Federal Horse Protection Act (HPA) compliance inspectors will be out in force during this year’s Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, said Rachel Cezar, DVM, coordinator for the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Horse Protection Program. The Horse Protection Act forbids soring, the deliberate injury to a horse’s legs to achieve an exaggerated “big lick” gait.

Inspectors examine horses’ feet for scars, and use thermography and radiography to detect soreness and non-compliant shoeing techniques.

“First, second, and third place-winning horses will all be subject to pre- and post-performance inspections,” Cezar said.

Low HPA compliance has plagued the Tennessee Walking Horse industry’s premier event in recent years. In 2006 inspectors temporarily shut down the event after finding high HPA noncompliance and violations of Tennessee’s anti-soring laws. Several top competitors declined to participate, and no World Champion was crowned that year