The Sound Advocate - Issue 1, 2023

The Sound

Advocate

A Champion for All Gaited Horses Volume 6, Issue 1, 2023

Sound Advocate Friends of Sound Horses, Inc. 6614 Clayton Rd. #105 St. Louis, MO 63117 info@fosh.info * www.fosh.info

Board of Directors President - Teresa Bippen Missouri Tbippen1957@yahoo.com

Secretary/Treasurer-Gina Vehige Director at Large-Bill Coon VP IJA Program-Dianne Little Missouri Utah Alberta, Canada gvehige115@gmail.com wbotis@gmail.com

ddlittle@telus.net VP Programs/Gaited Sport Horse Director at Large-Anita Dunham VP HIO/DQP-Lisa Harris Dianne Little Missouri Tennessee Alberta, Canada dunhamanita@gmail.com ddlittle@telus.net

Executive Advisory Committee

Keith Dane Maggie MacAllister Hawaii Virginia breezewood@mgwnet.com Patti Potts Pauline Stotsenberg Missouri California pottspa@gmail.com

ps@yesteryearfarms.net

Editor

Stephanie J. Ruff Florida editor@fosh.info

FOSH Mission Statement To promote all “sound,” naturally gaited horses, with a specific emphasis on Tennessee Walking Horses. (In this context, sound means not “sored”.)

Importance is placed on education in regards to the humane care for the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, training, and treatment of all gaited horses.

FOSH will only support flat shod or barefoot horses and will never endorse any event that uses stacks and/or chains as action devices, or any mechanical, chemical, or artificial means to modify the natural gaits of the horse.

To these ends, FOSH focuses on three areas for gaited horses: 1) educating people about sound horse training principles; 2) supporting sound shows, events and activities; 3) working to end soring.

FOSH is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Your donation to support the FOSH mission is needed to advance the goals set forth by FOSH in conjunction with its formal mission statement.

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Publication Guidelines

Member’s Advertising Rates

The Sound Advocate is a digital magazine published quarterly by Friends of Sound Horses, Inc. Reproduction of any article is prohibited without the express written permission of FOSH. FOSH accepts unsolicited submissions, but reserves the right to edit any and all submissions for content, style and space constraints. FOSH further reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.

At no time shall the publisher’s liability exceed the total cost of the revenue from advertising in the issue involved in any dispute.

All show suspensions and show results are printed as they are received from the reporting agencies. FOSH does not guarantee their accuracy.

FOSH does not endorse the content of any advertisement in this publication, nor does it warrant the accuracy of any advertisement.

Readers are urged and cautioned to use due diligence and to thoroughly research, including asking for references, before following through with any transaction.

FOSH does not endorse any trainer, educator, clinician, style of natural training, tack, or horse equipment to the exclusion or preference of any other. Each horse is an individual and may respond differently to particular methods.

Articles published by FOSH reflect the views and opinions of the writers and do not reflect, necessarily, those of FOSH.

Back Cover $300 Inside Front Cover $275 Inside Back Cover $275 Full page $125 Half page $75 Quarter page $60 Business Card $25 Directory $25 Discounts for Multiple Issues 2 issues - 10% off total fee 4 issues - 20% off total fee 6 issues - 30% off total fee Ads will be accepted in pdf, tif or jpeg formats. Text and photos must be e-mailed separately by the 10th of the month when the issue is released. Photos must be 300 dpi. Camera-ready ads are emailed at 300 dpi. Materials should be emailed to editor@ fosh.info.

All advertisements must be paid in advance by check, money order, or credit card. Payments should be made out to FOSH and mailed to: 6614 Clayton Rd. #105 St. Louis, MO 63117

More FOSH information can be found online. Find us at www.fosh.info.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Publication Information Subscribers: The Sound Advocate is a benefit of membership. To ensure that you receive your issues, be sure that your e-mail address is current.

To change an e-mail address, contact gvehige115@ gmail.com.

Submission of Articles, Calendar Dates, News and Photos: Send to tbippen1957@yahoo.com. Photos may not be embedded in text and must be submitted as jpeg format, minimum of 300 dpi. The deadline for each issue is the 15th of the preceding month when the issue is to be released. Submissions will not be accepted after the deadline, but may be carried over to another issue. Submissions will not be returned to the submitter.

On the cover: Spring has sprung.

Among the flowers is the Tennessee Walking Horse Uphill Dusty Gold owned by Natalie Speckmaier of Vancouver, British Columbia. Photo courtesy of Natalie Speckmaier.

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In This Issue: Features Advocacy Update p. 7 Kathy Calabro and Rosie p. 10 MFTHBA Spring Show p. 13 2023 Paso Fino and Open Gaited Shows p. 14 FOSH Sound Show Event Support Form p. 15 Whitesell Wisdom p. 16 Apache Silver Moondust p. 18 Eragon VO p. 21 Getting to Know - Gaited Mule p. 22 How I Got Started with Tennessee Walking Horses p. 24 The Vitals: Know Your Horse’s Numbers p. 28 Murdoch Minute p. 31 FOSH Scholarships p. 34

In Every Issue From the President p. 5 From the Editor p. 6 FOSH Sound Principles p. 36 FOSH Directory p. 37 Horse Soring Fact Sheet p. 38 Our Forever Friends p. 40 FOSH Membership p. 42

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From the President...

Happy FOSH Friends!

Well is your day going to be cold, chilly, warm, hot, wet or dry? Most of us are dealing with those erratic weather changes that can be challenging for our horses and us at this time of year.

As you can see, Eli and I are outfitted for the cold in our photo, and he is all fuzzy.

As he is my first donkey and arrived with all that fur, I am wondering just how slicked out he will be when warm weather arrives? Will he slick out as much as Shiloh and Dusty? I’m unsure as his coat is so darn thick. At least he is much smaller for when grooming time arrives.

I hope you read our Sound Advocacy Update on page 7. The talented Jo Ellen Hayden generously wrote this issue’s update and provided some history on the legislative and political battle to eliminate soring. The battle has been ongoing for so long, we sometimes forget our wins.

which is the passing of Clant Seay. Clant was a journalist and grassroots organizer of numerous protests at big lick horse shows. I joined him on some of his protests along with like-minded, sound horse supporters. He was a source of strength while I was in Washington, D.C. to testify on behalf of the PAST Act and again when I met with USDA Secretary Vilsack. His reporting on the efforts and work of other sound horse supporters kept us informed when we could not be on the ground with him. Due to his efforts, there are fewer big lick shows today and for shows still around, the audiences are much smaller. Yes, the enthusiasm for the big lick is dying which is due, in part, to his efforts.

As we went to press, we were delighted to receive grant requests for a show and two clinics. We will have follow up stories and photos in our next issue. If you are in those areas (MO, OH and MN), all three have flyers in this issue so you can learn more about them. With our grants available for your clinics and shows, maybe you and your gaited horse cohorts will decide to hold your own clinic or a schooling show.

As you enjoy those spring rides with the leaves peeping out and beautiful spring flowers, please take some photos and send them to our editor. We would love to publish them. They are a delight for our readers who are no longer able to ride.

Enjoy your rides, and don’t’ forget your helmet!

Best,

Teresa Teresa Bippen FOSH President Tbippen1957@yahoo.com

There is one loss we wish to acknowledge, 5 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

From the Editor...

With a new Congress in session, the PAST Act faces starting over again.

Read the important advocacy update written by Jo Ellen Hayden for details on where we are and where we need to go. We face yet another long road.

