The Horse Protection Act has stirred concerns among horsemen, with updates slated to take effect next month, including expanding regulations to all breeds, horse events, and 4-H horse activities.
The act, originally passed in the early 1970s, was intended to stop inhumane practices such as soring, which includes painful practices used to enhance the movement of Tennessee Walking Horses. Revisions aim to strengthen rules that discourage soring, but the expansive updates include a requirement for advanced notice for events and government-approved veterinarians on premises during the event.
If the HPA revisions become effective, event organizers will be required to notify the U.S. Department of Agriculture at least 30 days before events and report any violations within five days after the event concludes. They are also required to maintain detailed records and verify the identity of all horses entered.
Inspections will now be conducted by USDA-trained Horse Protection Inspectors, who must be veterinarians or experienced equine professionals. The previous system relying on industry-appointed inspectors will be eliminated.
The revised rules hold not just owners but all participants — trainers, haulers, and event sponsors –accountable for violations. Stricter inspection criteria and expanded liability mean participants must ensure compliance with the new guidelines to avoid penalties.
Many industry professionals and organizations have voiced their concerns about the expanded scope of the HPA. Those opposed to the updates discuss pending challenges for the horse industry, arguing that animal rights groups with ideologies conflicting with horse ownership and use have heavily influenced the act.
The Western Justice League has noted issues such as the overreach and vagueness in the new language, voicing concerns that the act does nothing to improve equine welfare, providing impractical solutions and restrictions during equine veterinary shortages. In addition, WLF says that actions such as applying fly spray, administering therapeutic treatments, or dealing with accidental injuries could potentially be classified as federal violations under the new rules.
Another primary consideration is that the USDA’s decision to eliminate third-party inspection programs may lead to a shortage of qualified inspectors, increasing pressure on the limited number of USDA-trained personnel. Those opposed to the updates argue that changes could affect not only competitive events but also smaller, local gatherings such as 4-H shows.
@coltonwoodshorseman Unpopular Post… Just Facts #hpa #horseprotectionact #horseproblems #horsetraining #horsesoftiktok #horsetok #fyp ♬ original sound – ColtonWoods
Colton Woods, an equine professional, discusses some of those concerns on his TikTok, including concerns centered around the costs associated with having USDA-trained inspectors on site and the actual definition of soring potentially extending to riding a horse.
@doubleeranch Horse Protection Act: why is this even a discussion in the first place? #horse #hpa #usda #aphis #equine #tenesseewalkinghorse #sore #animal #why #agriculture #education #agfacts #doubleeranch ♬ original sound – Emma
Meanwhile, Emma Coffman of Double E Ranch discussed the updates to the proposal. In her reel, Coffman covers how the HPA could potentially help with conflicts of interest in shows, updating tools and strategies used for soring, and penalties for abuse.
The new regulations, set to take effect on February 1, 2025, are expected to significantly affect horse shows, including 4-H events. Their broader implications beyond horse shows remain uncertain and will become clearer over time
