Since the videos that I posted in my previous post were pulled before I had a chance to transcribe them, I have done some more research to find these videos again. I noticed that there is a potential link to the videos on The Walking Horse Report, if you subscribe. I don't because they continue to support the sore horse industry. Feel free to send me the links if you do subscribe.
Anyway, I did go to the USDA website and found the presentation that Dr. Cezar made in one of the videos.
Emphasis on Inspection for Horse Protection Program
Full Version with Regulation and Act Citations
To recap what was on the videos, Dr. Cezar and Dr. Gipson went over and emphasized the new inspection processes that DQPs will be using at shows in the 2009 show season, particularly the USDA VMOs. This includes using hoof testers, sniffers, thermography, pulling shoes, weighing chains, checking inside the horses' mouths, and requiring no tack on the horses when being inspected. The following is why they're using these measures.
Pulling Shoes. The shoes can be weighed to make sure they're within HPA regulations. Pulling them can also expose anything such as hard acrylic, golf balls, nails, or any other item used to put undue pressure on the inside of the hoof and cause pain. It can also expose brusing, exposing if the horse is standing on its soles, removing the frog, or other such abnormal trimming and shoeing to also cause pain. Be sure to note the photos in the presentations--they are excellent examples of these practices.
Hoof Testers. Hoof testers can be used to expose pain in conjunction with pulling shoes. The horse can also show pain if the hoof testers are used on a horse if it still has shoes and pads on.
Sniffers. Sniffer technology instantly finds any chemicals or lubricant that are being used that are illegal per the HPA.
Thermography. This will expose inflammation within the inner workings of the horse's legs that indicates pain.
Weighing chains. If a DQP sees a horse or someone reports a horse as wearing chains that look to heavy, the horse can be pulled from the warmup ring or grounds and put in inspection to have the chains weighed for compliance.
Requiring horses to be inspected without tack and checking in the horses' mouths. Many times the trainers/owners/exhibitors will attach alligator clips, bit burrs, or other such devices to cause pain on the horse's skin under the saddle or girth or inside their mouth. This distracts them from the pain when being inspected. It is another form of "stewarding," where the horse is subjected to worse pain than what it endures when being inspected to keep it distracted from the inspection process.
It's important to note that all of these ways of hurting the horse are violations of the HPA.
These drastic changes are necessary to end this horrible practice. I am really glad that the USDA has decided to take these drastic measures. It gives me hope for the TWH and to save so many horses from this horrible form of abuse.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
PRESENTATION - Videos From the January 2009 USDA DQP Training Session
I think these videos speak for themselves. I am publically thanking all of those who have stood up and said something about what's really going on out there. I also want to thank Dr. Cezar and Dr. Gipson for standing up and pointing out that soring is still rampant. This is a huge step and gives me a lot of hope for the sound Tennessee Walking Horse.
Dr. Cezar - Emphasis to Inspection
Dr. Gipson Training Closing Remarks
I will be transcribing these videos and posting them here, just in case they're pulled.
Edited 2-4-09: It seems these have already been pulled. Dammit! I will try to find them somewhere else.
Dr. Cezar - Emphasis to Inspection
Dr. Gipson Training Closing Remarks
I will be transcribing these videos and posting them here, just in case they're pulled.
Edited 2-4-09: It seems these have already been pulled. Dammit! I will try to find them somewhere else.
Monday, February 2, 2009
NEWS - The Sound Horse Conference 2009, March 20-21, 2009
In case you're in FL, or you feel like heading on out to see what's happenin', here's a great chance to find out what's going on in the world of supporting the sound horse and the work being done to stop soring. The Sound Horse Conference is now in the second year after a very successful first year.
The two days will be filled with panels, informative classes, demonstrations, and the like to help end the practice of soring. Some of the sponsors are my two favorite groups, FOSH and NWHA.
The website also has a ton of important information about recent studies on the practices of soring and solid proof that it is still going on. So be sure to peruse the SHC website to learn more.
For more information, click here for the SHC website. If you go, feel free to post a report in the comments section!
The two days will be filled with panels, informative classes, demonstrations, and the like to help end the practice of soring. Some of the sponsors are my two favorite groups, FOSH and NWHA.
The website also has a ton of important information about recent studies on the practices of soring and solid proof that it is still going on. So be sure to peruse the SHC website to learn more.
