The Horse Protection Act (HPA) of 1970 was created to prevent the inhumane practice of soring Tennessee Walking Horses. The act was later expanded to include all equine breeds and events, with new regulations taking effect on February 1, 2025. The HPA prohibits the soring of horses and imposes penalties for violations, with liability extending to trainers and owners who allow sored horses to be entered in events.
The revisions to the HPA effective February 1, 2025, aim to strengthen enforcement against soring and promote humane treatment of horses across all breeds and disciplines. The changes include event management responsibilities, inspection protocols, equipment and substance restrictions, and specific rules for horse owners. The revisions also eliminate the Designated Qualified Person program and expand the definition of soring to encompass a wider range of horse industry practices.
The new regulations will have a significant impact on horse shows, including 4-H events, and extend the HPA’s reach to all horse breeds and events. The USDA is responsible for training and employing inspectors under the revised rules, which may lead to a shortage of qualified inspectors. The revisions aim to improve the welfare of horses and prevent inhumane practices in the equine industry.
