Tennessee Walking Horses To Demonstrate In 2010 Games

The World Equestrian Games Foundation has decided to allow Tennessee walking horses to join in demonstrations at the 2010 World Games.  I applaud their decision.  The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association (TWHBEA) is working to rehabilitate the image of their breed.  Exhibitors of the breed have been the target of much criticism because of the inhumane training practices of a few that involved soring.  Soring involves deliberately injuring a walking horse’s front legs to achieve an exaggerated gait for competition.  There are two acceptable methods for training Tennessee Walking horses.  One is the use of light chains placed around the front pasterns of the horse and the second is the use of pads added to the front shoes of the horse. 

As someone with close ties to folks who raise and exhibit Tennessee Walking horses, I can tell you the great majority of breeders and exhibitors care as much for their horses as any other breeders and exhibitors.  Once again, I applaud the WEG Foundation’s decision to help the breeders of Tennessee Walking horses exhibit the beauty and gracefulness of their breed.