http://forthetnwalkinghorse.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-you-can-help-get-your-letters-out.html

VICKI: one lady asked you what she could do on the ground about local shows… if people know of a show that will feature padded walkers, call and/or email the below contacts at the USDA. The below are dedicated and helpful, and will also answer questions, so even if you have nothing to report, you can call them for updates or information. They may be able to provide a presence at the show, one that will really oversee inspections of the horse.

Dr. Rachel Cezar

Head of HPA

301-734-5784

rachel.cezar@aphis.usda.gov

Dr. Chester A. Gipson

Deputy Administrator of Animal Care

301-734-4980

chester.a.gipson@usda.aphis.gov

If anyone is going to be participating and/or viewing a Tennessee Walking Horse Show…please write the above information down and take with you to the show.  If you see any abuse going on…please call and report the abuse!

http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/horse/mcconnell_twh_invest_report.pdf

I would like to personally thank “Pepsi” for withdrawing their sponsorship to the most well known top rated Tennessee Walker Horse Show…”Celebration”.

Last night, ABC Nightline did run their report.  It was very hard to watch!  Here is a video from the Humane Society of the United States.  I know it will be very hard to watch BUT I feel people need to know how these horses are being treated.  If you can’t make it through the whole video…please click on the box in the upper left hand corner…it will take you to the steps to where everyone can help stop this abuse.  Please help these wonderful horses…

I just wanted to let everyone know that during the ABC Nightline segment on this issue that Pepsi has withdrawn their sponsorship to the most well known and top rated TWH show called “Celebration”. This show is where the World Grand Championship horse title is won.  This means the horse that wins this title is worth millions.

Vicki: Thank you for helping spread the word. I haven’t seen either of these yet, of course, but word is that it may rise to the level of that which will do more than just raise awareness: make the general public, horse owners, and those in charge of enforcement of the Horse Protecton Act ready to do something about it, finally.

I realize there can be abuse in any breed, but to my mind, none other is subjected to this type abuse. The TWH is often started at 18-20 months and the “training” consists of the intentional infliction of pain through soring and the muscular/mechancial discomfort from driving pads and the often-used headsetting devices. They are punishing violently for reacting to pain of any sort. I hope everyone will try to watch the Wednesday ABC broadcasts.

Those who want to see the undercover footage to be released on Thursday should see it, if they desire, but know that it contains images that will stay with most horsemen and women forever, so view with caution. 60 Minutes did a segment in the late 80′s or early 90′s that I thought would help put an end to this—let’s hope that in 2012 we can all agree that we do not allow abuse of our walking horses and end it.

ABC News with Diane Sawyer is airing the follow up report to the investigation on this trainer.  Here is the information that Robyn sent me and I wanted to pass it on to everyone as I feel it is very important to helping the future of the Tennessee Walkers.

From Robyn:  This Wednesday evening, May 16, Diane Sawyer is airing an expose on soring of the Tennessee Walking Horse on the ABC World News, which will be
followed later that evening on Nightline by a full report by ABC News’ Chief Investigative Reporter, Brian Ross. 

Then, on Thursday, the HSUS will release videos taken by their undercover agent, who worked in the barn of one prominent trainer. The videos, which include footage of horses being beaten because they are unable to stand up from the pain in their front legs, will shock the consciousness of all animal lovers and will hopefully help to end these practices forever.

Here is the group photo…I am going through a lot of great photos to make my slideshow of the workshop.  Please check back to view the slideshow!

"Building Confidence" Workshop (May 12, 2012)

"Sassie" displaying her emotions about the workshop...this is a good feeling!

Robyn and "Slim" playing tug-of-war with the umbrella!

The most important issue that we all might not never know…is if the horse had experienced severe trauma of some type.  I have been around many horses in my career…some I have known the trauma the horse had experienced…others, I did not have any history.  I have been researching Equine PTSD and I believe horses can suffer horrifying trauma just like humans do…….remember how strong a horse’s memory is…so why wouldn’t anyone believe in the possibility of Equine PTSD!

I found this article about two Tennessee Walking horses…http://epicfarms.com/Equine_PTSD.php.  Here is another link regarding PTSD in Arabians…

http://www.wiwfarm.com/Post_Traumatic_Stress.htm

After reading this information – you might think twice the next time you feel your horse acts in a negative way for no reason at all………I always feel horses do things for a reason.  We might not always understand why but this information might give you a better insight as to possibly why!!!