RESEARCH - Deaths in the Big Lick Horse Show Ring

First, THANK YOU to everyone who joined in on the THUNDERCLAP!  There were 464 supporters with their goal being 250!  This is great news!  Check out the results here.

Now, as we get closer and closer to getting the PAST Act passed, the Lickers get more and more desperate to try to keep their support of abused horses going.  One excuse I've been hearing of late is how many horses die in racing, endurance, cross country, and other sports.

I was sent the following information from a person who wants to see soring end for good.  This person was kind enough to dig up this information for me, for they knew that BL horses have died before.  It seems to me that the Big Lick horse is not immune to dying in the show ring.  These reports are directly from the Walking Horse Report.

October 2007: Walking Horse Report.com
During the first go round of the stake class at East Tennessee Trainers' and Ladies Auxiliary horse show, Armorall under the direction of rider Bill Reel collapsed and died. The nine year old stallion was owned by Bob Michaels of Winchester, VA., and has had a great show career during his young life, with his most recent win at Baileyton earlier this year. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Even more frightening, in the same year...

Walking Horse Report.com
Equine Obituary - I'm Johnny Cash
Saturday, August 11, 2007

I'm Johnny Cash, 18 year old stallion, owned and loved by the Holbrook family and ridden by Mike Conley, succumbed to heat following a second workout in the stake class at the Tennessee State Championship horse show.

The stallion appeared fine during the workout, but collapsed to the ground while in the line up.

Attempts to revive him were made unsuccessfully. I¢m Johnny Cash was given a final round of applause as he was placed on a gate, covered and carried out of the ring.

I think these obituaries speak for themselves.  Yes, Big Lick horses die in the show ring.  When you have to carry overweight riders on your hind end and struggle to get your front feet away from the pain, heat exhaustion can certainly be a problem.  So be sure to mention these horses' names if you have to to any Congresspersons who may claim that no BL horse has ever died in the ring.