Pretty goes only so far. I too will take a good temperament any day. But cant find his stall at feed time ? Thats a high score on the doofus meter !
Hurleycane - as the number of BL owners and trainers dwindles they may turn to owning and training flatshod. They will bring their “knowledge” to a new discipline. I hope the new amendment will head them off at the pass and we do not have to go through this again in a few years.
Yes. And they already are doing and have been doing this.
The article was good.
Love the description of Shannon’s good boy. Warmed my heart as I am sure it does hers. Sounds like quite a character.
Yeah, Buddy’s a character 
He’s one of those “dangerous” Big Lick horses they talk about… can’t you see the vicious in him??? (and yes, his head really is that big LOL)
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/3004_85094157532_8089792_n.jpg
I recently got him back after having given him away a few years ago. We had a contract for him to come back to me if the new gal decided she didn’t want him but the new gal traded him instead. Turns out she traded him to an old friend of mine and I saw him on old friend’s FB page. Found out he’d been traded for a TB mare, old friend didn’t know about the agreement I’d had for him to come back. Old friend and I decided he was fine where he was, so he stayed with her, then bad divorce happened and ex-husband was threatening the horses so Buddy came back to me in October.
He won’t leave again unless it is a free lease to a close friend of mine who loves him, or a possible lending to the KHP is sorta being talked about.
I know I’ve shared before, but here are the pics of Buddy’s hoof rehab. When I purchased him in 2006, he’s been pulled off the stacks and his hooves had no rehabilitative trimming to bring them back from normal. He sat in a field for several months like this. What his hooves are shaped like in the first seven photos is pretty standard (with some additional growth showing from the lack of care) of what a Big Lick horse’s hooves look like when not on the stacks. There is extreme long toe/low heel encouraged in order to fit on the pads.
http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n174/spookhorse01/Buddys%20Hooves/
The last seven photos are Buddy’s hooves after 5 months of 3 week interval rehabilitative trimming.
I’ve also mentioned before, but I know it tends to get lost in the shuffle of many posts- there is no upper weight limit on the stacks, except on yearlings. Instead they use measurements on how big the pads can be based upon hoof length, so can you see why they grow the hoof out so far and cut the heels back?
(From WHOA Rulebook)
-
Heel/Toe Measurement. Toe length must exceed the height of the heel by one inch or more. The length of the toe shall be measured from the coronet band (where hard and soft material meet), at the center of the front pastern along the front of the hoof wall to the ground. The heel shall be measured from the coronet band, at the most lateral portion of the rear pastern, at a 90 degree angle to the ground, not including normal caulks at the rear of the horseshoe that do not exceed ¾ inch in length. That portion of caulk at the rear of horseshoe in excess of ¾ inch shall be added to the height of the heel in determining the heel-to-toe ratio.
-
Pads. Pads shall be ½ inch minimum and made of leather, plastic or a similar pliant material.
-
Pad Measurement. The amount of pad, or artificial extension, permitted on any horse two (2) years of age or older will be determined by the natural hoof length. The amount of artificial extension, whether accomplished with pads, acrylics or any other material or combination thereof, must not exceed 50 percent of the natural hoof length. The natural hoof length is measured from the coronet band at the center of the front pastern along the front of the hoof wall, to the distal portion of the hoof wall at the tip of the toe. The thickness of the pad, or artificial extension, shall be measured from the distal portion of the hoof wall at the tip of the toe at a 90 degree angle to the proximal (foot/hoof) surface of the shoe.
[QUOTE=spookhorse;6803688]
Yeah, Buddy’s a character He’s one of those “dangerous” Big Lick horses they talk about… can’t you see the vicious in him??? (and yes, his head really is that big LOL)
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/3004_85094157532_8089792_n.jpg
…
I’ve also mentioned before, but I know it tends to get lost in the shuffle of many posts- there is no upper weight limit on the stacks, except on yearlings. Instead they use measurements on how big the pads can be based upon hoof length, so can you see why they grow the hoof out so far and cut the heels back?
(From WHOA Rulebook)
-
Heel/Toe Measurement. Toe length must exceed the height of the heel by one inch or more. The length of the toe shall be measured from the coronet band (where hard and soft material meet), at the center of the front pastern along the front of the hoof wall to the ground. The heel shall be measured from the coronet band, at the most lateral portion of the rear pastern, at a 90 degree angle to the ground, not including normal caulks at the rear of the horseshoe that do not exceed ¾ inch in length. That portion of caulk at the rear of horseshoe in excess of ¾ inch shall be added to the height of the heel in determining the heel-to-toe ratio.
