Washington, United States – As the nation observes National Day of the Horse, renewed attention is being drawn to the ongoing abuse of Tennessee Walking Horses and related breeds. Humane World for Animals, Humane World Action Fund, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are urging federal authorities to enforce the Horse Protection Act and end the cruel practice of soring, which forces horses to perform the exaggerated “Big Lick” gait.

Investigations reveal the abuse is far from over. HSUS undercover footage at Formac Stables, operated by four-time World Grand Champion Jimmy McConnell, shows staff routinely applying caustic substances like mustard oil and kerosene to horses’ legs, wrapping them in plastic or bandages, and inducing pain to manipulate their gait. Horses exhibited signs of suffering, including head thrashing and facial contortions. Some were sedated to pass USDA inspections, only to be re-sored before competitions.

Despite federal disqualifications of McConnell, Formac Stables, and staff member Chris Alexander, the management of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has filed a lawsuit to block USDA rules designed to eliminate soring. HSUS has filed a motion to intervene, highlighting decades of enforcement gaps that allowed the abuse to continue.

“These investigations provide incontrovertible evidence that soring persists and federal action is urgently needed,” said Keith Dane, senior director of Equine Protection at HSUS. Chelsea Perez of Humane World for Animals added, “As we honor horses today, we must also honor our shared responsibility to protect them from deliberate abuse like soring. This cruelty must end.”

With bipartisan support for the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act stalled, advocates call on Congress and the Trump Administration to act decisively. Humane organizations emphasize that eliminating soring devices and industry self-policing is the only way to secure lasting protection for these horses.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download