Understanding the meaning behind the term “Big Lick Horses” is crucial for anyone interested in the world of equestrian sports, particularly gaited horse breeds. This term, often used in the context of Tennessee Walking Horses, carries significant weight and evokes both admiration and controversy.
Overview of “Big Lick Horses”
The term “Big Lick” refers to a specific style of gait exhibited by certain Tennessee Walking Horses. This gait, characterized by an exaggerated, high-stepping movement, is highly sought after in the show ring.
The Appeal of the “Big Lick”
The distinctive “Big Lick” gait is visually striking and often described as smooth and effortless. It has become a hallmark of the breed, attracting many enthusiasts who appreciate its unique aesthetic and performance qualities.
Controversy Surrounding the “Big Lick”
However, the pursuit of the “Big Lick” gait has also sparked considerable controversy. Concerns have been raised about the methods used to achieve this exaggerated movement, with some alleging that practices like soring, which involves inflicting pain on the horse’s hooves, are employed.
Big Lick Horses: Unveiling the Meaning Behind the Controversy
The term “Big Lick” evokes strong emotions in the horse world. It refers to a specific conformation and movement style in Tennessee Walking Horses, characterized by an exaggerated, high-stepping gait. While some admire the dramatic appearance and athleticism of these horses, others decry the practices used to achieve this look, leading to a heated debate about ethics and animal welfare.
Understanding the meaning of “Big Lick” requires delving into the history, breeding, training, and controversies surrounding this distinctive breed.
A History Steeped in Tradition
The Tennessee Walking Horse: A Legacy of Smooth Gaits
The Tennessee Walking Horse, originating in the southeastern United States, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Bred for their exceptional smooth gaits, these horses were prized for their ability to travel long distances comfortably. Their signature running walk, a four-beat gait with a smooth, rolling motion, made them ideal for working farms, plantations, and for leisurely pleasure rides.
The Evolution of the “Big Lick” Style
Over time, the desire for an even more dramatic and showy gait led to the development of the “Big Lick” style. This involved selecting horses with specific conformational traits, such as a long, sloping back, high tail carriage, and a “knee action” that emphasizes the upward movement of the front legs.
The “Big Lick” style gained popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a defining characteristic of the breed in competitive show rings. (See Also: How Much Are Arabian Horses)
Breeding for the Look: Controversy and Debate
The pursuit of the “Big Lick” conformation has sparked controversy due to the practices employed to achieve the desired look. Some breeders and trainers utilize controversial methods, such as soring, to enhance the horses’ knee action and create a more exaggerated gait.
Soring: A Cruel Practice
Soring involves inflicting pain on the horse’s hooves or legs to induce a heightened sensitivity and exaggerated movement. This practice is illegal in most countries, but it continues to be a concern within certain segments of the Tennessee Walking Horse community.
The use of soring is widely condemned by animal welfare organizations and many horse enthusiasts, who argue that it is cruel and detrimental to the horses’ health and well-being.
Training and Showmanship: The Art of the “Big Lick”
While the “Big Lick” style is often associated with controversial practices, it is important to note that not all trainers or exhibitors engage in unethical methods.
Many dedicated professionals strive to achieve the desired gait through proper training and conditioning, focusing on developing the horse’s natural athleticism and movement.
Training Techniques: A Spectrum of Approaches
Training techniques for “Big Lick” horses vary widely. Some trainers emphasize traditional methods, such as ground work and groundwork, to develop the horse’s balance, coordination, and responsiveness. Others incorporate more modern training approaches, utilizing positive reinforcement and biomechanics to optimize the horse’s movement.
It is crucial to distinguish between ethical and unethical training practices.
The Future of the “Big Lick”
The debate surrounding the “Big Lick” style continues to evolve. Animal welfare organizations and concerned individuals are actively working to raise awareness about the issue of soring and to promote ethical training practices. (See Also: Can Horses Sit Like Dogs)
Efforts are underway to implement stricter regulations and enforcement measures to prevent the use of soring and to ensure the well-being of Tennessee Walking Horses.
A Shift Towards Ethical Practices
There is a growing movement within the Tennessee Walking Horse community to embrace ethical training methods and to promote the breed’s natural beauty and athleticism without resorting to harmful practices.
Many breeders and trainers are committed to preserving the integrity of the breed while ensuring the welfare of their horses.
Key Points and Recap
The term “Big Lick” refers to a specific conformation and movement style in Tennessee Walking Horses, characterized by an exaggerated, high-stepping gait.
While admired by some, the pursuit of the “Big Lick” look has been marred by controversy due to the use of soring, a cruel practice that inflicts pain on the horses’ hooves or legs.
Ethical training methods exist, and there is a growing movement within the Tennessee Walking Horse community to promote these practices and ensure the well-being of the horses.
The future of the “Big Lick” style hinges on the continued efforts to eradicate soring and to prioritize the ethical treatment of these magnificent animals. (See Also: Why Do They Put Eye Covers On Horses)
Big Lick Horses: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Big Lick horse?
A Big Lick horse is a type of American Saddlebred horse known for its distinctive high-stepping gait, often referred to as the “Big Lick.” This gait is characterized by exaggerated knee and hock action, giving the impression of a horse “flying” over the ground.
Why is the Big Lick gait so unique?
The Big Lick gait is a result of selective breeding and training practices that emphasize exaggerated movement. Breeders have focused on horses with conformation traits that promote this distinctive action, and trainers use specialized methods to develop and refine the gait.
Is the Big Lick gait natural?
The Big Lick gait is considered a trained gait, meaning it’s not a naturally occurring movement in horses. While some horses may have a natural inclination towards high stepping, the exaggerated action seen in Big Lick horses is primarily a result of training and breeding.
Are Big Lick horses comfortable to ride?
This is a subject of debate. Some riders find the Big Lick gait comfortable and enjoyable, while others find it jarring or difficult to maintain. The comfort level can depend on the individual horse, the rider’s experience, and the specific training methods used.
Are there any health concerns associated with the Big Lick gait?
There have been concerns raised about the potential for health issues in horses that are trained to perform the Big Lick gait. Some experts believe that the exaggerated movement can put stress on joints and tendons, leading to long-term problems. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks.
