What is horse soring?

Quick Peek:

Horse soring is a cruel practice where trainers intentionally inflict pain on horses’ legs or hooves to make them perform a high-stepping gait. This unnatural practice can lead to serious health and behavioral issues for the horse. Proper nutrition, exercise, clean water, and veterinary care are essential for maintaining a horse’s well-being. Let’s put an end to this barbaric practice and treat our equine friends with the respect and care they deserve.

What is Horse Soring?

As horse enthusiasts, we all want to see our beloved animals thrive and live their best lives. Unfortunately, some people in the horse industry engage in a cruel practice known as horse soring. But what exactly is horse soring?

In short, horse soring is the act of intentionally causing pain to a horse’s legs or hooves in order to force them to perform a high-stepping gait known as the “Big Lick.” This practice is most commonly associated with Tennessee Walking Horses, but it can occur in other breeds as well.

How is Horse Soring Done?

There are a variety of methods that trainers and owners use to sore horses. One common method is the application of caustic chemicals such as mustard oil or diesel fuel to the horse’s legs or hooves. These chemicals burn the skin and cause pain, making the horse lift its legs higher to avoid putting weight on the affected areas.

Another method is the use of “action devices,” which are essentially weighted chains or pads that are attached to the horse’s legs. These devices cause the horse to lift its legs higher in order to avoid the added weight and pressure.

Why is Horse Soring a Problem?

Aside from the obvious cruelty involved in causing pain to an animal for the sake of human entertainment, horse soring can also have serious health consequences for the horse. The chemicals and devices used in soring can cause long-term damage to the horse’s legs and hooves, leading to chronic pain and lameness.

Furthermore, the high-stepping gait that soring produces is not natural for horses and can cause them to move in an unnatural and uncomfortable way. This can lead to a variety of physical and behavioral issues, including chronic stress and anxiety.

Horse Health and Nutrition

As responsible horse owners and enthusiasts, it’s important to prioritize the health and well-being of our animals. One key aspect of this is ensuring that our horses are receiving proper nutrition.

What Should Horses Eat?

Horses are herbivores and require a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar and starch. The majority of a horse’s diet should come from hay or pasture grass, which provides the necessary fiber and nutrients.

In addition to hay, horses may also require supplemental feed in the form of grains or pellets. However, it’s important to choose feeds that are specifically formulated for horses and avoid those that are high in sugar or starch.

How Much Should Horses Eat?

The amount of food that a horse requires will depend on a variety of factors, including its age, weight, and activity level. As a general rule, horses should consume between 1.5% and 2.5% of their body weight in food each day.

It’s important to monitor your horse’s weight and adjust its diet accordingly to ensure that it is maintaining a healthy body condition.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to proper nutrition, there are a variety of other factors that can impact a horse’s health and well-being. These include regular exercise, access to clean water, and proper grooming and hoof care.

Regular veterinary care is also essential for maintaining your horse’s health. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care.

By prioritizing the health and well-being of our horses, we can ensure that they are able to live happy, fulfilling lives free from the cruelty of practices like horse soring.