Warner (D-VA) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) reintroduced a bill known as the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which adds additional federal regulations on top of the outlawing of the practice.

"Soring" is a technique in which show horse trainers intentionally apply substances or devices to horses’ limbs to make each step painful and force an exaggerated high-stepping gait that is rewarded in show rings.

Federal law already prohibits it as inhumane, but a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Inspector General found that some horse trainers go to great lengths to keep practice alive.

“Horses have been a part of our Commonwealth’s history and culture since the settling of Jamestown, and like all animals, they deserve to be treated with care and compassion,” said Sen. Warner. “The PAST Act will further protect these animals from the cruel practice of inflicting deliberate pain and suffering for show purposes.”