-
Pads. Pads shall be ½ inch minimum and made of leather, plastic or a similar pliant material.
-
Pad Measurement. The amount of pad, or artificial extension, permitted on any horse two (2) years of age or older will be determined by the natural hoof length. The amount of artificial extension, whether accomplished with pads, acrylics or any other material or combination thereof, must not exceed 50 percent of the natural hoof length. The natural hoof length is measured from the coronet band at the center of the front pastern along the front of the hoof wall, to the distal portion of the hoof wall at the tip of the toe. The thickness of the pad, or artificial extension, shall be measured from the distal portion of the hoof wall at the tip of the toe at a 90 degree angle to the proximal (foot/hoof) surface of the shoe.[/QUOTE]
He is all that you said and more… I mean I thought my horse had a big head (unregistered) - Buddy’s head is honking big and handsome. Seems to me the only thing dangerous about him is the people who came up with the shoeing protocol.
God, it sucks for the horses. I am sure the protocol IS compliant with HPA. Sad sad sad. I sure hope folks are paying attention to all that you posted and consider it in context of what HR6388 sets out to accomplish. I mean think about it - this federally blessed protocol is a BIG issue and an abuse. If HR6388 adopts USEF oversight on TWH show rules, I am sure such extreme shoeing allowances will be history.
Your Buddy and all the Buddys out there deserve better.
It should not be legal husbandry to do such a thing - and yet it is.
Poor boy. His hooves in the first pics are awful. Guess those “farriers” dont have breakover in their vocabulary. Glad you were able to help him get a good foot back under him.
Any place we can look at the results of the auction?
I looked and could find anything on what the horses sold for.
Anyway to find out how many twh were registered last year?
Are they numbers up or down or the same for registrations?
TWH specifically that is.
Here is Friday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WYK5H4yv90&feature=youtu.be
Here is Saturday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nquW46caja0&feature=youtu.be
Does anyone have TWHBEA registration numbers ?
[QUOTE=WalkInTheWoods;6804743]
Here is Friday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WYK5H4yv90&feature=youtu.be
Here is Saturday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nquW46caja0&feature=youtu.be
Does anyone have TWHBEA registration numbers ?[/QUOTE]
Thank you! I was just getting ready to post 
Numbers look about like I’ve seen in past years shrugs A nice, square going horse still brings money and the pacey horses go cheap.
And I’ll tell you why the padded horses didn’t show up- nothing to do with the weather, more like the padded trainers knew they’d be under more scrutiny than ever before!
Walking Horse Club of KY also has some video of the sales horses here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5-1ES7_XWA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aEq1ues2PaU#!
Here is the list of the results from the KY Walking Horse Club videos. I can look up numbers and names if anyone wants me to–I have access to an IPEDs account.
NS = no sale; no info = he had nothing written down for that horse.
Friday, January 25, 2013 http://youtu.be/7WYK5H4yv90
501 Black Hills Blend 21101680 4/20/2011 S Black $950
502 Step on Over 980743 3/13/1998 M Chestnut $300
503 Conn’s Candyman 6034103 8/24/2003 G Grey $650
504 Pedro Martinez G Chocolate no info
505 Usain Bolt 21002690 5/11/2010 G Black $250
506 Dude’s in Command 30610188 10/2/2006 G Sorrel $650
