Rutherford Times

Congressman Scott DesJarlais has reintroduced the Protecting Horses from Soring Act into the 119th Congress. The act, designated as H.R. 1675, mandates that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) collaborate with the Horse Industry Organization to create regulations specific to the industry and ensure inspectors are properly trained.

DesJarlais stated, "For years the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry has been subjected to egregious overburdensome regulations by the federal government. No one understands the unique care these animals require more than their loving owners."

The Congressman emphasized that Tennessee Walking Horses have a distinctive gait and stature, criticizing USDA's current regulations as arbitrary and not aligned with the horses' capabilities. He expressed pride in having a billion-dollar tourism industry centered in his district.

"The annual Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration is something everyone should experience. People come from all over the country to be a part of this historic ceremony and compete against the best in the world," DesJarlais remarked. He noted that families pass down traditions of caring for these horses through generations.