The world of horses is vast and diverse, with breeds developed for various purposes and possessing unique characteristics. Among these, the Big Lick horse stands out, captivating attention with its distinctive gait and controversial history. Understanding this breed’s origins, characteristics, and the ethical debates surrounding it provides valuable insight into the complexities of animal breeding and performance.
What is the Big Lick Horse?
The Big Lick horse is a specific type of Tennessee Walking Horse known for its exaggerated, high-stepping gait. This gait, often referred to as the “Big Lick,” is achieved through controversial training methods that involve the use of devices like action devices, which are designed to manipulate the horse’s movement.
Origins and History
The Tennessee Walking Horse breed originated in the southeastern United States, developed from colonial horses known for their smooth, four-beat gait. Over time, breeders selectively bred horses with exaggerated gaits, leading to the emergence of the Big Lick style. This style gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s, becoming synonymous with competitive walking horse shows.
What Is the Big Lick Horse?
The Big Lick horse is a distinctive breed known for its exaggerated, high-stepping gait. This unique movement, often described as a “running walk,” has made the Big Lick horse popular in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, particularly in competitive show events. However, the breed’s history and breeding practices have been surrounded by controversy, raising ethical concerns about animal welfare.
History and Origins
The Tennessee Walking Horse, the breed from which the Big Lick horse descends, originated in the southeastern United States in the 18th century. Early Tennessee Walkers were prized for their smooth, four-beat gait, which made them ideal for long journeys and work. Over time, breeders selectively bred horses with exaggerated gaits, leading to the development of the Big Lick style.
The Big Lick Gait
The Big Lick gait is characterized by an extremely high knee action and a rapid, rolling movement. The horse’s front legs extend far forward, almost appearing to touch the ground simultaneously, while the hind legs propel the horse forward with a powerful kick. This exaggerated movement creates a distinctive “rolling” or “running walk” that is visually impressive but can be physically demanding on the horse. (See Also: How Long Do Sea Horses Live)
Breeding Practices and Controversy
The pursuit of the Big Lick gait has led to the use of controversial breeding and training practices. Some breeders have resorted to unethical methods, such as using performance-enhancing drugs and painful “soring” techniques, to enhance the horse’s gait and appearance. Soring involves inflicting pain on the horse’s hooves or legs, causing it to move with an exaggerated gait to compensate for the pain.
Ethical Concerns and Animal Welfare
The use of soring practices has raised serious ethical concerns about animal welfare. Soring is a cruel and inhumane practice that causes significant pain and suffering to horses. It can lead to long-term lameness, joint damage, and other health problems. The practice is illegal in many countries, including the United States, but it continues to be a problem in some segments of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.
Efforts to Address the Issue
There have been ongoing efforts to address the issue of soring and promote ethical breeding practices in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Organizations such as the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ Association (TWHBEA) have implemented stricter rules and regulations to prevent soring and promote the welfare of horses.
The Future of the Big Lick Horse
The future of the Big Lick horse remains uncertain. While some breeders and enthusiasts continue to value the breed’s unique gait, the controversy surrounding soring practices has damaged the reputation of the breed and the industry as a whole. The increasing awareness of animal welfare issues and the growing public pressure to end soring practices may ultimately lead to a shift in breeding priorities and a decline in the popularity of the Big Lick style. (See Also: Are Horses Ok In The Rain)
Summary
The Big Lick horse is a distinctive breed known for its exaggerated gait. While its unique movement has made it popular in competitive show events, the breed’s history is marred by controversial breeding practices, particularly the use of soring techniques. Soring is a cruel and inhumane practice that inflicts pain on horses, leading to ethical concerns about animal welfare. Efforts are underway to address this issue and promote ethical breeding practices, but the future of the Big Lick horse remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Lick Horses
What is the Big Lick?
The Big Lick is a controversial style of gaited horse training that originated in the American Saddlebred breed. It emphasizes extreme exaggerated gaits, particularly the “running walk,” which involves a high-stepping, knee-bending action.
What are the characteristics of a Big Lick horse?
Big Lick horses are typically known for their flashy appearance, with a lot of feathering on their legs and a high-stepping, “proud” carriage. Their gaits are exaggerated and showy, with a lot of knee action and suspension.
Is the Big Lick controversial?
Yes, the Big Lick is highly controversial. Critics argue that the training methods used to achieve the exaggerated gaits can be harsh and painful for the horses, potentially causing joint and back problems.
Are there alternatives to the Big Lick?
Yes, there are alternative training methods that focus on developing natural gaits and promoting horse welfare. These methods emphasize proper conditioning, balanced riding, and positive reinforcement. (See Also: How Fast Are Quarter Horses)
What organizations regulate Big Lick training?
The American Saddlebred breed has its own registry and show rules. However, there is no single organization that universally regulates Big Lick training. Some organizations, like the American Saddlebred Horse Association, have implemented rules to minimize the potential for abuse, but the practice remains debated.
