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USEF Submits Comment on USDA’s Proposed Amendments to Horse Protection Regulations

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has submitted a comment in response to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed amendments to the regulations that implement the Horse Protection Act. In its comment, the USEF seeks to partner with the USDA in the eradication of soring in equestrian sport. The USEF commends the USDA in its efforts to strengthen the regulations and further protect horses from the practice of soring. Dedicated to upholding horse welfare, this comment is a part of the USEF’s on-going efforts to modify and implement rules that eliminate cheating, doping, and abuse in the sport.

Under Congressional mandate, the USEF serves as the National Governing Body of equestrian sport in the United States and has developed a strong history of governance through its Licensed Officials, Equine Drugs and Medications program, and Hearing process. As both the USDA and the Humane Society of the United States have publically commended, the USEF leads the industry in the protection and enforcement of horse welfare. Because of this strength in governance, the USEF seeks to retain independence in its effective and successful regulatory oversight of its 29 recognized breeds and disciplines.

In drafting its comment, the USEF worked closely with its Recognized Affiliates and other equine organizations to ensure that the comment protects its membership from unnecessarily duplicative and in some cases, overly broad, regulation by the USDA and USEF at licensed and endorsed competitions. Together, the USEF and USDA can eradicate the horrendous practice of soring in all equestrian sport.

The submission period for public comment on the regulations is open until October 26, 2016. The USEF encourages its membership to submit comments in support of the continued delegation of horse welfare governance to the USEF at its licensed and endorsed competitions.

From the USEF Communications Department

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