507 Steel Gray Pride BJ 20802883 5/8/2008 S Perlino $600
508 My Special Dream 20902862 5/17/2009 M Bay $1450
509 Sundust’s Generator 19907641 7/6/1999 M Chestnut $400 NS
510 The Wicked Princess 211012267 6/14/2011 M Sorrel $500
511 A Flashy Babe 20009728 5/16/2000 M Black Tobiano $250
512 Ritzie Maxie 20407265 10/1/2004 M Black SIF to Johnny Majors $550
513 Ben Cartwright 20434122 4/14/2005 G Buckskin no info
514 JFK Wants Cash 20610538 4/25/2006 S Sorrel no info
515 Maverick Mack G Black Roan $1200
516 Rock’s Free Spirit 20010494 10/18/2000 G Black Tobiano no info
517 Speck’s Lookalike 7/12/2005 G Strawberry Roan $1350
518 No listing information
519 I’m a Pusher by Chance 20403806 4/9/2004 G Palomino $550
520 Sir Winston 6/1/2008 G Black Tobiano $550 NS
521 Dream Catcher Command 20506167 5/13/2005 G Black $2500 NS
522 Dr. Blue 212001468 5/25/2012 S Black $1050
523 Firestone’s Firehawk 20205888 5/2/2002 M Chestnut no info
524 Pusher’s Special Moment 20707604 10/29/2007 M Black $750 NS
525 Sleet of Gipsy’s Story 20902025 4/11/2009 M Buckskin $400 NS
526 Halle Berry 20310594 4/23/2003 M Chestnut $1450
527 Special Maxie 20800008 1/26/2008 M Black no info
528 Banjo 3/12/2006 G Black Tobiano $1000
529 Win’s Melody 21101533 5/1/2011 M Black Roan $750 NS
531 No listing information papers pending $250
532 Crimson Sky 20014360 10/15/2000 M Sorrel $1250 NS
533 I’m Just Buck 5/1/2011 G Gold Buckskin $1200 NS
534 A Flashfire 20506648 5/15/2005 S Bay Roan $1150
535 Bucky Star 20700862 2/10/2007 M Buckskin $550 NS
536 Power Girl M Gray Roan $450
537 Bold Gray Sky 20804158 5/27/2008 S Black Gray $1300
538 A Lucky Return 20611103 4/18/2006 G Grey/White $450
539 McDougal’s Generator R 10800766 4/8/2008 M Sorrel Tobiano Reg SSHBEA $450
540 Master of Fashion 20900517 5/27/2009 G Chestnut $1400 NS
541 Lightning’s Summer Love 20703647 5/17/2007 M Black $1200 NS
542 Tickle Me Elmo G Black Tobiano $250
543 Wind Drifter’s Temptatio 4/21/2010 G Cream Champagne no info
544 Chromalox ‘05 200903050 10/1/2005 G Palomino $400
545 Showboy 4/12/2005 G “Painted” $700
546 Threat’s Rockin Lady 20801967 3/15/2008 M Sorrel Tobiano $1400
547 An Heir to the Throne 21002148 5/4/2010 M Black no info
548 Miss Rock Hard 9812571 6/6/1998 M Black $600
549 River Runner 4/28/2011 S Palomino Tobiano $1300
550-551 Pony gelding Chestnut $350
552 Maker’s Sunday Shaker 930453 4/15/1993 M Bay $200
553 Belle of Jose 20700188 4/16/2007 M Black no info
554 Hank’s Grand Slam 21103388 10/13/2011 S Sorrel $1500 NS
555 Lined Up to Win 21103388 10/13/2011 S Sorrel $1000
556 Lil John John 20807339 3/5/2008 G Black $2700
By Thunder Grey, grandson of Pride’s Generator, trail horse
557 A Touch of Skywatch 20203029 4/23/2002 M Black $3100
By The Skywatch, former show horse, Dam of WGC Skyanide & Juan Pablo, in foal to
Linked With Cash
558 An Illustrated Delight 20905041 10/27/2009 M Smoky Black $350 NS
559 A Go Go Girl 988201 10/2/1998 M Chestnut by JFK no info
560 My Favorite Diamond 21001076 5/22/2010 S Classic Champagne $1250
561 Jazz Dude 21001983 5/1/2010 G Roan $2300 NS
562 He’s Hawkeye 20315306 4/1/2003 G Black no info
563 N/A
564 JFK By Gosh 20904965 10/7/2009 G Chestnut $1000
565 Outlaw’s Lucky Patty 20503038 3/17/2005 M Sorrel Tobiano $400
566 Tripper Lo 21101681 4/22/2011 S Palomino $3000
Trail horse
567 Tony 5/20/2003 G Chocolate kid’s pony $900
568-569 Can’t read on the video $1600 NS $1800 sold
570 Ducky G $700
571 Pusher’s Dixie Girl 987183 4/4/1998 M Black by The Pusher $950
572 I Walk 21003585 4/28/2010 M Black $2300 NS
573 Snow’s Cash Jackpot 21102063 5/10/2011 G Palomino no info
574 Mountain Man 4/21/2001 G Black Tobiano no info
575 Butter Cup 11/9/2010 G Palomino Reg RHBAA $600
