The Co-Op, a feed and farm store system serving Tennessee, is actively promoting and encouraging a repeated offender of the Horse Protection Act.
Brad Davis has two violations,in 2008 and in 2005, for unilateral soring and equipment violation and a scar rule violation.
When contacted for their position, Alison Morgan of the Tennessee Co-Op stated that "While you may not agree with the training methods illustrated by Brad Davis - and I realize that many people do not agree with them - they are common and accepted practices for those who show walking horses."
So, common means ok, even if it's illegal and cruel?
I encourage you to write to the Tennessee Co-Op and tell them how you feel about their support of this criminal Brad Davis, and his "training" style. Additionally, be sure to inform them whether or not you will be inclined to purchase from them in the future.
Here is a sample letter, see below for contact information:
****
Hello,
It has come to my attention that the Co-op supports not only the padded performance division of the TWHBEA, but actively encourages and promotes individuals that have received Horse Protection Act violations, such as the individual Brad Davis (who received violations in 2005 and 2008). In addition, you have actively defended these illegal activities by promoting someone who received multiple violations.
For that reason, myself and my family will no longer support the Co-op in any manner. We will actively discourage others from supporting you as well. As you would know if you had done the research, the TWHBEA is being actively boycotted and disowned by the large majority of horse owners, most of whom have migrated to other registry organizations, and as such, the TWHBEA has faced severe monetary and public difficulties over the past several years due to their refusal to clean up their act, and ongoing, persistent violations of the HPA by its topmost officers on down. It was even refused a spot at the World Equestrian Games due to its extremely poor compliance with the Horse Protection Act.
Please do not spend the time to send me a form letter as you have others. Just be aware that support of this illegal activity and those who perpetrate it will affect your business. And, a web campaign is being developed as we speak to showcase not only your response to the concerned citizens, but your highlighting, promoting, and defending a known repeat violator of the law.
Regards,
******
You can reach Ms Morgan directly at:
Alison Morgan
Communications Dept. Manager and Editor
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Communications Department
180 Old Nashville Highway, P.O. Box 3003
LaVergne, TN 37086
Phone: 615-793-8418
Fax: 615-287-8859
E-Mail: amorgan@ourcoop.com
Web site: http://www.ourcoop.com/
Testing blog comments!
ReplyDeleteYes, I will be writing my letter. The quote about common and accepted practices made me want to cry. Money is the only voice that will be heard in cases like this. The Walking horse breed is one of the most gentle and tolerant horses around. We had a "plantation" walking horse for my Mom when I was growing up. He made it his business to keep her in the saddle. His name was Jet, and I'm writing this letter to Mrs. Morgan in Jet's memory.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. I hope she is receiving enough letters to at least make some impression.
ReplyDeleteslavery was a common and accepted practice at one time--actually still is in some places in the world--but certainly, that doesn't make it right!
ReplyDeleteI about cried when I saw the cover and article in the "Co-op" publication. I don't see how anyone can think it "normal" or acceptable for a horse to be ridden in such an abnormal posture which must take a toll on the long term soundness and well being of the animal. I think it is grotesque and will be happy to join you in this boycott.
ReplyDeleteI just sent my e-mail to Alison Morgan, expressed my feelings about the article and explained why I was joining this boycott. Lisa, please post this thread on other CL cities in TN (I would do it myself but am "technologically challenged"!).
ReplyDeleteI like the photo caption: Tennessee Farmers Cooperative equine specialist Kim Smith visits with Brad and one of his horses. Kim calls Brad a “shining example of the high caliber of people in the walking horse industry.”
ReplyDeleteHigh caliber people often violate federal law. That's pretty black and white, in and of itself, without bringing up animal cruelty or the horses that die young and suffer needlessly, both while being sored and years afterward.
I'd copy the president of Co-op, and the writers of the article, as well.
He looks like a douche-bag. Sorry dude, get with the program and compete with fairness. You look like an idiot. That is so 'out'. Get with the program and get some real skills that don't entail cruel tactics...cheater.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable! You bet I will write them - in fact I already have. And so will my husband and so will a host of other horse lovers we know.
ReplyDeleteSlavery was also once an "accepted practice" Ms. Morgan - get you head out of your bottom line and join the 21st century!
Let's not let the Dick and Marilee Ewers off the hook. If they are concerned and ethical breeder/ owners why would they choose a known HPA violator as their trainer. Their choice of trainer should be a "red flag" regarding where THEY stand on soring. And it should should be of concern to anyone who supports the sound flat shod horse.
ReplyDeleteAnd I limited "sound" to flat shod TWHs because I know that most of the big lick horses are NOT sound, and 99% of them are sored at some point in the"training" process.
I am appaled that a co-op would feature a known HPA violator in its magazine and on its website. That is like a dog food retailer featuring a story on Michael Vick.
I don't live in Tennessee, but if I did, I would not ever buy from the Co-op until the "good old boys" on the board stopped helping promote horse abuse.
All in the name of winning. This is repulsive. I fired a nice email off to them. Hope they sleep well tonight..
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, there are many stores in TN that support the HPA violators. They sponsor the Celebration every year, as do such large corporations as Pepsi and Ford. A letter to all of these groups would help tremendously. And don't forget your state Senators and Reps.
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like to continue to help end soring, feel free to visit my blog, http://forthetnwalkinghorse.blogspot.com. I also have a Facebook page linked to the blog. We need all the supports we can get to stop this nonesense!
Someone should post this information on the Tennesse Co-op facebook page so thousands more can read it. I'm not from Tennessee but if I was, you can be sure I would boycott as well.As it stands, I am doing everything I can to "get the word out" on all the abuse and torture inflicted on these poor horses.
ReplyDelete