Horse Protection Act Update—May 2025
If you missed our post last week regarding the latest of the Horse Protection Act, please read the APHA press release below and find links for submitting your feedback to the USDA APHIS. Note: USDA is only accepting comments on the delay and not accepting comments on the entire HPA regulation.
Image credit: APHA
Implementation of the 2024 Horse Protection Act Amendments is delayed until February 1, 2026. This is an extension of the original delay that was set to end on April 2, 2025.
The USDA is currently soliciting comments from the public regarding whether that extension is sufficient or if even more time is needed to address issues related to new rules.
Concerns or suggestions for the USDA regarding the delay of the updated regulations must be submitted by May 20, 2025. USDA is only accepting comments on the delay and not accepting comments on the entire HPA regulation.
VIEW THE FULL HORSE PROTECTION ACT AMENDMENTS
Tips for Preparing Comments
Quality of comments is more impactful than quantity. Use the following tips to craft your comment letter and use a courteous, respectful tone:
Include whether you support the current delay time period or request an extension.
APHA recommendation: We firmly support extending the postponement beyond February 1, 2026, especially until listening sessions with industry stakeholders can take place and relay industry concerns and impact to USDA-APHIS. We support rescinding and redrafting the current rule so it applies only to breeds and events where soring is known to occur.
Include background about yourself/organization and how amendments impact you and your horses.
APHA recommendation: APHA is the world’s second-largest equine breed registry, with over 1 million horses and about 40,000 members, most of whom reside in the United States. The vast majority of breeds, including APHA, has no history or incentive to engage in soring, and the USDA’s current approach of applying this rule indiscriminately across all breeds is neither practical nor effective.
Include actions you or your organization currently take to protect the health and welfare of horses at horse shows.
APHA recommendation: APHA is committed to treating all horses and other animals at our events with dignity, respect and compassion at all times. APHA enforces strict rules regarding humane treatment, including penalties, fines and disqualification. Lame (sored) horses may not participate in our events; trained judges officiate all competitions and are obligated to disqualify lame horses and other rule violations from competition.
Include details about other aspects related to the amended rules that you would like to see updated or changed before implementation. This includes issues related to policies/protocols, record keeping and reporting requirements, and other issues specifically related to the language in the rule.
APHA recommendation: The definition of soring must be rewritten to specify intentional actions that inflict physical pain to a horse. Routine physical exercise, accident and use of substances like fly spray and poultice should not fall under application of the Horse Protection Act.
Include additional requests of the agency to better facilitate rule implementation.
APHA recommendation: APHA approves nearly 1,000 shows annually, and requiring federal inspectors at all equine events is neither realistic nor effective. It creates a significant burden on costs shouldered by local affiliates and will likely be passed on to exhibitors. That, in turn, will result in direct and detrimental economic impact, including cancellation of shows and harm to local and national economies. The horse industry plays a vital role in the U.S. economy, directly generating $74 billion in gross domestic product and supporting 1.3 million jobs.
Include anecdotes or other personal experiences to demonstrate why the feedback you’re providing is relative to the issue.
