Soring is the deliberate infliction of pain on horses—typically Tennessee Walking Horses and other gaited breeds—to force them to perform an exaggerated, unnatural gait known as the “Big Lick.” This is done through methods like chemical burns, chains, and stacked shoes. It causes severe pain and long-term damage. This is not tradition. It is abuse.

The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act is federal legislation that would ban the use of soring devices and techniques, close loopholes in the existing Horse Protection Act, and strengthen penalties for violators. It would also shift enforcement to independent, licensed professionals to eliminate the conflict of interest in industry self-policing.

Even though soring has technically been illegal for decades, it still happens. Weak enforcement and lack of oversight have allowed this cruelty to continue in the show world. The PAST Act is a long-overdue solution that would finally give the law real strength.

At the Hooved Animal Humane Society, we believe education leads to change. We encourage you to learn the facts about soring and what the PAST Act will actually do. Awareness is a powerful tool—when people understand the truth, they’re more likely to take action.

We urge you to contact your legislators and ask them to support the PAST Act. Share what you’ve learned with your community and speak out against cruelty in all forms. Horses should never suffer for human entertainment. By supporting this bill, you are standing up for humane treatment, responsible horsemanship, and a better future for America’s horses.