This video shows young children, ages 6 – 11,  piloting 1,000 – 1,200 pound “Big Lick” Tennessee Walking Horses at full running walk.

This took place at the North Carolina Championship Horse Show held at the Western NC Ag Center on October 7, 2016

The majority of the children are wearing NO PROTECTIVE HEAD GEAR.  

And there is no requirement that they must wear protective helmets.  

Two weeks ago a veteran lady rider at this same “Big Lick” horse show barely avoided death when her “Big Lick” mare – “Hello Bombshell” - reared straight up in the air.  The seasoned exhibitor was thrown off,  apparently fracturing her tailbone.    It was all captured on a video made by a dedicated brave CCABLAC animal welfare advocate.  

https://www.facebook.com/BillyGoBoy/videos/969052939884469/

What if something like this happens to a child, ages 6 – 11, and lifelong disability or death results?

Regarding “Hello Bombshell”,  Former University of Tennessee Vet College Dean Dr. Michael Blackwell viewed the NC video,   and said the horse is “obviously uneasy and appears to be in pain”.    According to MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University) Horse Science Professor Equine Vet Dr. John Haffner,  “The ‘Big Lick’ is a business built on the suffering and pain of horses”.  Dr. Haffner says it is a “pain induced gait”,  and without pain,  the “Big Lick” cannot be taught or maintained.

The parents of several of children,  ages 6 – 11,  in the NC class are members of the Walking Horse Trainers Association,  and the Walking Horse Trainers Auxiliary (Wives of Horse Trainers).    

Why aren’t their children wearing protective head gear?

The Tunica Fall Classic is owned by the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will take place on Nov. 3 – 5, 2016,  at the Tunica County (Mississippi) Arena and Exposition Center.

On Friday,  Nov. 4, 2016,  Class 27 at the Tunica Fall Classic will feature “Amateur Youth Riders,  11 Years & Under On (“Big Lick”) Mares and Geldings”.    Other breed disciplines,  i.e.,  American Quarter Horse requires all youth exhibitors to wear protective helmets.  

Will Celebration Board of Directors member Mr. Jeffrey Howard; and Celebration CEO Mr. Mike Inman make sure those young children are protected from possible serious injury?

Will Tunica Arena and Exposition Center Executive Director Mr. Steve Sosebee insist that the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration require protective head gear for ALL participants in the 6 – 11 year old class?

People all over America and the World need to let the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration,  and the Tunica Arena  & Exposition Center know that protective head gear should be required for all youth exhibitors,  ages 6 – 11.    

And for that matter,  all riders 18 years and younger.

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“WE, The People”                                                                                            CCABLAC (Citizens Campaign Against "Big Lick" Animal Cruelty)