In support of its mission to end the abuse of high-stepping show Tennessee Walking Horses, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) announced its sponsorship of the first National Walking Horse Association Youth Leadership Conference, taking place this week at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Attendees from around the country, ages 11 to 17, will have the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and learn about the horse industry.

“The best way to effect large-scale change in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry is to educate the next generation of leaders about how to be humane stewards of these unique horses,” said Keith Dane, Director of Equine Protection for the HSUS. “We are proud to work with industry leaders like NWHA and to sponsor events that promote the natural beauty and humane treatment of horses.”

The conference includes workshops on developing leadership skills, effective public speaking, horse judging, equine health care and a tour of the Kentucky Horse Park. Pam Rogers, Kentucky State Director for the HSUS, will present information about the HSUS’ equine protection work and its Tennessee Walking Horse investigation and reward program. Attendees will enjoy a special equitation clinic featuring Bold Aggression, the 2006 National Walking Hose Association National Champion.

“The youth are the future of the organization, and we need to reinforce in them the leadership skills they need to protect these wonderful animals,” said Don Vizi, Executive Director of the National Walking Horse Association. “I am thrilled to be able to provide our young leaders with this opportunity to gain the knowledge they need to better appreciate and defend the natural gaits and uniqueness of Tennessee Walking Horses. We are so grateful for the support of the HSUS and our other sponsors and look forward to working together in the future.”

Tennessee Walking Horses, known for their smooth gaits and willing natures, have long been victims of a cruel training practice known as soring. Soring involves the use of various methods which create severe pain in the front legs of the horse and forces an exaggerated, high-stepping “Big Lick” gait.

Soring is so cruel that Congress passed the Horse Protection Act in 1970 with the intent of eliminating soring. However, spotty enforcement of the law and inadequate funding has allowed this illegal practice to continue on a widespread basis. Just last week, the majority of exhibitors at a Walking Horse show in Kentucky withdrew from the competition when United States Department of Agriculture officials arrived to inspect horses for signs of soring.

Many Walking Horse industry shows and organizations reward horses that exhibit this artificial “Big Lick” gait. However, other groups, including the National Walking Horse Association, are committed to promoting the natural movement that the breed was originally intended to perform.