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Some people debate if the 'Racking Horse' is a stand-alone breed, but ts was given that designation by the USDA in 1978, and the breed has its own organization today, called the the Racking Horse Breeders' Association of America (http://www.rackinghorse.com/). The association is headquartered in Decatur, AL and its goal is to preserve the breed in a natural state with little or no artificial devices that enhance gait. The horse's tail is naturally raised without nicking. Some classes allow special shoes that enhance the gait, but chains and other devices are not allowed. (One banned practice is the application of caustic chemicals just above the hoof, known as "soring," so-called because a horse alters its gait due to discomfort or sore feet. This is a federal offense within the United States under the provisions of the Horse Protection Act.)