FOSH is the acronym for the Friends of Sound Horses. The organization is incorporated as a public benefit humane and education organization. Its purpose is to provide information to the public about the humane care, treatment and training of gaited horses, with a special emphasis on the Tennessee Walking Horse, and to promote the exhibition of the flat shod and barefoot Walking Horse at competitions designed to showcase the natural gaited pleasure walking horse. FOSH also actively supports versatility events and has its own Versatility Program.

The mission of Friends of Sound Horses, Inc (FOSH) is to promote "sound", naturally gaited horses, with a specific emphasis on Tennessee Walking Horses.

("Sound" means not "sored")

Importance is placed on education about the humane care, training, and treatment of all gaited horses. 

FOSH will only support flat shod or barefoot horses, and will never endorse any event that uses stacks or chains as action devices, nor any mechanical, chemical or artificial means to modify the natural gaits of the horse.


FOSH focuses on three areas for gaited horses:

1. Educating people on the sound training principals.

2. Sanctioning sound shows & events.

3. Working to end soring.