For more information, click here for the SHC website. If you go, feel free to post a report in the comments section!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
HOW YOU CAN HELP - What To Do When You Witness an Abuse Cases
I am an avid reader of two blogs: Fugly Horse of the Day and Shame in the Horse Show Ring. Both of these blogs talk about what's going on in society as far as horses, the nitty gritty garbage that's happening in the background concerning issues such as horse slaughter and questionable show ring practices.
While this is not about a TWH, both FHOTD and SITHSR featured the following story on their blogs.
Breaking Developments of Horse Abuse Case
In this situation, a horse was in training with well-known and revered AQHA trainer named Cleve Wells. When the owners came to look at the horse when he wasn't there one day, they found him in a horrible state with open wounds and a broken jaw. They were never told of an accident or situation that could have caused this problem--they showed up one day and he was found tied in his stall with these horrible injuries. Please note that the photos could be considered graphic.
What I want to point out here is how dilligently and logically Nicole, the horse's owner, set about documenting what happened. First they tried contacting Cleve to find out what happened, to no avail. She took photos on her cell phone of the horse, and she wrote down everything that happened and what was said. Her father was with her, and he was smart to bring a friend who can serve as a witness. The vets were also excellent at documenting exactly what they saw and dealt with.
Plus, Nicole had the guts to go public with her information. It's difficult to make that kind of decision, especially against such a well-known trainer. We all know that animal abuse can lead to human abuse, and she does face some risk in doing this. However, with the overwhelming evidence concerning this case that is for her story, she is most likely going to win the lawsuit, and Cleve will be shut down.
The reason I've pointed this out is to show everyone that this is the right way to report abuse. If you suspect that your TWH in training is being abused, keep a level head. Go to the stable and take photos when people are distracted or elsewhere. Bring at least one witness with you, if not two, and make sure they aren't family members. Document what you are told about your horse on a daily basis, and monitor his vital signs. Don't as questions that could be considered suspicious, and know the laws in your area--don't snoop around in places where you shouldn't go, such as going through someone's trash. Be sure to also inform the breed associations of what's going on as well. Send them copies of pertinent information, and make phone calls to let them know what you have experienced. They also must be made aware of any trainers who are do this that are claiming to be representatives of their association or are members of the board or committees.
Understand that the HPA only governs the practices going on at the show grounds. Unfortunately, questionable training methods are still be used at barns, whether or not they're being used on the show grounds. However, animal abuse can still be prosecuted, whether or not it has to do with the HPA.
When it comes to the TWH industry and the issue of soring, I have heard horrible stories about people's lives, children, and horses being threatened. I have heard of hitmen being hired to kill people who have spoken up about soring. There is a documented case of a woman who was followed to her car in the parking lot at a horse show when she brought in the USDA to a horse show. I have also heard of people's barns being burned down.
But folks, when you have all your facts straight, when you have the documentation ready to be reviewed, you can change things. And when you stand up, then others will follow. The sound horse industry is getting stronger and stronger, so the clout is there. There are ways to keep these people from hurting you and your family. The problem is that so many have allowed the bullies of the TWH industry to continually threaten them, but it's time to stand up and say enough is enough. If we work hard, keep our facts straight, and stand together, we can all protect ourselves and make a real difference for the horse.
While this is not about a TWH, both FHOTD and SITHSR featured the following story on their blogs.
Breaking Developments of Horse Abuse Case
In this situation, a horse was in training with well-known and revered AQHA trainer named Cleve Wells. When the owners came to look at the horse when he wasn't there one day, they found him in a horrible state with open wounds and a broken jaw. They were never told of an accident or situation that could have caused this problem--they showed up one day and he was found tied in his stall with these horrible injuries. Please note that the photos could be considered graphic.
What I want to point out here is how dilligently and logically Nicole, the horse's owner, set about documenting what happened. First they tried contacting Cleve to find out what happened, to no avail. She took photos on her cell phone of the horse, and she wrote down everything that happened and what was said. Her father was with her, and he was smart to bring a friend who can serve as a witness. The vets were also excellent at documenting exactly what they saw and dealt with.
Plus, Nicole had the guts to go public with her information. It's difficult to make that kind of decision, especially against such a well-known trainer. We all know that animal abuse can lead to human abuse, and she does face some risk in doing this. However, with the overwhelming evidence concerning this case that is for her story, she is most likely going to win the lawsuit, and Cleve will be shut down.
