The owners of a high-profile Tennessee Walking Horse breeding farm have been suspended from participating in horse shows and other equine-related activities for one year for allegedly violating the Horse Protection Act (HPA).

According to a consent order signed this past February, a USDA complaint alleges that William B. Johnson and Sandra Johnson, owners of Waterfall Farms in Shelbyville, Tenn., and co-owners of a horse named JFK All Over violated the HPA at a "fun show" in Shelbyville.

The HPA prohibits "soring," the deliberate injury of a horse’s feet and legs to achieve a high-stepping so-called "big lick" gait. The USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) enforces the Act. However, the word "soring" does not appear in the consent order.

According to the order, William and Sandra neither admitted nor denied the allegations contained in the complaint, and waived oral hearing and other procedure. Both agreed to terms of the consent order