"Soring" is an abusive and prohibited practice that involves using chemicals on the pasterns, bulbs of the heel, or coronary band of the horses, causing burning or blistering on the horses' legs in order to accentuate their gaits. It is an extremely cruel practice that no living being should have to endure. Since the "soring" scandal was uncovered at the Tennessee Walking Horse show, the Walking Horse Trainers Association announced they would punish any trainer found "soring" their animals with a two-week suspension and by posting the trainer's name on their website--a minimal punishment at best. Surely, this will not seriously deter any corrupt trainer from hurting their animals. Heart of a Horse is petitioning that the Walking Horse Trainers Association increase the punishment for abusing a horse (including "soring") to a permanent suspension.