpretation of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).


The HPA is designed to eliminate the practice of soring, which is the use of pain-inducing means to enhance the horse’s gait. The legislation was passed in 1970 and amended in 1976. To ensure compliance with the regulations, USDA-appointed officials inspect horses at shows.


At this year’s Celebration, inspectors granted 225 violations. The show was cancelled after disqualifications and protests leading up to the World Grand Championship class left only three horses ready to compete out of the eight entries expected for the class.


Many within the Walking Horse industry feel that the inspectors were overzealous in their scrutiny of horses. “They’ve interpreted (the HPA) several different ways in the last couple years,” says trainer Bill Bobo of Shelbyville, Tenn., who was one of the three approved and ready to ride for the World Grand Championship. “They tighten it down just a little more every year

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Written by:

Erin Ryder is a former news editor of The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care.

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