The reason I've pointed this out is to show everyone that this is the right way to report abuse. If you suspect that your TWH in training is being abused, keep a level head. Go to the stable and take photos when people are distracted or elsewhere. Bring at least one witness with you, if not two, and make sure they aren't family members. Document what you are told about your horse on a daily basis, and monitor his vital signs. Don't as questions that could be considered suspicious, and know the laws in your area--don't snoop around in places where you shouldn't go, such as going through someone's trash. Be sure to also inform the breed associations of what's going on as well. Send them copies of pertinent information, and make phone calls to let them know what you have experienced. They also must be made aware of any trainers who are do this that are claiming to be representatives of their association or are members of the board or committees.
Understand that the HPA only governs the practices going on at the show grounds. Unfortunately, questionable training methods are still be used at barns, whether or not they're being used on the show grounds. However, animal abuse can still be prosecuted, whether or not it has to do with the HPA.
When it comes to the TWH industry and the issue of soring, I have heard horrible stories about people's lives, children, and horses being threatened. I have heard of hitmen being hired to kill people who have spoken up about soring. There is a documented case of a woman who was followed to her car in the parking lot at a horse show when she brought in the USDA to a horse show. I have also heard of people's barns being burned down.
But folks, when you have all your facts straight, when you have the documentation ready to be reviewed, you can change things. And when you stand up, then others will follow. The sound horse industry is getting stronger and stronger, so the clout is there. There are ways to keep these people from hurting you and your family. The problem is that so many have allowed the bullies of the TWH industry to continually threaten them, but it's time to stand up and say enough is enough. If we work hard, keep our facts straight, and stand together, we can all protect ourselves and make a real difference for the horse.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
ARTICLES - Incredible Information from the American Farriers Journal About Soring
I am thrilled to have been sent the link to these articles. These were presented in the American Farriers Journal last year, and are phenomenal in exposing what is truly going on in the sore horse industry. Mr. Lessiter, the author of the article, owns Lessiter Publications, and is well respected in the horse publication and journal industries for his accurate and important information. I don't have the exact dates of when these were published, but because of the text and the dates on the photos, we can assume the articles were published last year.
Soring: Disgraceful Practice Continues (Part 1)
Soring: Pressure Mounts to End Soring (Part 2)
Soring: Serious Challenges to End Soring (Part 3)
Soring: Turning Up the Heat on Soring (Part 4)
From the introduction page to the links:
"Frank Lessiter's 4-part series from American Farriers Journal on the subject of soring is now available for free online. These articles examine how trainers resort to abusive and unethical treatments to enhance horses' animation to gain an edge in the show rings. They also examine how groups are trying to uncover and ban these reprehensible acts."
Check out the photos, epecially the x-rays in Part 2--they are amazing. Note the dates the x-rays were taken: 2007. The stories combined with the images show us the phenomenal, solid proof that soring is still the norm in the TWH industry. Yet those who continue to sore their horses say these x-rays are doctored. Can you believe that?
Let's hope posting this information online will help convince the USDA and other groups that we have got to get rid of stacks and pads in the show ring. It's one major step that will help eliminate this practice.
Soring: Disgraceful Practice Continues (Part 1)
Soring: Pressure Mounts to End Soring (Part 2)
Soring: Serious Challenges to End Soring (Part 3)
Soring: Turning Up the Heat on Soring (Part 4)
From the introduction page to the links:
"Frank Lessiter's 4-part series from American Farriers Journal on the subject of soring is now available for free online. These articles examine how trainers resort to abusive and unethical treatments to enhance horses' animation to gain an edge in the show rings. They also examine how groups are trying to uncover and ban these reprehensible acts."
Check out the photos, epecially the x-rays in Part 2--they are amazing. Note the dates the x-rays were taken: 2007. The stories combined with the images show us the phenomenal, solid proof that soring is still the norm in the TWH industry. Yet those who continue to sore their horses say these x-rays are doctored. Can you believe that?
Let's hope posting this information online will help convince the USDA and other groups that we have got to get rid of stacks and pads in the show ring. It's one major step that will help eliminate this practice.
Monday, December 29, 2008
ARTICLE - Year End Registrations and Transfers per Equus Magazine
So I got my January 2009 issue of Equus magazine today. They do a year-end comparison of stats from previous years on new registrations and transfers of ownership among the major horse breeds that are popular in America. Here's the stats concerning the TWH registry, the only USDA-recognized TWH registry being TWHBEA.
