In a continued effort to streamline sanctioning protocols that more effectively align with the needs of the trotting breed show horse industry, Equine Sports Council has refined their equine welfare policy. This common-sense approach allows for continued use of regular therapies while competing at ESC shows, and at the same time implementing new technologies that reduce the need for Medication Reports up to 50%. Based on data collected in 2024, the average age of horses competing in our sport is 12.5 years old. Our equine partners are often stabled on concrete, and unlike the Olympic and Racing industries, our show horses are judged not only on performance, but also on…

Effective May 1, 2025, ESC is reducing or eliminating withdrawal times for three anti-inflammatory medications: 1) Phenylbutazone (Bute) and 2) flunixin meglumine (Banamine), which may now be given as a one-time treatment up to 6 hours before competing. When using the 6-hour withdrawal regimen, these medications cannot be combined with a multi-day stacking protocol. Horses may not have received any NSAIDs 36 hours prior. This 6-hour withdrawal regimen without multi-day stacking will offer anti-inflammatory management and reduce stress on the gastrointestinal tract for many horses. Agents or veterinarians may still continue to use the traditional 12-hour withdrawals for these medications if they so desire. Medication forms are NOT required when…

The USDA issued a longer pause on the regulatory changes scheduled to take effect February 2, 2024. For the 2025 Show Season there will be NO REGULATORY changes, and no reporting requirements of horse shows or additional inspections. Dr. Aaron Rhyner who attributed riding a horse to the cause of soring has also been reassigned to another position within USDA. Equine Sports Council has been a stakeholder on the American Horse Council Competitions Committee with many other sanctioning and governing bodies participating. A joint letter was recently sent to the USDA Secretary requesting changes to the 2024 USDA Regulatory process. That formal letter is below. Over the past month the…

The Walking Horse Report issued a press release on January 31, 2025 that United States District Court Judge Matthew J. Kacsmary ruled that the USDA’s amendment to the Horse Protection Act scheduled to go into effect February 1, 2025 exceeds their authority and fails to provide due process. According to The Walking Horse Report, Judge Kacsmary ruled: However, the Court found that the provision of the 2024 Rule addressing the abolishment of the DQP (Designated Qualified Person) inspection program did not violate the Regulatory Flexibility Act nor was it deemed arbitrary or capricious. Therefore, the USDA will be permitted to set inspector qualifications and train HPIs (Horse Protection Inspectors) in an effort…

Through an Executive Order by President Trump, the horse industry could be granted a reprieve by USDA/APHIS regarding the Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations scheduled to take effect February 1st. Through this Executive Order, President Trump allows agencies, including USDA, to postpone new rules already published in the Federal Register, and possibly return them to Public Comment for revisions.   It is our hope that due to the pushback by the equine industry and our advocates in Washington, this rule will be sent back to Public Comment.  ESC is monitoring USDA’s response and is working closely with the American Horse Council, our Washington connections, and other equine organizations. The real work…

American Horse Council, President Julie Broadway issues formal request that the USDA delay its implementation of the Horse Protection Act of 2025. In a statement from AHC, “The USDA-APHIS has still not addressed big-picture, fundamental concerns on how the regulation applies to certain disciplines… clarity, accessibility, resources, guidance, and training—all the elements required for a successful implementation of the revised regulation—are lacking in the agency.“ Sign our Letter BelowHouse CommitteeOversight & AccountabilityChairman, James Comer

Link to Federal Register Show Management must disqualify any individuals that are in violation to the USDA Regulations below. Show Management is required to file regulatory reports 30 days before the start of the show, 15 days prior and then 5 days post show. All ESC Sanctioned shows are provided assistance with reporting and records retention management requirements. Pay special attention to toe and heel ratios defined in items 10-13. Any horse with foundered, small heels, low heels or high heels and whose heel is NOT 1 inch shorter than the toe should file an ESC Medical Report. Veterinarians must complete the ESC Medical report. Below is a diagram provided…