576 Dakota’s Proud Onyx 21000681 5/28/2010 S Black Tobiano $1700
577 Announced at sale $1600
578 Pusher’s Black Coat 20705039 6/12/2007 G Black $900
579 Handsome Jack G Buckskin & White $550
580 Look N Good N Silver 21102164 5/11/2011 M Sorrel $550 NS
581 He’s Hawkeye pending $950
582 Blues Man Walking 21100744 3/17/2011 S Black Roan $1100
583 Flutter My Lashes 962181 5/9/1996 M Black Sabino $1700
584 Spirit of Gin 20905457 10/5/2009 M Black $2000 NS
585 Watch Maxie 21001151 6/2/2010 M Black $650 NS
586 Ice’s Pretty Buttercup 21001537 4/11/2010 M Buckskin Tobiano no info
587 Silver Delight’s Sparkles 2100034 3/22/2011 G Chestnut $600
588 N/A
589 No name G Black Pony no info
590 My Star Key 12 yo G Black no info
591 Stunned & Styled 10201823 4/13/2002 M Black Tobiano $950 NS
592 Skywatch’s Red Lightnin 21201574 4/29/2012 M Chestnut $800
593 Label Me Ebony 20400457 1/13/2004 M Sorrel $1700
594 Trout-Creek’s Chance 20803348 4/23/2008 G Black/Silver $875 NS
595 Kyle Knight 20603290 2/14/2006 G Black/White $1300
596 Lonesome Casper G Blue Roan no info
597 Burnin’ Sky 2080933 8/7/2008 G Chestnut $250
598 Jazzy Maxie 20600035 3/22/2006 M Black no info
599 Short Stuff 1/15/2010 G Black Roan no info
600 Extraordinary Opportun 20308186 4/29/2003 G Palomino Sabino no info
601 Santana April 20002580 4/1/2000 M Black $2300
602 Thunder from Down Unde 234712 1/23/2003 G Bay no info
603 Stuntman’s Gunslinger 11000029 6/15/2005 G Sorrel/White reg SSHBEA no info
Saturday, January 26, 2013 http://youtu.be/nquW46caja0
700 2 seat doctor’s carriage totally restored $3100
701 Katie’s Painted Ace 19909428 6/30/1999 M Black Tobiano $250
702 Mister Special 5/26/2012 S Champagne Tobiano $1450 NS
703 Complicated 20203425 3/6/2002 G Bay no info
704 Sedona Persuasion 20708905? 4/22/2007 M Bay no info
705 Silver Tradition 20314138? 3/31/2003 G Grey no info
706 Shadow’s Tax Man 20901979? 4/15/2009 G Sorrel no info
707 She’s An American Lady 20805803? 10/15/2008 M Black by All American Cash $1650
708 No listing papers pending no info
709 Peaceful in Texas 21003428 10/8/2010 M Sorrel no info
710 Rock Star 5/12/2008 G Sorrel Pony no info
711 Stafford 20806536 10/2/2008 G Black $800
712 Generals Little Lady 20413439 8/24/2004 M Sorrel bred to Master of Jazz $525
713 My Dreamland 20901864 4/8/2009 M Black full sister to WGC I’m Richie Rich $200
714 Sweet Alabama Song 21004361 6/3/2010 M Chestnut $650 NS
715 Knieval’s Playboy Rooste 20209819 5/19/2002 S Sorrel $950 sub
716 Wired 220 963462 3/27/1996 M Black $200
717 Jackson’s Gone Country 20411??? 4/2/2004 G Tobiano $1100
718 Don’t Touch My Teddy 20802909 3/21/2008 M Bay by Ted Williams $650 NS
719 Tony’s Chocolate Thunde 12540 G 6yo $850
720 Dreamer’s Big Bucks 20806403 6/18/2008 G Buckskin trail & obstacles $2400 NS
721 T. Bird’s Bright Sunday 20805824 10/2/2008 S Black Roan $1700 NS
722 Color Samples 20413059 10/14/2004 M Black Tobiano $500
723 Loose’N Busty 20111318 5/22/2001 M Black Roan $3000 NS
By Pusher Bustin Loose, SIF to WGC Cash in my Stock
724 Sky’s Silver Rage 19900743 4/19/1999 M Sorrel by The Skywatch $1150
725 Mare by Gen’s Armed & Dangerous Sorrel $750 NS
726 Go Go’s Fury 21002460 5/8/2010 G Tobiano $1700
727 Amos Gator 20405211 4/2/2004 G Black $950
728 D.L. 6/1/2010 G Palomino $1100
729 Blue Touch 21102481 10/1/2011 S Black no info
730 The Khemonabi Queen 21103593 5/11/2011 M Black Tobiano no info
731 Ted’s No Sissy 20709782 10/15/2007 M Palomino $2300
732 Dr. Oz 20905102 7/5/2009 G Sorrel no info
733 Outlaw’s Lucky Chance G Palomino Tobiano no info
734 Romeo’s Sweet Gold 20704500 4/21/2007 M Buckskin
735 KY Blue Boy 21002658 5/19/2010 G Buckskin no white $2500
