The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has delayed the implementation of the final rule under the Horse Protection Act until February 1, 2026, due to a legal challenge and the need to reassess its strategy. A federal court ruling found that parts of the 2024 Horse Protection final rule exceeded APHIS’s authority and failed to provide due process, vacating specific provisions related to Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses. The remaining rule changes, including transitioning to Horse Protection Inspectors and expanded reporting requirements, require more time for APHIS to retrain inspectors and clarify compliance expectations.

The Horse Protection Act, originally passed in the 1970s to prevent soring in horses, has been revised to extend regulations beyond its original scope, impacting all breeds, disciplines, and events. The new regulations include increased oversight at equine events, requiring organizers to notify the USDA in advance, report violations, and have USDA-approved inspectors on-site. The rules also expand liability to owners, trainers, haulers, and event sponsors, with stricter recordkeeping requirements.

Critics of the revised rules argue that they impose excessive burdens on equine events, particularly small organizations like 4-H, and may discourage participation. Some opponents believe the changes are influenced by animal rights groups, while others question whether increased government oversight is necessary for the actions of a small subset of competitors. Supporters believe the updated rules will improve horse welfare by preventing soring, but the broader equine industry will be closely watching how enforcement unfolds and whether unintended consequences arise.