This issue has three different stories of women who found their way to gaited horses. Each story is unique but shows the undeniable bond between horse and human. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? We would love to share it with our readers.

Please reach out on social media or email me at editor@fosh.info.

If showing is your style, there are a variety of shows listed for 2023 in this issue. Please participate, go and watch, volunteer or just help spread the word about these competitions that showcase our beautiful, naturally gaited horses. That’s how we raise awareness – one person at a time.

Spring is trying to arrive in many parts of the country. The cover of this issue is a beautiful representation of the colors and warmth that spring promises.

While it may still look like a long way off, spring is coming, I promise. So get out there and enjoy the longer days with your horses.

But what a wild winter it’s been for so many people, and it’s not done yet! If you are one of the many that have been impacted by all the snow, flooding, cold or otherwise wicked weather this winter, you have my upmost sympathy! I hope everyone can Stephanie J. Ruff come out on the other side soon and Editor in good shape. editor@fosh.info

Stephanie

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Advocacy Update

What’s Next for the PAST Act?

By Jo Ellen Hayden On the enforcement front, both the PAST Act and the long-awaited USDA Rule barring stacks and chains while moving inspections out of the hands of the HIOs, are languishing in the bureaucracy of Washington politics.

“The Rule” - We are waiting for USDA to issue a new version of their Rule (aka as a regulation) which would mandate much of what is in the PAST Act. If you recall, after PAST had been put in front of Congress several times with no action, the USDA put together a Rule and put it out for public comment in July 2016, as is required for all new regulations.

During most of the rest of that year, the Rule was available for comment, with the comment period extended at least once. Over 130,000 comments were logged on the official government site, with overwhelming

support for the Rule as it was written, and a small dissenting group protesting that the Lickers would be “put out of business” and harmed if they were forced to train horses without using cruelty. (Many others pointed out that no other branch of the horse world finds it necessary to use cruelty to stay in business.)

After wending its way through the lengthy process of readings, comments, etc., the Rule was swept aside in the first days of the Trump administration. As is common, the new administration chose to suspend all new Rules and regulations that had been issued in the 90 days prior to January 20, the day the new president and Congress take office.

A couple more years went by, and a new twist was added: the Humane Society of the United States filed suit against USDA to force it to publish

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the Rule. But the suit is larger than that question – it actually questions whether an agency can rescind a rule without notice or comment – that is, whether the new administration can rescind all rules that were issued right before it took the reins of power, and just what exactly is required to say that a Rule has been “Published” and takes effect. It happens that the specific rule that is in question is the rule about soring, but the question applies to the far larger and politically sensitive area of rules in general.

As you can imagine, this question is a huge hot potato in Washington, rocking the boat of how things have been done for decades by both parties. The court initially found in favor of the USDA, then on appeal an upper-level court found in favor of the Humane Society, then the Celebration tried to intervene in the suit and asked for a new hearing of the entire case (both of those requests were denied), and the suit itself has now been sent back down to the original court for a re-do in light of the USDA saying that a new Rule was being planned.

So where are we now?

• USDA claims it does not want to issue the old 2016 version of the rule because it is writing an update.

However, note that at least six years have passed and nothing new has been issued for public comment.

What are they waiting for?

•

A new Congress is elected ev-

ery two years and each one has increased funding to USDA for enforcement of the existing Horse Protection Act (HPA). If the existing law was strictly enforced, it would go a LONG WAY toward tamping down soring. Over $4 million was appropriated this year, more than four times as much as only a few years ago.

Congress has also sent increasingly strongly worded direction to USDA telling the agency that it needs to step up HPA enforcement. This is all to the good, if still not enough because pads and chains are still legal under the existing regulations.

• The PAST Act has been passed in the House of Representatives twice – including last year. But because the entire House of Representatives is re-elected every two years, the bill must start over completely if it does not get passed by both House and Senate the same session.

It takes a huge amount of time and education to bring newly elected representatives up to speed on the problem of soring – most of them have never heard of the problem, and there are no sored horses in their states. So, if the bill is going to be passed, it will be late in the twoyear session.

And it will only pass in the House, not in the Senate because Senator Mitch McConnell, Minority (Republican) Leader of the Senate, has vowed never to allow it to come up for a Senate vote. His party is in the minority (barely), but he still wields

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considerable influence and has the power to prevent votes on things he does not want passed. Nonetheless, it is worth keeping PAST in the sights of the Congress – quite likely, those same educational efforts to try to get votes for PAST are what has resulted in increased funding to USDA.

• Continue to ride and show your sound horses, and tell the public about the problem and how your horses are so much more beautiful and happy than the unfortunate Big Lick horses.

Jo Ellen Hayden retired in 2012 from a career spanning 43 years, much What can you do? of it spent as a civilian engineering • Write to your senators and rep- program manager with the US Navy resentative and ask them to support and with nearly a decade in clinical the PAST Act. Watch the Sound Adpractice as a licensed acupuncturist. vocate to find out the new bill’s num- She owned and competed several ber as soon as it gets introduced. horses and is a USDF Bronze Medal• Consider writing to Mr. Tom ist in dressage. In recent years, she Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, has focused on volunteer work with asking him why the new Horse Promultiple community groups, event tection Rule has not been issued for planning, historic research and writpublic comment. When it is finally ing, support of veterans and equine issued, make sure you comment on welfare, including the fight against it via the link that will be provided. soring. She is the author of an ex• Continue to educate your tensive web publication on the use friends locally and in other states of horses and mules in World War I, about this problem. www.ww1cc.org/horses.

Youth Trail Obstacle & Desensitizing Clinic Saturday, April 29, 2023

With Clinicians: Ashley Frones & Sally Frones from Carlton, MN Hosted by Salm's Hickory Hill Farm Inc, Larsen, WI

Sponsored by FOSH (Friends of Sound Horses, Inc.) & Salm's Youth Riders Open to 20 Youth Participants $25 Autditors Welcome: Youth and Adult $15

If particiapant spots are not filled by April 10th, the remaining spots will be opened up to Adult participants

First Come, First Serve, Reserve Your Spot Now!

To reserve a spot, sign up as an auditor, or for more information contact Shannon Salm at srsalm8@hotmail.com

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Kathy Calabro an

One woman’s story about her unexpected j I’ve ridden horses since I was 10 years old. When Joe and I got married in 1997, we bought two horses and soon moved to an 11-acre ranch in Brooksville, Florida. Over the years, I’ve shown in hunters, jumpers, eventing, western pleasure and trail, and I was involved in Pony Club with our daughter. Joe was never interested in showing, but he joined the sheriff’s civilian mounted unit and worked on obstacles, formations and crowd control.

Kathy and Rosie are all smiles.

In 2016, we sold the farm and moved to Hernando Beach, where we could more easily enjoy our other major pastime, scuba diving and spearfishing. We sold all the horses except for my Paint mare, Jules, the granddaughter of the mare Joe bought in 1992.

When our daughter left for college in 2021, Joe thought back to the trail rides and equestrian vacations we used to take before she was born. He decided it was time to get back into riding, but he wanted the smooth ride of a gaited horse.

He found Rosie, a young Rocky Mountain Horse cross, through an ad on Facebook and drove up to Georgia to try her out. We knew very little about her and very little about gaited horses.

At the time, I was showing my mare in jumpers and dressage, but the day Joe brought Rosie home, Jules was lame. Not long after, Joe was injured and needed rotator cuff surgery so I became Rosie’s trainer.

I read books and watched videos to learn about Rosie’s gaits. Joe found the videos that Ivy Starnes had posted, and we both liked her approach

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nd Rosie

journey with a gaited horse. and the results we saw. When she announced an opening in her Orlando clinic, we immediately signed up.

