USDA Pushes Back Horse Soring Rules to 2026
Published Date: 3/21/2025
Rule
Summary
The USDA is pushing back new horse protection rules from April 2025 to February 2026 to give everyone more time to get ready. This affects horse owners, trainers, and event organizers who need to follow these updated rules to keep horses safe and sound. They’re also asking for your thoughts on whether this delay should be even longer, so speak up by May 20, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Effective Date Pushed to February 1, 2026
APHIS is further delaying the effective date of the Horse Protection Amendments from April 2, 2025 to February 1, 2026. This means the existing regulatory regime will remain in place through the 2025 show season, except for Sec. 11.19 which was effective June 7, 2024.
New Reporting Rule Requires Advance Notice
The final rule adds Sec. 11.16, which requires management to notify the Administrator at least 30 days before any horse show, exhibition, sale, or auction begins, and to notify the Administrator at least 15 days before any changes. APHIS estimates that thousands of events will be newly subject to these reporting requirements.
DQPs Replaced by APHIS-Authorized HPIs
The final rule removes industry-licensed Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) and requires APHIS-authorized Horse Protection Inspectors (HPIs). Sec. 11.19 (effective June 7, 2024) sets HPI eligibility, screening, and training requirements; any DQPs who wish to inspect after the rule takes effect must apply to APHIS to become HPIs. APHIS identified 67 HPI applicants and trained 17 prospective HPIs but must redevelop and re-train those HPIs after the court's partial vacatur.
Stakeholder Comment Window Through May 20, 2025
APHIS is soliciting comments on whether the postponement to February 1, 2026 should be extended and will consider comments submitted on or before May 20, 2025. Stakeholders may submit supplemental information about HPA authorities, standards, and recordkeeping to inform the decision on the length of postponement.
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