Two bills reintroduced to Congress aim to end the suffering of horses: one would ban soring techniques used to force horses into an exaggerated gait for shows, and the other would outlaw horse slaughter in the U.S. and the export of American horses for slaughter abroad. The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act specifically targets the cruel practice of soring, which involves inflicting severe pain on horses’ legs and hooves to achieve the desired gait.

Soring has been a persistent issue in the show horse industry for over 50 years, with trainers using caustic chemicals, heavy chains, and other painful methods to create the “Big Lick” gait. This cruelty not only occurs in the show ring but also in the training barn, where horses suffer daily and are unable to engage in natural behaviors. The PAST Act would ban devices integral to soring, end industry self-policing, and increase penalties for violators.

Support for these bills is crucial in ending the cruel practices inflicted on horses for show purposes and slaughter. By advocating for the PAST Act and the ban on horse slaughter, individuals can help protect horses from unnecessary suffering and ensure their well-being is prioritized in the industry.