Ivy cleared up some confusion we had about Rosie’s gaits—sometimes she was trotting, sometimes pacing, and sometimes she would give us a beautiful saddle rack. Once I could tell what she was doing while I was riding her, and knew how to ask for that rack, her gait became much more consistent.

I had ridden her in a couple of local

gaited horse shows, but didn’t really enjoy the experience. I thought to myself, “Why can’t gaited horses do dressage?” So, I searched online for gaited dressage and found the FOSH IJA (Independent Judges Association) dressage tests. At the clinic, I asked Ivy about gaited dressage, since I was experience in “regular” dressage. She very enthusiastically encouraged me to try it as a way to further Rosie’s training.

Once we returned home, I emailed a longtime friend and trainer Judy The successful team of Kathy, Joe and Rosie.

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Kathy looks forward to more gaited dressage success with Rosie.

Fannin, who regularly holds hunter/ jumper/dressage shows at Fannin Hill Farm. She spoke to the dressage judge, who welcomed us, and the next month I rode the IJA 2 Gait Dressage Test A. We earned a score of 66% and got many positive comments from the judge.

Rosie and I continued to show throughout the year at Fannin Hill, adding IJA 2 Gait Test B to our classes, and finally trying IJA Training Level Test 1. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences and feedback. I have found that the hours of training

I put in to prepare for these shows has transformed Rosie. She is no longer the skinny, gangly horse we bought and is developing strength, suppleness and confidence.

Joe is back to riding again, and Jules is sound as well. I plan on continuing Rosie’s training—we have to work on her canter—and look forward to another year of showing her. I am also rejoining Pony Club as an adult and hoping to bring Rosie to a lesson or two this year.

All photos courtesy of Kathy Calabro.

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Bring your Fox Trotter and join us for Versatility Classes and Ranch Sorting at the MFTHBA Spring Show!

June 7th-10th, 2023 MFTHBA Showgrounds in Ava, MO

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 – 9:00am – Versatility Arena Open Showmanship Youth Showmanship Open Western Pleasure (No Canter) Open Western Pleasure (Will Canter) Youth Western Pleasure (Will Canter)t Open Western Horsemanship (Will Canter) Youth Western Horsemanship (Will Canter) Open English Pleasure (Will Canter) Youth English Pleasure (Will Canter) Thursday, June 8th, 2023 – 9:00am – Versatility Arena Open Trail Youth Trail Open Reining Youth Reining Open Barrel Race Youth Barrel Race Open Pole Bending Youth Pole Bending Open Stake Race Youth Stake Race Friday, June 9th, 2023 – 9:00am – Versatility Arena Ranch Sorting Jackpot (cash entry only) Saturday, June 10th, 2023 – 9:00am – Versatility Arena Ranch Sorting Jackpot (cash entry only)

High Point Awards for Open Versatility Champion and Youth Versatility Champion Entry Forms and Class Patterns: mfthba.com/springshow/forms-and-downloads/ MFTHBA Registration Papers & Membership required to enter, this includes Ranch Sorting.

Questions: Cheyenne Dunham (816) 284-3196 Cdunham0976@gmail.com 13 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

2023 Paso Fino and Open Gaited Horse Shows April 22-23, 2023 - Carolina Classic Horse Show at T Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton (Clemson), SC This is a traditional, yearly Paso Fino show, and we also have Rocky Mountain Horses showing with us this year. Sanctioned by PFHA and RMHA. On Friday April 21, we will have a Trail Horse Clinic and Test with the program sanctioned/approved by PFHA. Our clinician and tester will be Rick Shaffer who helped to develop the program.

We also welcome all trail riders to join us for the weekend to ride on the public trails across the road and to participate in the non-point trail class each day during the show and the progressive barn party on Friday evening and the exhibitors dinner on Saturday evening.

May 20, 2023 - Summer Celebration Open Gaited Horse Show at Lone Hickory Arena in Yadkinville, NC. This will be our seventh annual event, and we have classes for all gaited horses as per the FOSH and PFHA rulebooks. This show is especially suited to amateur riders, beginners, novice or horses who need practice and schooling in a low-key show environment.

There are classes for everyone, and attire is casual. This is a sanctioned B show for the Rockies, and so their attire, tack and procedures will follow RMHA show rules.

New for 2023, there will be professional trainers who are members of the Piedmont PFHA who will be on hand for tutorials and coaching for exhibitors upon request at no charge.

June 16-18, 2023 - Asheville Alive Paso Fino Horse Show at WNC Ag Center in Fletcher, NC. Traditionally one of the largest regional Paso Fino shows, we are restructuring our show this year, and it will be a charity show. Our Piedmont PFHA region is committed to promoting the Paso Fino breed to the public, and we hope to bring back the spectators who were lost in the past few years. We typically have exhibitors from most of the east coast states at this show. Sanctioned by PFHA. August 19-20, 2023 - Second Annual Southeast Summer Championship Open Gaited Horse Show at Great Smoky Mountain Expo Center in White Pine, TN. This format proved successful and popular with our first show in 2022, having over 90 horses in attendance. In 2023, we have classes for all gaited breeds and specifically for Paso Finos, Rockies, Mountain Horses and probably Racking Horses, plus many OGB classes as per the FOSH rulebook. Sanctioned as 2 A shows for RMHA and sanctioned by PFHA as a point show.

For more information on any of these shows, please contact Milda Minter at pasofinotrainer@gmail.com or 336-225-0214.

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Friends of Sound Horses, Inc. Sound Show / Event Support Form Please print or type information below Name of Event: _____________________________________________________ Event Description: ______________________________ (show, clinic, expo, etc.)

Breeds Included: ____________________________________________________ Date(s) of Event: ____________________________________________________ Location of Event: ____________________________________________ (street) __________________ (city) __________ (postal code) _____(state or province) ___________ (country) Principal Contact Person: ______________________________(name) Principal Contact Person Email: ________________________________________ Principal Contact Person Phone: _______________________________________ Name of Organization to RECEIVE Support Check: (check will be made out to…) __________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS to where support check should be sent: _______________________________________________________ (street) __________________ (city) ____________ (postal code) _____ (state or province) ___________ (country) If your event is approved, you should receive your support check within 30 days.

Please EMAIL this completed form to: president@fosh.info (faster) or mail to: FOSH

6614 Clayton Rd., #105

St. Louis, MO 63117

For FOSH use only… Amount provided: _______________

Whitesell Wisdom When you ride out, do you feel you are riding your horse forward to the speed you desire, or do you feel you use the reins to control speed? If you use the reins to contain your horse’s speed, you actually don’t have speed control. If you must use equipment to contain speed, then the horse is not mentally following you and allowing you to determine the speed.

Then riders feel they have to keep contact on the horse to have control of them physically.

There is nothing wrong with a shank bit on an EDUCATED horse, but if you feel you must have a shank, then you are using mechanical equipment instead of knowledge to control the horse physically.

By Larry Whitesell Jennifer Bauer go. Have you taught your horse how to follow your energy so the horse doesn’t feel confined? This confinement is a primary cause of spooking, pacing and anxiety. The more you confine a horse, the more he wants to go when his energy comes up.

Reins shouldn’t mean go. Legs mean go. My seat and my energy tells my horse the speed. If your reins contain the horse all the time, then, as the horse’s energy comes up, it takes more pressure and bigger bits to control him.

