The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Randy Wimberly of Readyville, Tenn., have settled charges of Horse Protection Act violations.

“Horse soring is in no way considered a proper form of training. It is abuse,” 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.

Wimberly agreed to a $1,000 civil penalty and an 8-month disqualification starting Jan. 1, 2000, from showing, exhibiting, or entering any horse in any horse show or exhibition. He is also disqualified 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