As someone who has personally witnessed the heartbreaking abuse of horses at a riding stable in Sevierville, TN, I am deeply committed to making a concrete change to protect these magnificent animals. It is time to hold all riding stables accountable for their practices and ensure the well-being of the horses they rely on.

Horses are intelligent and sensitive creatures that deserve our respect and care. They play an integral role in our society by providing recreational activities such as trail rides and lessons. However, it is disheartening to see how some riding stables prioritize profit over the well-being of these animals.

At the stable where I worked, I observed firsthand how horses were subjected to excessive workloads without adequate breaks or rest. Many of these noble creatures were ridden back to back all day, causing physical and mental exhaustion. This is not only cruel but also detrimental to their overall health.

Furthermore, it was disheartening to see that these hardworking animals did not have access to sufficient water throughout the day. Hydration is crucial for their well-being and should never be compromised.

The tack used on these horses was often ill-fitting, causing discomfort and even injury. It is essential that riding stables prioritize equipping their horses with properly fitting saddles, bridles, and other equipment to prevent unnecessary pain or harm.

Regular veterinary care and farrier visits are vital for maintaining a horse's health. However, at this particular stable, such visits were infrequent or nonexistent. Neglecting proper medical attention puts these animals at risk of developing serious conditions that could have been prevented with timely intervention.

To address these pressing issues and protect our equine companions from further abuse:

1. Limits on Daily Rides: Horses should not be subjected to excessive workloads or forced into back-to-back rides without sufficient rest periods. By setting limits on the number of times each horse can be ridden in a single day, we can prevent exhaustion and reduce the risk of injuries. We demand that all riding stables be required by law to limit the number of times each horse can be ridden in a single day.

2. Adequate Breaks: Just like humans need breaks during their workday, horses also require regular intervals for rest and recuperation. Riding stables should be required to provide appropriate break times between rides so that horses can recover physically and mentally. We urge authorities to enforce mandatory breaks between rides so that horses can rest adequately.

3. Accessible Water Supply: It is essential that every horse has access to clean water throughout their working hours. Dehydration poses serious health risks for these animals; therefore, it is imperative that riding stables have ample water sources readily available at all times. We call for strict regulations mandating access to clean water throughout the day for all working horses.

4. We insist upon regulations ensuring that tack used on horses fits properly and does not cause discomfort or injury to the horses. 

5. We request that riding stables be obligated to schedule regular visits from veterinarians and farriers to ensure the well-being of their horses.

By signing this petition, we are sending a powerful message to legislators, urging them to take immediate action in implementing these necessary standards for all riding stables. By implementing these standards we will not only improve the overall welfare of horses but also set an example for other states to follow. It is our responsibility as a community to protect these animals from unnecessary suffering and ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We are here to speak for the voiceless and the choiceless. Please stand with us behind this mission. 

-The #NoExcuseStopTheAbuse Movement-