CHATTANOOGA (AP) — A Shelbyville man who pleaded guilty to being part of a horse soring conspiracy is the first of four defendants going before a Chattanooga federal judge for sentencing.

Records show Paul Blackburn was part of a horse boarding and training operation that involved cruelty violations such as placing bolts in the animals' hoofs, injecting chemicals and applying irritants to accentuate their gait for horse shows.

Blackburn in a deal with prosecutors pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor that carries a maximum possible penalty of one year in prison. He and the three co-defendants are charged with violations related to the federal Horse Protection Act.

Sentencing hearings for Barney Davis and Jeffery Bradford, both of Lewisburg, and Christen Altman of Shelbyville are set Feb. 13.

All but Davis are free on bonds.