736 Edge’s Smooth Sailin 19910672 10/3/1999 M Chestnut $600 NS
737 MG’s Moving Smooth 985653 5/11/1998 M Chestnut $300
738 Talladega Mama 20101390 5/11/2001 Mare no info
739 Black Lace Delight 20800201 5/4/2008 M Black $1100
740 Especially Yours 20700704 6/10/2007 M $1150 NS
741 Geronimo’s Bronze Copy 11200003 6/10/2009 G Tri-colored no info
742 Mack Belle 5/11/2012 M Grey Sabino $600 NS
743 Out of the Park 20900417 6/22/2009 no info
744 Diamond Cutter 120290 reg NSSHA Trail horse $1800
745 Coach Pat Summitt 20507672 M SIF to Master of Jazz $1100
746 Persuasion’s Sky Pusher 20101736 M Chestnut Roan no info
747 Doc’s Golden Delight 971118? 1997 SIF to Wet Back $400
748 Lady Latte 2008? NS
749 Preacher’s Billy Ray Reg G Palomino no info
750 Turbo’s White Intruder 21 mos S Cremello no info
751 Jazz King Motown Man $1000
752 Senorita at the Ritz 20806528 10/4/2009 M Black $1000
753 Out for Parole 20802819 5/4/2008 G Black Roan $2800
754 Caesar Ritz 987636 9/1/1998 G Sorrel no info
755 Black Gins Magic Lady 20902282 10/1/2009 M Chestnut SIF to Main Power no info
756 All American Kate 20903358 5/1/2009 M Black SIF $700
757 King’s Precious Baby 10600346 10/11/2005 M reg SSHBEA no info
758 Rain’s Showcase 970970 6/2/1997 G kid safe drives $800
759 All American Madam 20800311 5/27/2008 M by All American Cash SIF $700
760 Touch’s Run Around Sue 920398 5/6/1992 M no info
761 Jose’s Miss Pusher 20805623 5/8/2008 M no info
762 Thunder’s Maggie 20604130 4/7/2006 Chestnut M $600
763 Look It Up 21101045 5/16/2011 M $3700 NS
764 Play Toy 20708741 10/5/2007 G 2012 Resv WGC no info
765 Armed Shady Lady 20612886 April 2006 M $475
766 He’s Donald Trump 20701750 2007 Red Roan w/ white m/t $300
767 Push the Line 20504579 2005 G Dapple grey no info
768 Major Generals Magic Mi 2060591? SIF to The Titleist no info
769 Via’s A Bit Flashy 2110? G Palomino Tobiano no info
770 Tangela 20902358 4/20/2009 M Heavy shod $800 NS
771 Miss Teddy Bear 20703616 5/31/2007 M no info
772 He’s Magnanimous 20805862 5/1/2008 G $550 NS
773 Announced at sale - no listing
774 Master’s Song 20904280 10/3/2009 $3500
775 The Tennessee Two-Stepp 21002998 7/19/2010 Racking $1700
776 Pride’s Winning Again 19908402 4/20/1999 SIF $2150
777 Allegiance 20707857 4/26/2007 Trail horse $1250
778 Frosted Flake 20215282 7/1/2002 SIF to Jose $1700
779 Ritz’s Diamond Delight 20610570 3/21/2006 G by He’s Puttin on the Ritz no info
780 Sky Patrole 20608813 May 2006 M by Out on Parole SIF $1175
781 Extremely Roan Filly $850 NS
782 Announced at sale - no listing
783 Armed Scarlet Lady 20603354 2006 M FS multi-winner $6400
784 Wesley’s Dream Ride 2100324? G Buckskin $2500 NS
785 American Gold RHS 20706? 2007 G Chestnut w/ flaxen m/t $2800 NS
786 Arm’s Rhett Butler 2070? 2007 Shown Park $2200
787 Pants on the Ground 2110? 2011 $500 NS
788 Jazz’s Black Spirit 20800824 6/3/2008 G Black $650
789 Miss Santana 20007173 4/16/2000 M Chestnut Broodmare $600
790 Stealing the Gold 20605750 4/29/2006 M Sorrel SIF to The Titleist no info
791 Blue Eyed Bandit 21101648 5/16/2011 G Black Tobiano $300
792 Black Bruce 21003996 10/10/2010 S Black $550
793 SVF Sundance Red 20903968 5/17/2009 G Strawberry Roan no info
794 Blue Lucy 21101679 4/14/2011 M True blue roan Clinton Anderson trained $3400
795 Fantasy’s Sweet Dream 20707123 6/21/2007 S Trail horse $3500 NS wanted $5000
796 Miss Top Delight 9812502 10/14/1998 M Homozygous SIF to gray tobiano no info
797 Iced Sundrop 20115441 5/30/2001 M WC $1500 NS
798 My Paps Wanted 20902745 5/10/2009 M $1800 NS
799 A Walk With Ritz 20706202 10/6/2007 M by He’s Puttin on the Ritz SIF $1800 NS
800 Maggy’s Little Man 20604064 3/28/2006 G Black Tobiano $2600