Almost all the gaiting and behavior problems I see every weekend are a result of the horse feeling restrained even though riders don’t feel they are doing that. If the horse If you were driving your car down feels restrained in any way, by reins the interstate, do you ride the brake or by the rider’s seat, the rhythm is to prevent the car from speeding up, compromised, which causes anxiety. or do you use the gas to send the car These horses cannot find their balto the speed you want and maintain ance when they lose rhythm. the exact speed? Too many riders control speed by holding the horse’s Retraining these horses is a process. face instead of using their seat to I cannot just loosen the reins and tell the horse exactly how fast to hope the horse finds balance. I also 16 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

cannot hold the horse in a posture to get balance because now he feels restrained. There is a process to teaching SELF balance and forwardness.

They don’t connect their leg aids or how the reins talk to the horse’s feet to organize balance. The horse only knows how the reins contain. When you do ground work, do your hands Many riders tell me that their horse direct energy or try to contain eneris too forward. They are confusing gy? Do you direct the horse’s feet or forwardness with running through drive the horse? Much of the groundthe bridle. When they use the reins work has the rider driving the horse to control speed, the horse feels forward to the rope and the halter trapped and loses respect for the containing the horse. Those are conrider’s hands. Respect for your hands flicting aids. means the horse never pushes on the reins while you never hold his If there is any pressure in the rein, face with the reins. I will never lose then the feet and the mind aren’t control of my horse if he knows not going in the same direction. You will to push on the reins. I don’t want have to use stronger bits, legs and to use stronger equipment that will reins to make the feet go where you make him afraid to connect to me. I want. You need to train the mind want him to understand how my aids how to follow soft aids so you have help him balance. access to the feet. If the horse gives you access to the feet through the A lot of groundwork today uses the mind, you will have a relaxed and hands to teach the horse to let us responsive horse. control him physically. When the rider gets on the horse to go out on the Relaxation is no good without retrail, they get in trouble. sponsiveness. Responsiveness is no good without relaxation. www.gaitedhorsemanship.com Facebook: Gaited Horsemanship We have to teach horses to follow the rider because some of our riders aren’t strong enough to hold the horse and they like to go fast.

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Apache Silver Moondust

Aka “Earl the Pearl”

By Julie Dillon

“Earl’s” beautiful color (a rare light pearl grey Tobiano) is what our Native Americans call a “Ghost Paint” because in the winter months these horses look white until they shed out in spring when their paint colored markings shine through.

In late October of 2014, I got a call from a stable nearby asking for an evaluation on a troubled Tennessee Walking Horse that was brought in by an elderly woman’s family.

“He’s lame and vibrating with fear, and by the way, he looks just like your big white Walking Horse, ‘Music’!”

The barn owner sounded bewildered and asked if I would come, talk with the horse and appraise him as his owner had left the state and 18 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

needed to sell him right away. She also knew I was a sucker for a grey!

At first, I just stood quietly next to him. We stood together and after a while he relaxed so we walked toHis story was very sad. During the gether through the barn into the past several years, his elderly owner indoor arena. My tack is small and had been physically abused by her light weight, and he was polite about husband. In addition, the step-son allowing me to saddle and bridle had spent hours terrorizing the horse him. Standing to mount was a dein the barn by raking empty feed tailed conversation, but in the end, bags against the bars of his stall at he wanted me to know that a belly night. It was also reported that the rub was an adequate bribe. horse had been traumatized while being kept in an old barn with a As nervous as the horse was in his wooden foundation. The floor evenstall and at the mounting block, tually gave way and he fell through when Apache felt my weight gento the cellar below. tly sink into the saddle, he relaxed completely and took a deep breath.

The owner’s children were outraged That’s when I knew he was going to at this abuse of both their mother be okay. It was just a matter of findand her beautiful horse. They flew ing his perfect person. into the nearest airport, rescued their mother from the situation and During that first ride, I could feel spirited her back to her home in Ten- that he was slightly off on his right nessee. Before leaving for the airhind leg, but his gaits were still true. port, they insisted that her beloved This is rare in a gaited horse of any horse be sequestered to a place breed that he can maintain correct where his safety and recovery could timing and footfall even when unbe assured. sound. It was a very short ride and he passed with flying colors, but he The doctors had been very clear adwasn’t ridden again until he recovvising that their mother at the age of ered from his lameness. “seventy something” should not be tempted to ride and therefore they The chiropractor came with the peradvised that the horse should remain mission of the owner and within a behind and rehomed in New England. few sessions and after weeks of quiet rest, his injury eventually healed.

The day after I got the call, I went to But now it was December. And here meet the horse and figure out how I in New England, winter board is excould help. As I approached his stall pensive, horse care is demanding door he was immediately alert, his and few folks are looking to purchase beautiful eyes were tented and wide. a horse during the bitter cold season He turned his gaze to me questioning which sometimes can extend well and alert to my slightest motion. into April.

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After many conversations with his owner, I agreed to take him to my barn and care for him until the spring arrived when we could showcase the gelding for a more permanent situation. By March his owner, the beautiful gelding and I all agreed that he was destined to stay with me for life. As you have already guessed, that was when he became and will forever be a “Horse Feathers” horse!

Well maybe the arena isn’t his favorite place, but I discovered that the open trail is Earl’s bliss! He joyfully glides through the forest, over hills and through rivers and creeks.

His talent and skill as a brave leader has directed our activities as each summer he becomes more and more happy in his new life.

I could have searched for years and never found one of his caliber. He truly is a gift from the Heavens. It When reading his registration pawas as if he fell from the skies into pers, it was clear that this horse was my heart. Since that day, he continreally something special and perhaps ues to promote the Tennessee Walk“Sterling” was a name to be adopting Horse by carrying many new and ed for him as he began his new life. beginner riders on their first gaited Later, when processing his transfer, “glide ride” experience!

I selected a new name “Apache Silver Moondust” to reflect his legacy Up until her passing, we sent regular breeding from the “Dusty Sally” line. photos and videos of our adventures “Dusty Sally” was one of the pureto his “first mom” to assure her that bred white Sabino Walking Horse he was always loved, cared for, safe mares that produced Tobiano offand happy. She never liked the name spring and therefore infused authen- Earl but continued to kindly overtic “gaited color” into the Walking look this one, odd little concession Horse bloodlines. And so he now an- of mine. I will always and forever be swers to “Earl”, a shortened version grateful to “Miss Jackie” for trusting of “Sterling” which actually perfectly me with this rare and beautiful gift fits his kind, sensitive and down to of a horse! I believe she still watches earth nature. us from above while as we joyfully explore the countryside where ever That first spring we attended a Gary we may wander.

Lane Clinic together where Earl proceeded to spin under me in circles This story originally appeared on Juaround the arena while the other lie Dillon’s Facebook page. participating horse and rider teams made more impressive progress.

Gary advised that maybe I shouldn’t keep the horse to which I replied that he was going to be just fine because I had good feeling about him.

20 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

GETTt ING TO KNOW...

GAITED MULE From the American Gaited Mule Association.

What is a Gaited Mule?

A gaited mule is any mule that has a smooth gait other than a walk and one which is distinct from a trot.

Gaits include single-foot, fox-trot, rack, running walk, stepping pace and paso fino, among others. Whatever the gait may be called, its primary virtue is smoothness. A gaited mule (or horse) can be ridden farther without discomfort from bouncing while trotting, and at a more manageable pace than a canter. A gaited mule is great for trail riding, also.

What is the American Gaited Mule Association?

