FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — SEPT. 7, 2012 — Rood & Riddle enthusiastically supports the efforts of the AAEP and AVMA to eliminate soring and other intentional methods of inducing pain in the training and performance of Walking Horses.

As recently correctly reported on the Internet Dr. Scott Hopper of the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital was recently in attendance at the 2012 Tennessee Walking Horse Show in Shelbyville, Tennessee as a volunteer observer and consultant. Contrary to Internet reports Dr. Hopper was not paid, did not call a press conference, and did not repeat the examination on all of the horses examined by the USDA inspectors.

Dr. Hopper and the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital enthusiastically support the efforts of the AAEP and the AVMA to eliminate the use of painful means to affect a horse’s gait in training or performance.

Dr. Hopper’s presence is testament to our belief that there is value in the restoration of the horses of the Tennessee Walking Breed to their original, once proud, plantation heritage, and in the reformation of the municipal celebration of Shelbyville, Tennessee to its seventy four year old roots of showing horses in their best light, not in some aberration of their strengths. It is our belief that active veterinary involvement is paramount in bringing about positive change in the care of all breeds of horses for all uses.

About Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital www.roodandriddle.com

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is a full-service equine hospital established in 1986 as a referral center for horses requiring specialized medical and surgical care. Today Rood & Riddle is known and respected throughout the world for innovative and highly skilled treatment of horses. The hospital facility offers a full range of services including surgery, internal medicine, advanced diagnostic imaging, a focused Podiatry Center and specialized Reproductive Center. The practice also provides ambulatory services for emergencies, preventative care, general reproduction, radiography, medical care and treatment of your horse at your farm or stable. Rood and Riddle’s reputation stems from an unwavering commitment to quality, both in the care of horses and in the relationships with clients and community.