801 Major’s Miss Myrtle 19913808 10/5 M $1000 NS
802 Reactor’s Cream Fling 20103824 2010 S no info
803 Palin 21001707 2011 G $2200
804 A Mystic Generator 20708179 2007 G True red roan no info
805 Yukon Gold 20902735 2009 Trail horse $750
Horses 805-852 not posted here
I watched the videos, were those supposed to be TWH’s? Over half were pacing/step pacing/racking. A few had a nice running walk. Pretty sad when the majority can’t gait properly, much of that is due to breeding for the big lick.
…and the riding (causes the other gaits). Remember the step pace and rack is/are recognized and acceptable gaits -and not a detriment to the horse - regardless of papers. Right?
Some for sure did a nice FW RW.
Some were also nice looking and well fed.
Wish I was in the market.
I am glad there were no stacks/chains and no tickets written - cause the HIO was a good one and not crooked as I understand,
[QUOTE=Malda;6807430]
I watched the videos, were those supposed to be TWH’s? Over half were pacing/step pacing/racking. A few had a nice running walk. Pretty sad when the majority can’t gait properly, much of that is due to breeding for the big lick.[/QUOTE]
And herein lies the problem. For 50 years the majority of TWH breeding (and certainly the “leading” TWH breeding) has been for the very lateral, vice very square, gait. It’s so bad that the average TWH professional (vice mere owner) has no idea what the running walk should either look or feel like.
This poor breeding problem is exacerbated by some truly atrocious equitation.
Or, maybe, that’s too strong an assessment. Maybe the true assessment is that a huge percentage of gaited riders believe that the proper seat for ALL gaited horses is “butt on the cantle and feet on the dashboard.” In the show ring this IS the best seat to win blue ribbons under the overwhelming majority of judges in any TWH/SSH/Racking show system. But move outside that system and this seat would be considered a short cut to soring up the horse’s back.
Since there are so few true, running walks performed the judging system has morphed into accepting the “off” gaits, like the stepping pace, as being “OK” and pinning accordingly. What they should do is not pin that which does not meet the standard, even if that means no ribbons in a class. Of course any judge who did that would quickly find them self without gigs.
G.
[QUOTE=Guilherme;6807718]
And herein lies the problem. For 50 years the majority of TWH breeding (and certainly the “leading” TWH breeding) has been for the very lateral, vice very square, gait. It’s so bad that the average TWH professional (vice mere owner) has no idea what the running walk should either look or feel like.
This poor breeding problem is exacerbated by some truly atrocious equitation.
Or, maybe, that’s too strong an assessment. Maybe the true assessment is that a huge percentage of gaited riders believe that the proper seat for ALL gaited horses is “butt on the cantle and feet on the dashboard.” In the show ring this IS the best seat to win blue ribbons under the overwhelming majority of judges in any TWH/SSH/Racking show system. But move outside that system and this seat would be considered a short cut to soring up the horse’s back.
Since there are so few true, running walks performed the judging system has morphed into accepting the “off” gaits, like the stepping pace, as being “OK” and pinning accordingly. What they should do is not pin that which does not meet the standard, even if that means no ribbons in a class. Of course any judge who did that would quickly find them self without gigs.
G.[/QUOTE]
Yep. I wish these riders would learn that there is more to riding than hands.
