SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — The Humane Society of the United States is launching a hotline and reward for people to call in tips about abuse of Tennessee walking horses and the group is advertising the hotline on a billboard outside the breed’s national show in Shelbyville next week.

The Horse Protection Act prevents a form of abuse called soring, a practice of using chemicals and chains to train horses to perform high-stepping gaits for shows and competitions.

The society said in a news release they are offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

The group said their number and the reward are posted on a billboard installed near the venue where the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration starts on Aug. 22