The HSUS

Act now to protect horses!

URGENT: The PAST Act was approved by a bipartisan vote of 304-111 in the U.S. House of Representatives! Please help us get this crucial bill over the finish line by reaching out to YOUR two Senators to urge them to support the PAST Act!

The lives of many Tennessee walking horses are filled with fear and pain. Unscrupulous trainers intentionally inflict pain on a horse's legs and hooves to force the horse to perform an exaggerated, high-stepping gait known as the "Big Lick" that is rewarded in some show rings. They use a variety of gruesome techniques, including the use of caustic chemicals that burn the horse's flesh, chains and heavy, stacked horseshoes to accomplish this artificial gait.

Some trainers even cut the hooves down to the delicate tissue and jam in hard or sharp objects to make the pain even more excruciating whenever the horse puts weight on his or her front legs.

No horse should be made to suffer for a blue ribbon—it is time that this cruelty, which is known as "soring," is stopped for good. The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 5441/S. 2295) would amend the Horse Protection Act to end the failed system of industry self-policing, ban the use of devices integral to soring, strengthen penalties and make other reforms necessary to finally end this torture.

TAKE ACTION

Please make a brief, polite phone call now to your two U.S. Senators to put an end to soring. Look up your Legislators’ phone numbers. You can say, “As your constituent, I urge you to cosponsor and do all you can to enact the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, introduced by Senators Crapo and Warner, to end the cruel treatment of show horses.

Calling is so important; please do not skip this crucial step. After making your call, please use the form below to send a follow-up message. Be sure to edit your message so it stands out.

This action alert is for U.S. residents. International advocates, please visit Humane Society International.

Your Message

Subject*

Dear Senator,

As a constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act if you haven't yet done so, and do all you can to get this vital legislation enacted quickly, to end the cruel “soring” of Tennessee walking horses and related breeds. The PAST Act was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Crapo and Warner (S. 2295) and by Reps. Cohen and Fitzpatrick (H.R. 5441) in the House. On November 14th, the House approved it by a bipartisan vote of 304-111.

No horse should be made to suffer for a blue ribbon. Soring involves the intentional infliction of pain on a horse’s legs and hooves to force the horse to perform an exaggerated, high-stepping gait known as the “Big Lick” that is rewarded in some show rings. Unscrupulous trainers use caustic chemicals that burn the horse’s flesh, chains, and heavy, stacked horseshoes to cheat and win prizes. They cut the hooves down to the delicate tissue and jam in hard or sharp objects to make the pain even more excruciating whenever the horse puts weight on his or her front legs. They use electric shock and other gruesome methods to teach the horse not to flinch during inspection.

The PAST Act would amend the Horse Protection Act of 1970 to end the failed system of industry self-policing, ban the use of devices integral to soring, strengthen penalties and make other reforms necessary to finally end this torture.

Please personalize your message*

{user_data~First name} {user_data~Last name}
{user_data~Street address}
{user_data~City}, {user_data~State} {user_data~Zip code}

Signed,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Your Information

Title?

First name

Last name

Email address

Street address

Apartment, suite or other

City

State

Zip code

Phone number?

(Optional) By checking this box, you agree to receive autodialed, recurring text messages from the HSUS with updates and ways you can help animals. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. Privacy Policy. Terms & Conditions.

Send me email updates and quick actions I can take to help protect all animals.

By submitting this form, I confirm that I would like to receive occasional email updates and action alerts for animals.