I heard several weeks ago that the USDA has added yet another new rule to the HPA that will continue to keep the sore horses out of the ring. Now, if a horse is found in violation of the HPA, then it will not be allowed to show for the entire rest of the show, not just in that one class. Previously, the violation only excused that horse from the single class but they could still show in subsequent classes if not found to be in violation later.
Per the USDA HPA 2010 Points of Emphasis document:
HIOs must dismiss a horse found in violation of HPA from participating in any remaining portion of horse show, horse exhibition, horse sale or auction (rather than just the individual class).
HIO will track horses appropriately so horses cannot enter into another class inspection throughout the show, exhibition, sale, or auction.
DQPs will collect class sheets and entry forms for each show. HIO offices must keep these records for 1 year and make them available for yearly USDA audits to confirm that horses found in violation of the HPA did not participate in any classes and shows.
Yet another great move by the USDA. The harder we make it for these people to let sore horses in the ring, the better chance we have of stopping this.
For all of the additions to the HPA that the USDA has brought in and is now enforcing, check out the USDA HPA 2010 Points of Emphasis file. This link is a pdf file, so it might take a bit to download, but it's definitely worth the read!
Don't forget to keep your letters flowing. Let's get the USDA to remove pads, chains and bands from the show ring so we can start to make FASTER progress on ending this once and for all!
