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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Not all topical agents are industrial strength

9. Mechanical means used also. Bolts….

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

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

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

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

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