Suggested message to supporters:

The high stepping gait or “big lick”, of the Tennessee Walking Horse often comes at a
painful price. Many of these horses suffer excruciating abuses like chemical burning of their
front legs, forcing them to step ever higher. This cruel practice, known as soring, was made
illegal over 40 years ago when Congress passed The Horse Protection Act (HPA).
Unfortunately USDA has not effectively enforced the act, and horses continue to suffer the
pain of soring.

USDA is reviewing a petition submitted by HSUS, ASPCA, AHPA, FOSH and Senator Joseph
Tydings, to end the practice of soring by adopting new regulations and strengthening
enforcement of the HPA. Now, USDA is requesting comments from the public on whether to
put these changes into action.

Please visit this website http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=APHIS-2011-

0006-0001 and summit comments to urge the USDA to protect horses from abuse by
adopting these new regulations. We encourage you to add your own thoughts or comments
about this issue, so the agency knows how important this issue is to you.

Suggested comment to USDA in support of petition:

Horse soring is not only cruel and abusive, it is illegal under the Horse Protection Act, which
was passed by Congress over 40 years ago to protect horses from this painful practice.
Unfortunately, horses continue to suffer agonizing injuries for the sake of a higher step.
Please end the painful soring of Tennessee Walking Horses by using your authority to
strengthen enforcement of the HPA and put a stop to horse soring, and adopting the
regulatory changes outlined in the Petition for Amendments to Regulations under the Horse
Protection Act.