Queen Elizabeth II recognizes Tennessee horseman for efforts against soring

Natalie Neysa Alund
Nashville Tennessean
Marty Irby

Queen Elizabeth II this month honored a Tennessee horseman and animal advocate for his efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses.

Marty Irby, past president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association and Animal Wellness Action executive director, was awarded a certificate of recognition from the British queen, a patron of Join-Up International, an equestrian non-profit organization.

Irby, a former 8-time world champion equestrian who has worked transition the Tennessee walking horse breed away from its past of soring for 15 years, is being commended for adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives, according to the formal proclamation.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., accompanied by Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., speaks during a news conference ahead of a House vote on a bill that would prevent soring in training Tennessee walking horses July 24, 2019.

Soring is a technique used by some trainers to improve walking horses' naturally high gait. The technique is accomplished by exposing horses to chemicals, putting foreign objects into an horse's hooves or placing heavy chains on horses.

The recognition comes as the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is slated to begin Wednesday in Shelbyville, Tenn.

“Marty Irby is our hero and has paid a huge price in his own life in the interest of being fair to the horses. Along with thousands of supporters, Her Majesty and I strongly recommend the necessary rules and regulations to eliminate violence from this breed and all other competitions involving the horses we love,” Monty Roberts, founder of Join-Up International and former coworker of Irby, released in a statement.

Horse shoes are shown during a news conference, ahead of a House vote on a bill that would prevent Soring in training Tennessee Walking horses on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

According to the Animal Wellness Action, since 2013, Irby has championed the U.S. Senator Joseph D. Tydings Memorial Prevent All Soring Tactics Act that would eliminate the use of large stacked shoes and ankle chains integral to the soring process; increase penalties for violators of the Horse Protection Act; and eliminate the breed’s self-policing system, replacing it with inspectors licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to Her Majesty, and my friend Monty Roberts for their recognition – working to help the voiceless horses we all care so deeply about has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life,” Irby said. “I am certain that we will one day see the end of soring, doping, slaughter, and the use of whips in racing venues around the globe, and I hope that every horse lover will join me, Monty, and Queen Elizabeth, II in helping eradicate all violence and abuse from the equine world.”

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking news in Nashville for USA TODAY NETWORK - TENNESSEE. Reach her at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.