On June 15, 2012, USDA amended regulations to require horse industry organizations that license people to assess minimum penalties for violations of the Horse Protection Act. This move was made to help eliminate the inhumane practice of horse soring, a practice primarily used in the training of Tennessee Walking horses, racking horses, and related breeds to accentuate the horse/s gait.
A Tennessee walking horse
USDA regulations now require horse organization to assess minimum penalties for violations of the HPA in a move to eliminate the inhumane practice of horse soring.
Rebecca Blue, Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs for the USDA, pointed out that "Requiring minimum penalty protocols will ensure that these organizations and their designees remain consistent in their inspection efforts. USDA inspectors cannot be present at every horse show and sale...Our goal, together, is to make horse soring a thing of the past."
This final rule also helps ensure a level playing field for competitors at all horse shows. Shows that declined to issue sufficiently serious penalties in the past to deter soring, thereby attracting more competitors, must now make sure proper inspections and enforcement will take place consistently at all shows. Penalties are increased in severity for repeat offenders to provide additional deterrent effect for people who have already willingly violated the HPA.
The new USDA mandated penalty structure going into effect, today, July 9, 2012:
| Type of offense | First Offense | Second Offense | Third/plus offenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bi-lateral Sore | 1 year | 2 years | 4 years |
| Unilateral Sore | 60 days | 120 days | 1 year |
| Scar Rule | 2 weeks | 60 days | 1 year |
| Foreign Substance Pre-Show | Dismissed from show | ||
| Foreigh Substance Post-Show | 2 weeks and dismissed from show(except heel toe ration--no 2 weeks) | ||
| Shoeing Violation | Dismissed from show | ||
| Unruly/Fractious | Dismissed from class, can return for inspection later in show | ||
| Suspension Violation | 6 Months additional suspension |
In addition the rules state that the rules apply, but are not limited to, the manager, trainer, rider, custodian, or seller, as applicable. In addition, if the owner allowed any activity listed, the owner must be suspended as well.