The implementation of the 2024 Horse Protection Act (HPA) Amendments has been postponed until February 1, 2026, extending the previous deadline of April 2, 2025. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is currently inviting public comments on this delay and the proposed rules, which could impose significant burdens on the equine industry, particularly affecting American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) members.
AQHA is advocating for a reconsideration of the amendments, emphasizing that they should focus on specific breeds and disciplines where gait-altering practices are prevalent, rather than applying broadly to all horse shows. The organization argues that the new rules could lead to excessive regulatory burdens, including costly requirements for event reporting and hiring inspectors, which could discourage participation in horse shows.
AQHA also stresses the importance of clear communication and guidance from APHIS regarding the new regulations, recommending that any enforcement align with the original intent of the HPA, specifically targeting intentional soring. They urge stakeholders to submit personalized comments by the May 20, 2025 deadline to ensure that the real-world impacts of these rules are considered.