The American Gaited Mule Association (AGMA) is a group of people who have gotten together to: • Promote the joy of owning and riding gaited mules • Sponsor shows or classes within those shows • Form a registry of gaited mules, jacks, jennets, and mares • Train and supply judges for gaited mule shows • Interact with other horse and mule organizations and enthusiasts • Educate the public on the virtues of gaited mules

American Gaited Mule Association History In November 1993 Bill Moore, Ricky Davison and Eddy McCrary had the first meeting of the American Gaited Mule Association at Old Charles Restaurant in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Soon after, Warren Bagley, Elizabeth Gilmore and Sue King came aboard to help form the AGMA. At this time, the six of us felt as if we should have some input from the Walking Horse Industry and contacted Ronald Young, David Howard and Tommy Grider for guidance. John T. Bobo, of Bobo, Hunt and Bobo Law Firm, came aboard as our attorney.

In the spring of 1994, the board of directors was formed. The first AGMA Board of Directors and Officers were Bill Moore (President), Eddy McCrary (Vice President), Warren Bagley (Treasurer), Elizabeth Gilmore (Secretary) and Directors: Ricky Davison, Ronald Young, Tommy Grider, David Howard and Sue King.

On July 6, 1994, the AGMA was incorporated with the state of Tennessee as a non-profit organization. In the fall of 1994, the AGMA was contracted by Sue King from the North American Saddle Mule Association at her request we formed a rules committee to do a section in the rule book for gaited mules. The Rules

22 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

2013 Columbia Gaited Mule Show

AGMA Membership Gaited mules, mares, jacks and jennets may be registered. It’s easy to join AGMA; print and complete the membership form, checking the level that fits you best. Membership levels In 1995, the AGMA asked the Great include Founding Charter, Family and Celebration Mule Show in Shelbyville, Single.

Tennessee to hold their first World Championship Show and in 2006, an For more information, visit http:// AGMA Rule Book was published. www.americangaitedmule.com/ home.html.

Committee included Eddy McCrary, Ricky Davison, Ronald Young, Warren Bagley and Bill Moore. This started our affiliation of the AGMA with the NASMA.

23 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

How I Got Started with Te

By Dianne Taplin, Soldotna Alaska Photos courtesy of Dianne Taplin.

Originally published in January/February 2023 Walking Horse News.

Reprinted with permission.

For starters, I was born in Tennessee. You might say that I have Walkers in my blood.

My Walking Horses have been Stewball (green but willing), Sunny (gentle yet powerful), Romeo (intuitive, elegant, cautious), and soon Dusty (sweetly does it all, so I am told).

These basic Walking Horse traits, plus adaptability, personality and gaits, inspire my adoration for these amazing creatures. Each individual Walker has its own style. A ride in the backcountry on a strong, solid, trustworthy, brave TWH always took my breath away.

ing or just testing me. In any case, from there on, bridling was easy and quick. I love the trait of willingness.

A family friend loaned me a book on Allen F-1, the foundation Walking Horse. I absorbed every word of Walking Horse history.

During those years, Tennessee Walking Horse people focused on the stallions Midnight Sun, Merry Go Boy and Ebony. I see those names and their descendants in pedigrees of many current horses, including my Sunny (Alaska’s Golden Sun), Romeo (Image’s Tuff Stuff) and soon to be Dusty (Northfork Cotton Trim). I do not know the lineage of Stewball, but he had good sense.

Grandfather Hight also gave me his Richardson Walking Horse saddle (pictured below), which was nearly

From my early years, my grandfather Hight made sure I had a horse on his farm near Culleoka, Tennessee. The first Walking Horse he gave me I named Stewball (named from a song). Not elegant, but a young teen age, horse crazy girl does not always rise to elegance.

The first time I tried to bridle him it took two hours. I do not know if that was due to his youth, lack of train24 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

ennessee Walking Horses 100 years old in 1968. Mr. Richardson, after his time in the Civil War that ended in 1865, declared that he was going to design a saddle that was comfortable for long days of riding. He built exactly that at his saddle shop in Culleoka.

I rode in that Richardson saddle for many miles, but the wear on the leather and stirrups proved that those who rode it for 10 decades before me also put many more miles on it.

Being as this saddle was nearly worn out, my grandmother took me to the historical National Bridle Shop in Lewisburg, Tennessee, for a new flat modern saddle. I rode in that saddle until I graduated college and moved myself to Alaska, without saddles.

had provided me a base of support for my future TWH. After two months in Alaska, it seemed all roads lead me to the Diamond H Ranch, in Anchorage. Imagine that! I left Tennessee and landed at the only stable in Alaska with a Tennessee Walker, the stallion, Alaska’s Golden Sun (aka Sunny).

The (Diamond) H stands for Howard Taplin, founder, owner and instructor.

Growing up in the 1920s on South Dakota prairies, he rode horses as normal transport. At 17, he joined the Horse Mounted U.S. Cavalry, where the military trained him to

As you can tell from this image (at right), Walkers adapted to varied tasks! My other grandfather, Clifford Dawson, was also from Culleoka. I assume that Mr. Dawson perched himself on a Walker with his carriage because I do not remember much about any other breed of horse being in that area of Tennessee except Walkers. Do not try this at home!

In 1968, who knew there would be horses in Alaska? Turns out there were horses so the saddles were shipped up to me. My grandparents 25 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

ride Cavalry style. This Cavalry man became my riding instructor, and then husband.

Sunny’s natural flair and showmanship won the crowd’s respect.

Due to sparce numbers of Walkers After Howard acquired ownership of in Alaska, I had a dry spell of sorts Sunny, I found a Christmas card with after Sunny passed. I filled in the 100 yards (meters) of ribbon, leadgap with Appaloosa mares, Shetland ing to the barn, ending with a big Ponies and Belgians. bow draped around Sunny’s neck. He was mine! Sunny took me all over In 2018, Romeo, CRTWH, showed up the place, on Facebook in Fairbanks. both saddled Romeo’s name suits him and bareperfectly, being as the first back. night he was here; he broke out of an iron pipe fence and In the sumeasily stole all the mares mer of 1969, away from all the geldings. we toured around the Romeo is fabulous on the western ground, easy to manage and states. Unwe communicate non-versurprisingbally (mentally) in the most ly, having unique a Tennesway. He is see Walking vastly inThe Tennessee Horse from tuitive with Walking Horse Alaska show stallion, Alaska’s a strong Golden Sun (aka up at the Fair desire to Sunny) Grounds in please. I Idaho and Montana created encourage a stir. his emotional stability; At a small show in rural he requires Ninilchik, Alaska, Howard patience demonstrated Sunny’s gaits to asand understanding. On the other tounded onlookers who knew nothhand, his sweet soul teaches me ing about gaited horses. For the fithings like “Less is more” and “Haste nale, Howard turned Sunny across makes waste”. the arena, straight toward the crowd seated ground level by the fence.

Working with Romeo is great, but I Imagine the gasps as this horse want to ride again. Leslie Hunchuk powered toward them, then gracesteered me to the amazing palomino fully stopped inches from the fence.

Dusty, in Alberta, Canada.

26 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

At right: The Tennessee Walking Horse “Romeo” joined the herd in 2018.

Below: The latest addition to Taplin’s herd is the beautiful “Dusty”.

Dusty apparently does everything, judging by comments of those who know her and by the photos and video they sent. I will become revived with those marvelous Walker gaits as we mosey along the trails. The Cointreau Stables folks, and Dusty’s owner Lori, have been wonderful in helping this long distance transaction materialize.

And that, my fellow TWH enthusiasts, takes my Tennessee Walking Horse journey from Tennessee through Alaska and Canada to today.