New Registrations
2003: 14,978
2007: 9,345
2008: 9,200
Transfers of Ownership
2003: 17,511
2007: 13,272
2008: 12,100
So what does this mean? Well, they do a complete comparison chart in the magazine, so this gives us a comparison between breeds. First, it's important to note that all the breeds listed had a decrease in transfers of ownership except the Saddlebreds. All breeds had a decrease in new registrations except Quarter Horses and Saddlebreds. I do think this is a trend we will see for a while because of the downturn of the economy, especially in the horse industry.
So what it comes down to is where is the largest decrease. Here's the percentages I came up with from the data in the article.
Appaloosas: NR 5% decrease, TO 11% decrease
Arabians: NR 1% decrease, TO 5% decrease
Half-Arabians: NR 7% decrease, TO 14% decrease
Morgans: NR 14% decrease, TO 5% decrease
Paints: NR 9% decrease, TO 12% decrease
Quarter Horses: NR 3% increase, TO 2% decrease
Saddlebreds: NR 2% increase, TO 1% increase
Standardbreds: NR 1% decrease, TO 2% decrease<
Tennessee Walkers: NR 2% decrease, TO 9% decrease
Thoroughbreds: NR 3% decrease, transfers are not tracked.
So should TWHBEA be worried? You bet. It's not a huge decrease compared to some of the other breeds, but it is still a decrease. Plus, with TWHBEA, their goal is to force everyone who transfers their ownership to pay for a membership. The membership fee is tacked onto the transfer fee when a new TWH owner has their horse's papers transferred into their ownership. So, this means that if the transfers of ownership are down, then so is the amount of new members.
I don't know if this is a good representation overall, though, because of the serious downturn in the economy and the long-term downturn we've seen in the horse industry in general for the past few years. So, since Equus reports this information every year, we might get a better idea of what's going on when our economy turns around.
New Registrations
2003: 14,978
2007: 9,345
2008: 9,200
Transfers of Ownership
2003: 17,511
2007: 13,272
2008: 12,100
So what does this mean? Well, they do a complete comparison chart in the magazine, so this gives us a comparison between breeds. First, it's important to note that all the breeds listed had a decrease in transfers of ownership except the Saddlebreds. All breeds had a decrease in new registrations except Quarter Horses and Saddlebreds. I do think this is a trend we will see for a while because of the downturn of the economy, especially in the horse industry.
So what it comes down to is where is the largest decrease. Here's the percentages I came up with from the data in the article.
Appaloosas: NR 5% decrease, TO 11% decrease
Arabians: NR 1% decrease, TO 5% decrease
Half-Arabians: NR 7% decrease, TO 14% decrease
Morgans: NR 14% decrease, TO 5% decrease
Paints: NR 9% decrease, TO 12% decrease
Quarter Horses: NR 3% increase, TO 2% decrease
Saddlebreds: NR 2% increase, TO 1% increase
Standardbreds: NR 1% decrease, TO 2% decrease<
Tennessee Walkers: NR 2% decrease, TO 9% decrease
Thoroughbreds: NR 3% decrease, transfers are not tracked.
So should TWHBEA be worried? You bet. It's not a huge decrease compared to some of the other breeds, but it is still a decrease. Plus, with TWHBEA, their goal is to force everyone who transfers their ownership to pay for a membership. The membership fee is tacked onto the transfer fee when a new TWH owner has their horse's papers transferred into their ownership. So, this means that if the transfers of ownership are down, then so is the amount of new members.
I don't know if this is a good representation overall, though, because of the serious downturn in the economy and the long-term downturn we've seen in the horse industry in general for the past few years. So, since Equus reports this information every year, we might get a better idea of what's going on when our economy turns around.
Monday, December 15, 2008
NWHA 2008 Nationals Video Presentation
This is a great video posted on YouTube by NWHA to show how great their TWHs are in the show ring. Look at the smooth movements and fluid motion of these horses. THIS is what the flat walk and running walk are all about. Even the Planation horses looked normal and didn't have mechanical animation. Click here for the video.
I have the DVDs from the NWHA Nationals, and although I haven't watched them all yet, I am so impressed so far with what I saw. The judges placed the horses exactly as they should have been placed. It is so nice to watch these animals really being showcased for what they truly are.
