SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A spokesman for the Humane Society of the United States says indictments against a Tennessee Walking Horse trainer and three other men are symptomatic of widespread soring of horses.

Referring to the charge against Jackie McConnell of Collierville, society equine protection director Keith Dane said the trainer has a "chronic history of violating the Horse Protection Act," according to the Shelbyville Times-Gazette.

A telephone message was left for McConnell Wednesday, offering an opportunity for comment.

McConnell, John Mays and Jeff Dockery -- all from Collierville -- and Joseph R. Abernathy of Olive Branch, Miss., were charged last week in a 52-count indictment with conspiring to violate the act.

The horse breed is known for its unique gait and advocates say some trainers abuse the animals to exaggerate it.