Shop at smile.amazon.com and enter Friends of Sound Horses as your charity. You get the same products, prices and service as shopping on Amazon, but Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to FOSH. There are no fees and no extra cost to you.

27 * The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

The Vitals: Know Yo

By Colleen Scott

option but can be more challenging to read and aren’t readily available A horse’s vital signs offer early clues for purchase. The benefit is no batinto his overall health. Get to know teries are required. With either modyour horse’s main vital signs and el, you can attach a string to the end practice taking them. The earlier a and clip it to the horse’s tail to avoid potential issue is identified the better it getting lost. the chances for responding and preventing a larger issue from develop- What it means: A slightly elevated ing. temperature can suggest a horse is fighting a mild infection or having an Temperature: 99 to 101.5 F inflammatory reaction that could be Like humans, horses are individuals the equivalent of a cold in humans. and may have a slightly higher or A mild fever after vaccination can lower resting temperature and it may be normal and just shows that the vary with ambient temperature and immune system is responding. Mild exercise. Therefore, knowing your fevers can just be monitored while horse’s baseline is essential. watching for any other clinical signs.

If the fever persists and the horse Take and record the horse’s temstops eating, consult with a veterperature several times a month to inarian about treatment with cold establish what is “normal.” Exercise hosing or an NSAID. and weather can create fluctuations.

Measure while the horse is at rest, “Bringing the fever down can help after work, and in other common the horse resume eating and drinkscenarios. ing but it’s important to remember that fevers have a purpose in terms How to measure: Use a rectal ther- of fighting infection so we don’t want mometer and lubricant. Digital ther- to just mask them with drugs,” said mometers are available at local drug Sarah Reuss, VMD, DACVIM, Equine stores, tack stores, and farm supply Technical Manager, Boehringer Ingelstores. The inexpensive thermometer heim. provides easy reading but requires batteries, which can be sensitive to Fevers that climb to 105 F or greater cold weather. Check and change bat- could suggest several different interies as needed. fections from Equine Herpesvirus to Potomac Horse Fever, influenza, etc.

Mercury thermometers are another 28 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

our Horse’s Numbers “If your horse has an increased temperature, contact your veterinarian,” said Dr. Reuss. “They can guide you through the next steps based on the horse’s condition.”

Pulse: 28 to 44 beats per minute The average pulse rate can vary based on the age and size of the horse. For example, a fit racehorse may have a resting pulse of 30, whereas a nervous pony may be closer to 40. Foals also have higher pulse rates at birth and through the first few months of life.

pulse rates can point to pain, dehydration, illness, and distress.

Respiration: 10 – 24 breaths per minute How to measure: Count the number of breaths for 15 seconds. Watch the horse’s sides as he inhales and exhales. Again, multiply by four.

Then, hold one hand or a mirror by the horse’s nostrils to feel for breath out of each nostril.

What it means: Horses in heavy work can take as many as 150 breaths per minute. In addition, How to measure: Along the jawheat, humidity, exercise, and fitness line and at the fetlock are the easiest level can influence respiration rates. places to locate a pulse. Place two “Get to know how long it takes a fingers in either location and feel for horse to recover after exercise to espulsing. Count the pulsations for 15 tablish a baseline for what is acceptseconds and multiply the result by able and to signal a potential issue,” four. said Dr. Reuss. “Continued rapid breathing can suggest respiratory “If you have a stethoscope, you can disease, pain, or discomfort, and it listen for the pulse just behind the is essential to work with your vethorse’s left elbow,” said Dr. Reuss. erinarian.” Horses with fevers often “Listen for a ‘lub-dub’ sound. Count have an increased respiratory rate for 15 seconds and then multiply by as well, so be sure to check all vitals four.” if you notice any one of them being abnormal.

What it means: It’s normal for a horse to have an elevated pulse af3 additional vitals to know ter exercise. However, if the horse In addition to T-P-R other physical has not worked or takes more than a clues can offer insight into a horse’s few minutes to return to normal dehealth. pending on the intensity of exercise, it’s time to call the veterinarian. High Mucous membranes: Healthy tis29 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

sues are pink and moist. These tissues are visible when the skin meets an opening on the body. The most common are the gums and the conjunctival sac of the eyes.

Capillary refill: This is how quickly blood returns to an area after applying pressure. This is best observed on the horse’s gums. Apply firm pressure to the gum and release. It should return to pink within one to two seconds.

Gut gurgles: Stand beside your horse and listen for intestinal sounds. Gurgling, growling, and rumbling-like noises indicate all is well. If it’s silent, the horse may be colicking or may have just not eaten for awhile.

“Knowing a horse’s vital signs make it possible to catch and diagnose a problem early, which allows for quick intervention,” said Dr. Reuss. “It’s always prudent to contact the horse’s veterinarian if they are off. Sharing the horse’s vital signs can help determine how quick the response must be and the next steps.”

well-being of companion animals and livestock.

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Learn more about Boehringer IngelAbout Boehringer Ingelheim Ani- heim Animal Health USA at bi-animal Health USA malhealth.com Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health ©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim is working on first-in-class innovation Animal Health USA Inc., Dulufor the prediction, prevention, and th, GA. All Rights Reserved. UStreatment of diseases in animals. For EQU-0129-2022. veterinarians, pet owners, producers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and 30 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

Murdoch Minute No. 07: Finding Good Thigh Contact

By Wendy Murdoch Reprinted with permission. www.murdochmethod.com

back you might tend to grip with your thighs in an attempt to feel secure.

Do you have trouble getting your horse to go forward? Do you bump or hit the front of your saddle with your pelvis? Do you feel insecure over the fences? The answer may be caused by not having good thigh contact with your horse and saddle.

Next time your ride pay attention to your thighs. Are they close to the saddle? Could someone slide their hand between your thigh and the saddle without gapping or pinching? How much muscular effort are you aware of in your thighs? Do you feel like you have to “hold” your leg in place?

Does it feel like your thigh is being “pushed” out by the saddle? Take a moment to assess how your saddle fit fits you.

Your saddle has a tremendous influence on the way your thigh rests. If the flap is too short, the knee rolls are incorrectly placed or the seat is too wide (as in some tree-less saddles) you will have difficulty getting your thigh to lie flat on your horse’s sides.

If the saddle is too big, the stirrup bars or fenders are placed too far forward or you are riding with a hollow

Photo 1. Good thigh position. Notice the even contact of the thigh with the saddle, without gapping or pinching.

This provides good weight distribution and support for the rider and allows her seat to follow the motion of the horse.

31 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

Your saddle needs to accommodate the length of your thigh. For more information on saddle fit I highly recommend “The Pain Free Back and Saddle Fit Book” by Dr. Joyce Harman. While this book is geared towards English saddles, 40% of the information applies to western saddles and riders.

In her book, Dr. Harman discusses the key to correctly fitting the rider. Correct seat size is determined by your thigh length not your buttocks. In addition, the ground seat or twist of the saddle needs to match your pelvic shape to free your hip offering you a comfortable leg position. Whatever the cause, riding with a thigh pinched in or turned out makes riding harder for both you and your horse.

When your leg lies flat along your horse’s sides your weight is distributed over the area of your thighs and pelvis. This increased surface area decreases pressure in any one place.

Think of a broad firm hug vs. being poked in the back. You want your weight distributed down through your thighs along the horse’s sides, not just pressing down on his back.

Riding with your knees turned out places most of your weight directly on the horse’s back. This leg position will not distribute weight along the horse’s sides. Standing in the stirrups or posting the trot with your knees turned out puts all your weight in the stirrups, which through the fenders or stirrup bars is concentrated on the horse’s back.

