1) What is Soring? Soring is a cruel and inhumane practice used to accentuate a horse’s gait. Soring can be accomplished through the use of certain substances, devices, and/or practices that when applied to a horse’s limb can cause physical pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness when walking, trotting, or otherwise moving. A horse that has been sored will pick up its feet higher and faster, creating a highly animated gait that is desired in specific breed classes, such as those of Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses. 
2) Is it illegal? Yes. Horse soring is illegal in the United States, and it is prohibited under the Horse Protection Act of 1970.
3) Does it still happen? Yes, we regularly rescue horses broken down by the Big Lick, as it causes permanent damage to the horses it is inflicted on, and you can easily see the current list of disqualified person who were found guilty of soring and disqualified from showing here.
4) How can I help?  Your support is greatly appreciated, financial support helps us rescue, shelter and protect horses from the Big Lick industry, and investigate the abuse and cruelty.  Sharing the information about the Big Lick and combating the industry insiders who spam social media with praise of the Big Lick is also a very strong way to help in a big way.