Amendment to Horse Protection Act Leaves No Room for Horsin’ Around

Jan 21, 2025

The Biden Administration hasn’t been horsin’ around during its last few days in office. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently amended the Horse Protection Act. 

The new rule: APHIS can “screen, train, and authorize qualified persons for appointment by the management of any horse show, horse exhibition, or horse sale or auction to detect and diagnose soring at such events.”

What is “soring?” It’s the practice of using substances, devices and other practices that can cause pain, distress, inflammation, and even lameness. The purpose of “soring” was to accentuate a horse’s gait.

In the past, this applied to mainly Tennesee Walker and Racking horses, but beginning February 1, it will apply to almost all equine activities of all breeds and disciplines.

It’s the law! Sored horses won’t be allowed to participate in shows, exhibitions, sales, or auctions.

Zoom out: The Horse Protection Act was first passed in the early 1970s with the main goal of preventing inhumane practices. This latest update requires advanced notice for events, plus the attendance of government-approved veterinarians during the events. Event organizers must inform the USDA of all events within 30 days and follow up with a list of violations within five days of the event closing.

And this: Not only are owners accountable now, but the rules also apply to all participants, including trainers, haulers, and event sponsors.

If implemented, the new rule amendment will ban anything causing irritation for horses including minor rubs from boots or sore muscles from training. Veterinary oversight would be required for basic therapeutic treatments. ICYMI, there’s a vet shortage, so finding trained help for these events could be a struggle.

Where this goes: The American Quarter Horse Association, the biggest horse-centric organization globally, said it will work with President Trump’s transition team to ensure the new rule does not negatively impact AQHA members.