Soring and the Flat Shod Horse Neal Valk, DVM, DACVS My background, East Tennessee, Racking vs Walking horses

Flat shod initially attempted to distance itself from padded and stigma of soring

Most recent press relates to PAST act and attempt to illegalize pads, chains as a means of hiding soring

Flat shod competitors eventually began to emulate the padded performance horse in order to win

One difference: Padded horse package gives place to hide mechanical means of soring

Inflammation is the Key All techniques of soring rely on the induction of inflammation to cause pain

Topical agents ubiquitous; kerosene, others Topical agents ubiquitous; kerosene, others. Can be detected by technology when available

Not all topical agents are industrial strength

Mechanical means used also. Bolts….

“Blocking” by using plastic pad material applied to bottom of feet to induce sole pain

“Spiking”. Can be detected by radiographs, fluoroscopy, or thorough clinical exam, if available

Pathology, either naturally occurring or induced, can be used as a performance enhancer. Difficult to prove intent.

Pull package, half golf ball rolls out, you can establish intent.

Need to objectively measure clinical parameters in order to police soring in flat shod horses