USDA HPA Amendment to ban stacks and chains in the Tennessee Walking Horse

[Guilherme]

Comparisons of the TWH and ASB are really cherries vs. cherry tomatoes. Both are red, small, and edible but that’s about it.

Historically, the modern practices of stacks, chains, etc. entered the TWH world in the early '50s when trainers had to compete with Talk of the Town who did a Big Lick pretty much on his own. When the TWH owners looked for people who knew how to use devices to enhance gait they hired ASB experienced people. They knew what owners thought needed to be done. And it was. And there we are. And if you don’t believe me read Echo of Hoofbeats.

I don’t blame the ASB world for the soring and the used of “extreme action devices.” I might not say the same thing about in individual ASB trainer who pioneered their use in Walkers.

As I read the Act in question a therapeutic pad (or other device) is not regulated. It’s the non-therapeutic pads (and other devices) that are. There is going to be a “battle of the experts” under the Act to differentiate “therapeutic vs. non-therapeutic.” That’s perfectly normal and to be expected. The battle will begin with the Rules issued pursuant to the Act. That’s also normal and to be expected. Even if the Act passes it will be a while before it becomes fully implemented. That’s perfectly normal and to be expected.

G.

[GoodTimes]

[QUOTE=roseymare;8809346]
Well they could become flat shod.

I do think the only answer for the TWH is to outlaw stacks. They have not successfully policed themselves and the stacked horses are not passing on the wonderful gait the breed was renowned for as they pace without the stacks.

Interestingly people probably assumed I was for long toed heavy shod horses, because I asked what a poster thought of studs or borium. I guess tool would be a better word than gadget. But her statement was very curious to me as if all horses should be barefoot or something. Every breed showcases horses to their advantage by using certain tools. Some breeds and shows just lose their way and take things to the extreme. Eight to ten years ago I was amazed to see the pads and toes present on draft hitches. They rivaled TWH. That extreme did not take hold thank goodness, although there are still many people who do not agree with how many are shod.

Also I would be careful if I was ASB person in saying that the horses are sound for multiple years therefore our shoeing is acceptable. You should check the ages of the TWH heavy shods…[/QUOTE]

I think you need to re-read my original post. I’m not sure how you assumed I thought all horses should be barefoot? None of my horses are barefoot, my hunter wears therapeutic pads. My point was that IMO true horsemen would not use a tool or gadget or whatever you want to call it that alters conformation to achieve a goal. I also would never use a gadget or tool that I’m not in direct control of, you should always be able to immediately remove pressure or stimulus if needed.

If the judging and industry standards are unachievable without questionable training methods then something needs to change.