Discontinue accepting funds from the South Carolina Walking Horse Ladies Auxiliary Cancer Benefit Horse Show.
The Issue
The American Cancer Society is the charity recipient for a Cancer Benefit Horse Show sponsored by the South Carolina Walking Horse Ladies Auxiliary to be held April 11, 2015, at T. Ed Garrison Arena, Clemson, South Carolina. According to the class sheet, the Cancer Benefit Horse Show will include Tennessee Walking Horse performance or “Big Lick” classes.
The so called “training methods” used to force the high-stepping Big Lick gait in Tennessee Walking Horses are the cruelest processes imaginable. Using a practice called “soring,” caustic chemicals – such as mustard oil, diesel fuel, and kerosene – are painted on the lower front legs of the horse. The legs are then wrapped in plastic wrap to “cook” the chemicals deep into the horse’s flesh – this makes the horse’s legs extremely painful and sensitive. The horse is fitted with chains that slide up and down the horse’s sore legs – forcing him to produce an exaggerated, high-stepping gait in the show ring. The horses are also forced to wear tall, heavy stacked shoes, which accentuate the artificial gait.
Horse soring is cruel and illegal.
As a citizen of South Carolina, I am embarrassed that the Big Lick is being promoted in the state – no matter how good the cause the Horse Show claims to support.
I have attended horse shows and observed horses of many different breeds and disciplines. While attending a Tennessee Walking Horse Show, I was disturbed by the labored movement and frightened eyes of the horses in the Big Lick classes. It was unlike anything I had seen at other horse shows. After learning of the cruelty I was really watching, I somehow felt betrayed – a trust violated. I attended the show for enjoyment – not to witness the torture of horses.
The American Cancer Society is likely unaware, as I was, of the suffering trainers inflict upon Tennessee Walking Horses to force the Big Lick gait. The American Cancer Society is a great organization that does amazing work to fight cancer and save lives. If called to its attention – I cannot imagine the organization would want to continue accepting funds raised by a horse show tied to such cruel and illegal training practices.
What Can You Do?
SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION! Urge the American Cancer Society to discontinue accepting funds from the South Carolina Walking Horse Ladies Auxiliary Cancer Benefit. Request the organization dissociate itself from the South Carolina Walking Horse Ladies Auxiliary Cancer Benefit and any other charity horse shows promoting the horrific Big Lick classes.
Follow the example of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Batson Children’s Hospital, which will no longer accept funds from the Mississippi Charity Horse Show where Big Lick horses are shown.
The Issue
The American Cancer Society is the charity recipient for a Cancer Benefit Horse Show sponsored by the South Carolina Walking Horse Ladies Auxiliary to be held April 11, 2015, at T. Ed Garrison Arena, Clemson, South Carolina. According to the class sheet, the Cancer Benefit Horse Show will include Tennessee Walking Horse performance or “Big Lick” classes.
The so called “training methods” used to force the high-stepping Big Lick gait in Tennessee Walking Horses are the cruelest processes imaginable. Using a practice called “soring,” caustic chemicals – such as mustard oil, diesel fuel, and kerosene – are painted on the lower front legs of the horse. The legs are then wrapped in plastic wrap to “cook” the chemicals deep into the horse’s flesh – this makes the horse’s legs extremely painful and sensitive. The horse is fitted with chains that slide up and down the horse’s sore legs – forcing him to produce an exaggerated, high-stepping gait in the show ring. The horses are also forced to wear tall, heavy stacked shoes, which accentuate the artificial gait.
Horse soring is cruel and illegal.
As a citizen of South Carolina, I am embarrassed that the Big Lick is being promoted in the state – no matter how good the cause the Horse Show claims to support.
I have attended horse shows and observed horses of many different breeds and disciplines. While attending a Tennessee Walking Horse Show, I was disturbed by the labored movement and frightened eyes of the horses in the Big Lick classes. It was unlike anything I had seen at other horse shows. After learning of the cruelty I was really watching, I somehow felt betrayed – a trust violated. I attended the show for enjoyment – not to witness the torture of horses.
The American Cancer Society is likely unaware, as I was, of the suffering trainers inflict upon Tennessee Walking Horses to force the Big Lick gait. The American Cancer Society is a great organization that does amazing work to fight cancer and save lives. If called to its attention – I cannot imagine the organization would want to continue accepting funds raised by a horse show tied to such cruel and illegal training practices.
What Can You Do?
SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION! Urge the American Cancer Society to discontinue accepting funds from the South Carolina Walking Horse Ladies Auxiliary Cancer Benefit. Request the organization dissociate itself from the South Carolina Walking Horse Ladies Auxiliary Cancer Benefit and any other charity horse shows promoting the horrific Big Lick classes.
Follow the example of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Batson Children’s Hospital, which will no longer accept funds from the Mississippi Charity Horse Show where Big Lick horses are shown.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on March 18, 2015