The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is working to prevent the implementation of the new Horse Protection Act (HPA) rules, which would impact AQHA members and events. The USDA/APHIS has delayed the amendments to the final rule until February 1, 2026, and a comment period will open on March 21, 2025, for 60 days for input on the HPA. AQHA is collaborating with industry partners to ensure that breeds and disciplines not engaging in soring horses are not regulated by the HPA.
Soring is a cruel practice used to enhance a horse’s gait, and the HPA prohibits sored horses from participating in shows, exhibitions, sales, or auctions. Some groups, such as Western Justice, argue that the HPA is government overreach and will impact all breeds of horses, horse show events, and horse sales. The new rules under the HPA require event and sale producers to notify USDA’s APHIS 30 days prior to the event, allow access to Horse Protection Inspectors, verify the identity and inspection status of each horse, and submit records to the USDA.
The new rules under the HPA have been delayed until 2026 and will require detailed inspections and paperwork for every horse entering and exiting an arena or sale ring. Event organizers must accommodate various requirements, including providing access to HPIs, verifying horse identities, and submitting records to the USDA. AQHA will continue to work towards a permanent solution to prevent AQHA shows from being regulated by the HPA and will keep members informed of their efforts.