[QUOTE=CFFarm;6807737]
Yep. I wish these riders would learn that there is more to riding than hands.[/QUOTE]
I’ve been told, point blank and in person, by multiple TWH Names that you don’t use the leg or seat with a Walker, only the hand. On the rare occasion the leg is used it’s to spur the horse to greater effort. The butt stays against the cantle to encourage the horse to “raise” the front end (i.e., application of the “rocking horse theory of equine moment”).
And the Names are correct if you’re talking about the show ring. Just not anywhere else.
G.
Thank you AVMA !!
https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/130215h.aspx
USDA looking at new ways to detect soring
Posted on January 30, 2013
By Malinda Larkin
The Walking Horse industry averages about 600 horse shows per year; Department of Agriculture veterinary medical officers attend approximately 80 of those.
As the AVMA, American Association of Equine Practitioners, federal government, and others put pressure on the Walking Horse industry to eradicate the practice of soring, pushback on reform remains.
On Nov. 20, 2012, the AVMA and AAEP released a statement indicating their support for amendments to the Horse Protection Act. As written, the amendments (H.R. 6388) would have strengthened penalties for violations of the act and improved Department of Agriculture enforcement (see JAVMA, Nov. 1, 2012, page 1133).
Five months earlier, the associations had jointly called for a ban on the use of action devices and performance packages on Tennessee Walking Horses. These are commonly used to accentuate the breed’s distinctive gait but can also be used to facilitate soring, i.e., deliberately inflicting pain to exaggerate the gait of horses to gain an unfair advantage in the show ring.
The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association and the Tennessee Walking Show Horse Organization issued letters Nov. 21 and Nov. 28, respectively, to the AVMA and AAEP. Both indicated opposition to the associations’ efforts and the amendments to the HPA.
The TWHBEA wrote that, while it is committed to ending soring: “The Association is aware of no scientific evidence supporting the idea that pads and action devices, when used properly, harm horses. In reality, it is the actions of unscrupulous individuals that harm horses.”
The TWSHO letter followed in the same vein. The group also took issue with the proposed amendment to the HPA that would eliminate the role of horse industry organizations such as the TWHBEA and TWSHO in horse show inspections.
Currently, horse show managers can voluntarily hire USDA-trained lay inspectors, known as designated qualified persons, chosen by certain horse industry organizations. The USDA also has its own veterinary medical officers who perform inspections at some venues.
Under the new provision, the USDA would be responsible for choosing inspectors for horse shows, auctions, and other Horse Protection Act–regulated venues; however, the decision to hire a designated qualified person would still be up to the horse show, sale, or auction organizers.
“Without HIOs there are no assurances of consistent inspections, tracking of individuals that have been previously ticketed, and thus no effective enforcement of the HPA,” TWSHO’s letter stated.
Currently there are 12 horse industry organizations; only six are active. Three are undergoing decertification. That’s because in 2012, the USDA changed regulations to create a more consistent penalty structure for the industry (see JAVMA, Aug. 1, 2012, page 296). It requires designated qualified persons who inspect horses to assess minimum penalties for soring. These three organizations didn’t follow the mandate, claiming the regulations were unconstitutional.
Facts and figures
Dr. Gail C. Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division, responded to the two organizations’ letters in a Dec. 3 post on the AVMA@Work blog, explaining the AVMA’s and AAEP’s position as well as the proposed amendments.
The science that is available says that raising the heels (placing a horse on pads and wedges) 8 degrees can cause the horse to stumble and tire easily, Dr. Golab wrote. Additionally, horses placed on pads and wedges had inflammation in the flexor tendon area of the pastern.
“Chains that weigh 6 ounces will start to cause hair loss without the use of chemical irritants. Chains heavier than 6 ounces used on horses that have been previously sored will cause open lesions within two weeks,” Dr. Golab added.
Regardless, she said, the horse industry organizations were missing the point of the AVMA’s and AAEP’s decision.
“The AVMA’s and AAEP’s primary concern is that chains and pads are used to exacerbate and/or hide soring. And they can do so irrespective of their size and/or weight,” Dr. Golab wrote. “To remove opportunity and incentive to sore, and to facilitate the inspection process under the HPA, the AVMA and AAEP agree with the authors of H.R. 6388 that self-policing, and chains and pads, have to go.”
Recent statistics bear out Dr. Golab’s claim on self-policing.
As of Nov. 17, 2012, designated qualified persons had completed 62,835 inspections for the year and found 641 violations (1.02 percent). By comparison, 9,685 inspections were completed when USDA veterinary medical officers were present. During those inspections, 572 violations were found (5.91 percent).
