Working as a veterinarian, I have dedicated my life to the care and protection of animals, especially horses. It's heartbreaking to witness the reality of the 'Big Lick' practice, a grotesque method used in Tennessee Walking Horse shows. This includes intentionally inflicting pain on horses to accentuate their gait for entertainment purposes. Such treatment stands against everything I believe as someone who has seen first-hand the emotional and physical stress this imposes on these magnificent animals.

The 'Big Lick' involves forcing horses to walk with an unnatural and exaggerated stepping technique. Trainers resort to cruel practices like soring — applying chemical irritants to the horse’s legs — and the use of chains and weights that cause severe pain and blistering. According to the Humane Society, soring causes chronic pain and suffering, and is estimated to be prevalent among show horses in this discipline.

This is a serious animal welfare issue in the United States. Although the Horse Protection Act of 1970 aimed to end such abuse, loopholes and lax enforcement allow it to continue. It is time to push for stronger protections, more stringent penalties against violators, and close the loopholes that permit this egregious mistreatment of horses.

We need thorough inspections and monitoring of shows by independent, neutral, and trained inspectors. Supporting legislative proposals such as the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act is crucial to stopping these inhumane practices. This Act proposes to eliminate the chains and heavy pads used in performances and establish tougher penalties for offenders.

It's vital for each of us who care about animal welfare to stand up for these defenseless creatures. Join me in asking lawmakers and regulatory bodies to take immediate and definitive action to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for soring and similar abusive practices. Animals deserve our protection, and your voice can make a significant difference.

Please sign this petition to call for an end to the cruelty inflicted on horses in the name of showmanship.