Knee pinching again minimizes the

Photo 2. Knee turned out. Now the rider’s weight is only on her seat with no thigh support. This will restrict the rider’s ability to follow the horse’s movement and the horse from freely moving forward.

surface area over which your weight is distributed and takes a lot of muscular effort. Gripping will restrict your ability to follow the horse’s motion and can restrict the horse’s breathing since you are essentially squeezing the horse’s ribcage. Imagine what would be like to have someone constantly giving you strong hug. Knee pinching also creates a point around which you can pivot thus the reason for feeling

32 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

Photo 3. Gripping with the thigh. A too-tight thigh will block the horse’s movement and the rider’s seat while creating a pivot point, making the rider unstable.

very insecure over fences.

When the thigh lies flat on the saddle the femur or thighbone becomes the structural support for the stability minimizing the amount of muscular effort needed to be adhesive and adherent with the saddle and horse.

Use this Murdoch Minute as a ‘body position self-check’. An even contact with the thigh gives you more stability with less muscular effort. Your weight will be distributed over a larger surface area making it more comfortable for your horse. If you find you are having difficulty achieving this position, check your saddle fit.

Congratulations to rider/trainer Nancy Smith and the Lusitano Eragon VO (pictured above) for their successful year in dressage in 2022. Sarah Bushong is the proud owner of Eragon VO, the number one Lusitano for dressage with USDF for 2022.

Bushong has been a longtime supporter of FOSH, gaited horses, education and dressage for gaited horses.

33 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

Friends of Sound Horses, Inc. Scholarship Request Form Please print or type information below Student Applying: _________________________________(name) Age: ____ (yrs) Student Email: ______________________________________________________ Student Phone: _____________________________________________________ Student Address: ______________________________________________ (street) ____________________ (city) __________ (postal code) _____(state or province) ___________ (country) School Name: _______________________________________________________ Major: ____________________________________________________________ Date of Last FOSH show participation*: __________________________________ Attach copy of acceptance letter and note date on letter here: _______________ School Address: _______________________________________________ (street) ____________________ (city) __________ (postal code) _____(state or province) ___________ (country) Note: Checks will be made out to [Institution Name] for the benefit of [Student Name] and will be sent to the attention of the Financial Aid department. If you are chosen to receive a scholarship, you will be notified within 90 days of applying.

Please EMAIL this completed form to: president@fosh.info (faster) or mail to: FOSH

6614 Clayton Rd., #105

St. Louis, MO 63117

For FOSH use only… Amount provided: _____________ Date sent: ____________ Scholarship Guidelines are on the following page (and do not need to be submitted with this form).

34 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

FOSH Scholarship Guidelines 1. Students must submit an essay (minimum 500 words) with the application. The essay should describe how they have supported the FOSH vision/ mission statement and how they have personally supported horses emotionally, mentally, and physically. Essays MAY be published in the Sound Advocate and remain the property of The Friends of Sound Horses.

2. Students with a declared major in an Agriculture, Equine, Veterinary (or pre-veterinary) Medicine, or Journalism related field will be granted preference over students with majors in other programs.

3. Student must be between the ages of 16 and 24 to apply.

4. Only one scholarship per student will be awarded.

5. Scholarship requests must be made at least 90 days prior to the start of the academic semester for which the request is being made. This can be prior to any semester in the program.

6. Scholarships are for Baccalaureate programs only.

7. Schools must be accredited by or members of one of the following: a. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools b. New England Association of Schools and Colleges c. New York State Board of Regents d. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools e. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities f. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools g. Western Association of Schools and Colleges h. Membership in Universities Canada 8. Scholarship money available and the number of scholarships available each year may vary at the discretion of the board.

9. Scholarship awards are payable in U.S. Dollars by check to the school for the benefit of [student name] and not directly to the student / parent / guardian.

10. All decisions of the FOSH Board are final and cannot be appealed. *Participation may be as a rider, worker, or volunteer and is not a scholarship requirement 35 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

FOSH Sound Principles

Principle #1 All FOSH events adhere to the requirements of the Horse Protection Act. Principle #2 Horses are to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Principle #3 Horses must be presented as sound in both body and mind.

Principle #4 The preferred way of going is natural, correct, and without exaggeration.

Principle #5 Shoeing is intended only for the protection of the foot and its structure.

Where practical, barefoot horses are both welcomed and encouraged.

Principle #6 Handlers and riders are expected to use training techniques and equipment that conform to the highest humane standards as recognized by the general equestrian community.

Principle #7 Exhibitors have a duty to conduct themselves in an orderly, responsible, and sportsmanlike manner.

FOSH is a national leader in the promotion of natural, sound gaited horses and in the fight against abuse and soring of Tennessee Walking Horses. For more information about FOSH or to become a member, please visit www. fosh.info.

36 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

FOSH Directory Gaited Clubs Southern Comfort Gaited Horse Club Southern Comfort promotes activities highlighting the smooth ride and versatility of all gaited breeds. Pursuits include trail riding, competitions, shows, exhibitions, clinics and many other equine activities. The club promotes horse safety and friendship for all that are interested in horses. Owning a horse is not a requirement. SCGHC is based in southwestern Idaho and is a flat shod exclusive club with members contributing and supporting various interests using sound, natural horses. www.gaitedhorseclub.com Chesapeake Plantation Walking Horse Club The Chesapeake Club is celebrating over 25 years of promoting the versatile, naturally gaited, horse. As a member of the Maryland Horse Council, we have been the voice of the gaited community and through demonstrations, clinics and guest speakers, a resource for other disciplines to learn about the gaited breeds in our region. Members enjoy monthly trail rides, newsletters, parades, clinics, social gatherings, and friendly help. We welcome all breeds, riding styles, and experience levels from beginners to professionals. Cpwhclub. wordpress.com or jacquiecowan@comcast.net Breeders Summerwind Marchadors and Future Foal Breeders Plan for your next lifetime partner! Come breed with us! Offering frozen semen (12 stallions in 2020) or reservations for Future Foals “do Summerwind” The Marchador is Brazil’s national horse, harking from Iberia, but bred there for 200 years. Expect to be impressed! http:// futurefoal.net or call Lynn @ 602-999-3915 Missouri Morgans Easy gaited in color. Rare gaited Morgans located in the Heart of America near beautiful Lake of the Ozarks; for photos, videos and available horses. Talk to Jim or Vali Suddarth at 417-286-4720 or gaitedmorgans@missourimorgans.com

37 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

“Soring” is the use of painful training techniques to create a flashy unnatural gait in horses. Tactics include applying caustic agents (diesel fuel, hand cleaner, etc.) to the front legs and then wrapping the legs overnight. The flesh is sore when the wraps come off, and ankle chains are used to bang on this area during training.

Also used are injections of irritants above the hoof, tacks under the band holding a huge weighted (”stacked” or “padded”) shoe in place, trimming the hoof into the quick and/or green nailing.

These training methods all cause the horse to attempt to avoid the pain by picking up his front feet faster and higher, and shifting his weight back onto his hind legs, in a crouching stance.

This grotesque gait is called the Big Lick.

WHO IS DOING THIS—ISN'T IT ILLEGAL? Soring was made illegal in 1970 by the Horse Protection Act (HPA). But the stacked shoes and chains are not illegal. And soring itself still goes on—penalties are nearly non-existent and enforcement is so lax that it persists in about 200 trainers impacting 10,000+ horses. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is charged with enforcing the HPA. USDA has a few inspectors but not enough to cover every show, so inspectors are usually directly employed by show managers, creating a clear conflict of interest. Dye and short-acting topical anesthetic creams are used to mask pain and scarring during inspections.

