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Beginning February 1, 2025, a change to the Horse Protection Act (HPA) will expand the scope to allow USDA-APHIS to inspect horses for intentional soring at all horse shows, exhibitions, and sales. The HPA was originally passed in 1970 to prevent the intentional soring of Tennessee Walking Horses, racking horses and spotted saddle horses.
AQHA is working with the American Horse Council to minimize any probable negative impacts on the equine industry regarding the areas of potential government overreach within the proposed changes to the HPA.
The AQHA Show and Animal Welfare Departments are actively monitoring the information regarding the regulations, and we are committed to gathering correct information and answers regarding the program.
The American Horse Council has requested a delay to the expected implementation on February 1, 2025, in addition to AQHA seeking available options to stop or delay implementation. If this should be implemented as currently planned, an event would need to provide an area for horse testing and review of entry documents.
AQHA is communicating with USDA-APHIS to allow AQHA to report approved shows and is also working to identify what information is necessary for post-show reports.
We will share information regarding details and the process as more becomes known. For accurate information please contact Ward Stutz, AQHA’s Director of Breed Integrity/Animal Welfare/Education at [email protected], or Scott Neuman, AQHA’s Director of Competition at [email protected].
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