During the 2012 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, the biggest show for this community, 1,849 entries were inspected with USDA veterinary medical officers present, and 166 violations were found (8.98 percent). The preceding year, there was a 9.5 percent violation rate, with 2,143 horses inspected and 203 violations found.
Plus, from 2005-2008, the USDA was present at only 6 percent of all Walking Horse shows, yet designated qualified persons found 39 percent of all their violations at these horse shows.
Divisions remain
Further discord in the Walking Horse industry was made evident when the TWHBEA voted in late 2012 to reject a proposal submitted by the TWSHO to unify the industry under one voice.
The proposal was a draft plan developed from meetings with various independent equine experts, including multiple nationally renowned veterinarians. The mission of the organization was to have a “one-voice” horse industry organization for performance horses.
“Goals include the implementation of one set of HIO protocols, procedures and penalties to ensure consistent, fair and complete inspections throughout the industry. The group’s primary goal would be to eliminate soring through an aggressive reform agenda. Additionally, the group intends to coordinate all industry communications regarding the show horse in matters relating to the HPA, regulatory, and political issues. The proposal intends to create one rulebook, penalty structure, and judging program,” according to an email sent by the TWHBEA.
The proposed 12-member board of directors would have consisted of two members from five current organizations—the TWSHO, TWHBEA, Walking Horse Owners Association, Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and Walking Horse Trainers’ Asso*ciation—along with two “independent, non-industry” veterinarians.
The TWHBEA cited concerns over the lack of financial details and the representational structure of the board for not joining. The WHOA held a similar vote and rejected the plan but voted to keep lines of communication open with the TWSHO.
Keeping an eye on things
Going forward, while H.R. 6388 is expected to be reintroduced in the 113th Congress, the USDA continues to test new methods to detect soring and keep horses that have been sored from being entered in horse shows.
The USDA Horse Protection Program has begun a pilot project on drug testing. Veterinary medical officers obtain blood to look for agents that could be linked to soring.
“Just as numbing and masking agents are found from the foreign substance testing, we are concerned that these types of agents may be injected in the horses as well to cause soring or mask soring during inspections,” said Dr. Rachel Cezar, Horse Protection Program coordinator with the Animal Care program of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
So far, 50 samples have been collected at three horse shows, and more sampling is planned in 2013.
In addition, the USDA Horse Protection Program will be working with the equine identification system EyeD to establish a program for identifying horses in violation of the Horse Protection Act via a scan of their irises. The USDA will begin using it this year.
“We hope that introducing this technology to the industry will influence (horse owners) to start utilizing it as well for equine identification,” Dr. Cezar said.
Yeah!
According to the TWHBEA breed description: “The Tennessee Walking Horse performs three distinct gaits: the flat foot walk, running walk, and canter.” Stepping pace and rack are not “recognized and acceptable gaits” of the TWH. What’s the point of having a breed if you don’t enforce standards? I was pointing out what a mess this breed is.
Guilherme was correct when he explained why the running walk is so rare. I know the pressing issue is to get rid of the stacks, chains and soring, but sometimes I wonder if this breed will ever get back to natural, running walk horses.
[QUOTE=hurleycane;6807592]
…and the riding (causes the other gaits). Remember the step pace and rack is/are recognized and acceptable gaits -and not a detriment to the horse - regardless of papers. Right?
Some for sure did a nice FW RW.
Some were also nice looking and well fed.
Wish I was in the market.
I am glad there were no stacks/chains and no tickets written - cause the HIO was a good one and not crooked as I understand,[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Malda;6808748]
According to the TWHBEA breed description: “The Tennessee Walking Horse performs three distinct gaits: the flat foot walk, running walk, and canter.” Stepping pace and rack are not “recognized and acceptable gaits” of the TWH. What’s the point of having a breed if you don’t enforce standards? I was pointing out what a mess this breed is.
Guilherme was correct when he explained why the running walk is so rare. I know the pressing issue is to get rid of the stacks, chains and soring, but sometimes I wonder if this breed will ever get back to natural, running walk horses.[/QUOTE]
Sure they will. All it takes is the desire, a lot of money, and several decades of selective breeding for the desired traits.
G.
You forgot education. People need to stop breeding papers, and learn what a running walk is.
[QUOTE=Guilherme;6808759]
Sure they will. All it takes is the desire, a lot of money, and several decades of selective breeding for the desired traits.
G.[/QUOTE]