The overwhelming majority of sored horses are Tennessee Walking Horses, but two other breeds are also impacted, the Racking Horse and the Spotted Saddle Horse.

WHAT IS BEING DONE? After years of education and lobbying by animal welfare groups, the bipartisan Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) legislation was passed in 2019 and again in 2022 in the U.S. House of Representatives. The PAST Act would finally eradicate soring by eliminating the use of large stacked shoes and ankle chains in the show ring, and by eliminating the industry’s self-policing scheme, replacing it with licensed USDA inspectors. It would also increase penalties for those who break the law.

In the U.S. Senate, over half of Senators were co-sponsors of the PAST Act in each of those years. But the bill was never brought to the Senate floor for a vote.

WHAT IS DELAYING THE SENATE VOTE?

Shoes, stacks, bands and chains on a Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horse. This horse’s hair has been Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the most senior Republican in the US Senate, dyed to try to hide the scars from soring chemicals. has accepted campaign contributions These shoes and chains are currently legal, but for many years from Big Lick trainers would be outlawed by the PAST Act. and owners, who complain that their ability to make money will be ruined if they are not allowed to train by soring. McConnell has said that he will never allow the bill to be brought in front of the Senate for a vote.

What should be a bipartisan animal welfare issue has been politicized, and the horses continue to suffer.

38 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

HOW WOULD THE PAST ACT PREVENT SORING? The PAST Act would close loopholes in the Horse Protection Act. Because the U.S. Department of Agriculture has allowed the industry to police itself, those who hurt horses face minimal repercussions, get deferred disqualifications if any at all, and are typically allowed to continue carrying out the abuses that got them disqualified in the first place. PAST would replace the self-policing system with third party, independent inspectors who are trained, licensed and assigned by the USDA. The bill would also ban the devices integral to soring (the stacks and chains) and would strengthen penalties for soring. USDA could, if it wished to do so, issue a Rule that would contain the same language as the PAST Act, but has not done so.

WHAT GROUPS ENDORSE THE PAST ACT?

Every major veterinary, equine, animal welfare and law enforcement organization Open lesions and scarring caused by soring - not often seen any more, at least by the time the in the U.S. has endorsed this bill. (American Veterinary Medical Association, horse gets to the show grounds. Scars that are American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Horse Council, ASPCA, evidence of these abuses are cause for disqualification at shows.

American Quarter Horse Association, United States Equestrian Federation, National Sheriffs Association, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and over 100 more). Noted horsemen Pat Parelli and Monty Roberts are on record supporting PAST. Several Tennessee Walking Horse groups have endorsed the bill, including the National Walking Horse Association and multiple state Walking Horse groups. The PAST Act is the right answer.

ARE ALL TENNESSEE WALKING HORSES SUBJECTED TO THIS AWFUL TORTURE? Absolutely not. There are many owners and trainers that never use soring to enhance the performance of their horses. Known as “flat shod” horses, these animals have natural movement and are enjoyed by tens of thousands of riders across the country. In fact, the vast majority of Walking Horses are flat shod. It is only a small minority of trainers who resort to soring and stacked shoes—they sometimes call them “padded” shoes to try to make them sound more like a therapeutic shoe than a torture device. The entire Tennessee Walking Horse community is given a bad name by the actions of a few bad actors.

IS IT REALLY AS BAD AS PEOPLE SAY IT IS? GIVE ME OFFICIAL NUMBERS! In an official statement reported in the Walking Horse Report published May 21, 2018, USDA said that “the vast majority of Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) that inspect padded horses did not detect any HPA noncompliance when USDA was not present at a show.” USDA went on to say: “It is highly unlikely that exhibitors only present noncompliant horses for inspection when USDA is present at a horse show….USDA remain(s) very concerned about HIOs, especially those inspecting padded horses, whose rate of noncompliance is zero when USDA is not present…”

USDA sent its inspectors to the 2022 Walking Horse Celebration, the largest Walking Horse show in the country.

The after-show report showed that over one-third of “padded” horses were scratched before inspection, while only 14% of flat shod horses were scratched. It is a long-standing practice of the Big Lick trainers that, if USDA is on the show grounds, they simply leave their horses on the trailer and don’t even present them for inspection. At the Celebration, even with such a large number of horses not brought before the inspectors, the USDA inspectors found 57% of the horses they DID inspect to be “noncompliant.” Is soring still going on? YES - SORING IS STILL GOING ON.

About Friends Of Sound Horses (FOSH) FOSH is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that welcomes owners of all gaited horses.

We support the gaited horse in all equine disciplines, including dressage, distance competitions, English and Western pleasure, and many other styles of riding. FOSH offers judges training and licensing and sponsors numerous shows. FOSH is a national leader in promoting, supporting and protecting gaited horses. To that end, FOSH is known for its work to end soring of Tennessee Walking Horses through its activism, outreach, and education programs. Learn more at https:/fosh.info/

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OUR FOREVER FRIENDS FOSH Lifetime Members Jo Anne Behling, Wauwatosa, WI Esther L. Bell, TN Pamela Brand, Carlisle, PA Sarah Bushong-Weeks, Denver. CO Julie Church, Pagosa Springs, CO Mary & William Church, Pagosa Springs, CO Luella DeBono, Eden Prairie, MN Beverly Foster, St. Augustine, FL Nancy Gillespie, Pullman, WA Cristine Holt, Dubuque, IA Jane Howlett, Pocatello, ID Marjorie Lacy & Walking Horse News, Edson, Alberta Sue De Laurentis, Dripping Springs, TX Bobbie Jo Lieberman Dianne Little, Calgary, Alberta Debbie Locke, Mack, CO Ann Loveless, Ashtabula, OH Patricia Mayer, East Aurora, NY Maggie MacAllister, Staunton, VA Janelle T. McCoy, Prague, OK Frank Neal, Nashville, TN Lori Northrup, Ellicottville, NY Anne Northrup, Ellicottville, NY Shellie Pacovsky, Bainville, MT Denise Parsons Anita Rau, Catlett, VA Debbie Rash, Chino, CA Southern Comfort Gaited Horse Club, ID Bucky & Nancy Sparks, Cortez, CO Marcy Wadington, Canon City, CO Leslie Weiler, Pagosa Springs, CO Laura Wyant, Chesire, OR An Anonymous Donor Yankee Walkers of New England 40 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023

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Please consider adding FOSH to your list of worthy causes in making a taxfree charitable deduction or help us to promote legislation, education, and training that protects and helps gaited horses, simply by renewing your own membership or giving a gift membership to a kindred spirit.

We know you have many choices when it comes to giving. Thank you for considering FOSH.

FOSH Membership Application and Order Form All annual memberships include a digital, bi-monthly issue of the Sound Advocate & educational packets. Mail to: FOSH 6614 Clayton Rd. #105, St. Louis, MO 63117 Type of Membership (check one) Annual: Single ___$30 Annual Family ___$50 Annual Youth <18 ___$20 Lifetime__$600 Organization Membership (for your gaited horse club or association) ___ $50 Please print neatly.

Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________State: ____________

Zip: ______________

Phone: _______________________________________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________________________________________ Breed (s)_____________________________________________________________________ Additional donations ___ $20 ___ $30 ___ $40 ___ $50 ___ Other $__________ Total Enclosed: $____________________ How did you hear about FOSH? ___________________________________________________ 42 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023