AQHA is working to prevent the implementation of new Horse Protection Act rules, which would require reporting events to the USDA and hiring Horse Protection Inspectors. The implementation of the new rules has been delayed until Feb. 1, 2026, and a comment period is open 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.
The Horse Protection Act prohibits sored horses from participating in events and transportation to or from these events. Soring is a cruel practice used to enhance a horse’s gait, causing pain and distress. Some groups argue that the HPA is government overreach and will impact all breeds of horses, horse shows, and sales. The new rules under the HPA require event organizers to notify USDA, allow access to inspectors, verify horse identities, and submit records to the USDA.
The new rules under the HPA have been delayed until 2026 and will impact all horse events and sales, requiring detailed inspections and paperwork for every horse entering and exiting. Event organizers must comply with various regulations, including providing access to inspectors, verifying horse identities, and submitting records to the USDA. Some groups argue that the new rules expand the scope of the HPA beyond its original intent and will burden horse sale and event producers.
