November 10, 2014: Constituents of Il-14 petition Congressman Randy Hultgren to co-sponsor The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R. 1518, an amendment to the existing Horse Protection Act of 1970. This amendment will help stop the abuse suffered by some Walking, Racking, and Spotted Saddle horses. Ending soring will greatly improve Illinois' equine industry, bolstering the state and national economy via increased participation and spectatorship at shows, breeding and training opportunities, and markets for goods.

Soring is a technique routinely used by some trainers to exaggerate the natural stride of these horses by covering their lower legs with caustic substances such as mustard oil and kerosene and then wrapping them in plastic wrap to cook the chemicals into the flesh. When ridden, chains are attached to the horses’ legs so they strike the tender area with every step. These horses are forced to wear tall, heavy shoes that create an unnatural angle and add height and weight to further amplify their gait. Using a variety of methods collectively known as pressure shoeing, pain is also created in the hoof by grinding the sole down until it bleeds and concealing hard or sharp objects between the hoof and shoe.

This bill, which is sponsored by Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and whose partner bill in the Senate is co-sponsored by both Illinois Senators Kirk and Durbin, was initiated by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Horse Council to address the detrimental impact soring has on the equine industry. It is fully supported by the All American Walking Horse Alliance, the Illinois Walking Horse Association, the World Walking Horse Association, the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, and many others.

I believe soring is unacceptable and is destroying a viable industry. The manufactured image of sored horses has gained negative attention worldwide, and the equine market is suffering as a consequence.

I urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 1518 today, and to vote in favor of this legislation this year.