A Review of Methods for Detecting Soreness in Horses
Abstract: During the last century and today, the Tennessee walking horse has been used primarily for pleasure and show competition. Unique and natural to the breed is a smooth four-beat “running walk” gait. In the 1950s the accentuated or exaggerated running walk, known as the “big lick” became popular at high-level competitions. The combination of exaggerated high-action step in front and long stride behind is still considered desirable in today's horse show competitions, and it is often achieved through soring. Soring is the practice of applying a substance or mechanical device to the lower limb of a horse that will create enough pain that the horse will exaggerate its gait to relieve the discomfort. In 1970 Congress put into law the Horse Protection Act (HPA) to specifically address the practice of soring by prohibiting the showing, exhibition, or sale of Tennessee walking horses that are found to be sore. Sadly, soring is still being done even after 50 years of HPA enforcement. This report reviews the methods for detecting soreness in horses, in hopes of advancing the goal of ultimately eliminating the act of soring in horses and improving the welfare of Tennessee walking horses. A Review of Methods for Detecting Soreness in Horses examines what is known about the quality and consistency of available methods to identify soreness in horses; identifies potential new and emerging methods, approaches, and technologies for detecting hoof and pastern pain and its causes; and identifies research and technology needs to improve the reliability of methods to detect soreness. This independent study will help ensure that HPA inspection protocols are based on sound scientific principles that can be applied with consistency and objectivity.
Copyright 2021 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-01-13 PubMed ID: 34251765DOI: 10.17226/25949Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article discusses the methods for detecting discomfort or “soreness” in Tennessee walking horses, typically caused by a practice known as soring to exaggerate their gait for show competitions. The study aims to enhance the reliability of these methods and contribute to the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).
Background and Purpose
- The research article revolves around the Tennessee walking horse, a breed widely used for pleasure and show competitions. These horses have a unique four-beat gait called the “running walk”, which has been exaggerated to a “big lick” for high-level competitions.
- To achieve this exaggerated step, a painful practice known as soring is often used, involving the application of substances or devices to a horse’s lower limb to cause discomfort and prompt an exaggerated gait. Despite the Horse Protection Act (HPA) of 1970 prohibiting soring, the practice prevails.
- The paper intends to review the methods used to detect soreness in horses, advocating for an end to soring and improving the welfare of Tennessee walking horses.
Methods of Detection and Advancements
- The study does a comprehensive review of available methods for identifying soreness in horses and assesses their quality and consistency.
- It also uncovers potential, emerging methods, approaches, and technologies adept at detecting pain in a horse’s hoof and pastern, along with its causes.
- This scrutiny is crucial for the identification of research and technological requirements that can improve the reliability of methods to detect soreness in horses.
Significance of the Study
- The study is an independent examination, expected to contribute significantly to shaping HPA inspection protocols. This contribution is vital because it would help enforce the HPA more effectively and scientifically to prevent soring.
- By ensuring these protocols are rooted in solid scientific principles, their application can be more consistent and objective, thereby increasing their effectiveness.
- The research also sheds light on newer methods and approaches for detecting soreness, potentially initiating further research in the area and encouraging technological advancements to better identify and prevent instances of soring.
Cite This Article
APA
(2021).
A Review of Methods for Detecting Soreness in Horses
National Academies Press.
https://doi.org/10.17226/25949 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
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