I have the DVDs from the NWHA Nationals, and although I haven't watched them all yet, I am so impressed so far with what I saw. The judges placed the horses exactly as they should have been placed. It is so nice to watch these animals really being showcased for what they truly are.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
NEWS and ARTICLES - World Equestrian Games TWH Presentation Update
Click here for the article.
Direct quote from the article:
At the Request of the WEG, they [the TWHBEA] will not bring any horses wearing padded shoes or chains around their front legs, both often used to exaggerate the gait of show horses.
YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was literally cheering here at work! THANK YOU to everyone who wrote letters to get this to happen. This makes my heart glad and is a huge step in the right direction! This also sends a clear message to TWHBEA that the Big Lick is NOT a good representation of the breed. Thank you, WEG!
Be sure to send a thank you letter to the WEG to let them know we appreciate their effort!
Direct quote from the article:
At the Request of the WEG, they [the TWHBEA] will not bring any horses wearing padded shoes or chains around their front legs, both often used to exaggerate the gait of show horses.
YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was literally cheering here at work! THANK YOU to everyone who wrote letters to get this to happen. This makes my heart glad and is a huge step in the right direction! This also sends a clear message to TWHBEA that the Big Lick is NOT a good representation of the breed. Thank you, WEG!
Be sure to send a thank you letter to the WEG to let them know we appreciate their effort!
RESEARCH - HPA Docket concerning the Derickson case; Black Gold Farm & representatives disqualified for one year on the same case
Now this is very fascinating. I happened to find this HPA Docket online when I was trying to find out when the Dericksons received their ticket for soring Just American Magic. Click here for the link to the Docket. Unfortunately I can't post a PDF here, so if you'd like a PDF copy, please respond to this post to let me know.
This is fascinating, for if you take a look at the Order starting on page 38, Christopher B. Warley was issued a $2,200 civil penality and has been disqualified from showing, etc. for one year. Robbie J. Warley, possibly his wife, was also issued a $2,200 civil penality and disqualified for one year. Their farm, Black Gold Farm, was also fined and disqualified from showing, etc. for one year. There is specific detail in the docket as to why they were also fined. I'm not sure why this didn't end up in the news...?
Anyway, it's another farm and names to add to the Sore Horse People Not To Buy Horses From List. THANK YOU to the Court of Appeals for upholding the law in this case. We are SO happy to see it!
Edited 2-4-09 to correct the spelling of the Dickerson's last name.
This is fascinating, for if you take a look at the Order starting on page 38, Christopher B. Warley was issued a $2,200 civil penality and has been disqualified from showing, etc. for one year. Robbie J. Warley, possibly his wife, was also issued a $2,200 civil penality and disqualified for one year. Their farm, Black Gold Farm, was also fined and disqualified from showing, etc. for one year. There is specific detail in the docket as to why they were also fined. I'm not sure why this didn't end up in the news...?
Anyway, it's another farm and names to add to the Sore Horse People Not To Buy Horses From List. THANK YOU to the Court of Appeals for upholding the law in this case. We are SO happy to see it!
Edited 2-4-09 to correct the spelling of the Dickerson's last name.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
NEWS and ARTICLES - Court Upholds Soring Decision
Here is a new article from Horse.com. Click here. So add the Dericksons to your Sore Horse Poeple Not To Buy Horses From List!
I do want to point out that this is an excellent example of why we should not allow appeals. In this case the court decided they were guilty, but it did waste a lot of time and money for them to be in court. I also imagine that they were still showing their horses in the meantime.
Let's also remember that suspensions never seem to work--they can always show their horses under someone else's name. We STILL need a serious penalty for these issues, and the USDA needs to listen to the sound horse community and start doing it, period. No more input from the sore horse community--we all know they're going to do everything they can to keep abusing horses to win money.
Keep fighting, everyone....
I do want to point out that this is an excellent example of why we should not allow appeals. In this case the court decided they were guilty, but it did waste a lot of time and money for them to be in court. I also imagine that they were still showing their horses in the meantime.
Let's also remember that suspensions never seem to work--they can always show their horses under someone else's name. We STILL need a serious penalty for these issues, and the USDA needs to listen to the sound horse community and start doing it, period. No more input from the sore horse community--we all know they're going to do everything they can to keep abusing horses to win money.
Keep fighting, everyone....
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