In this regard, we are also working to mitigate HPA noncompliances USDA and HIOs
documented during the last show season, including those involving equipment prohibitions
in the HPA regulations. To this end, on February 3, USDA and S.H.O.W. HIO partnered to
host the first shoeing clinic open to all owners, trainers, exhibitors, and those who support
them. This event provided USDA and the industry with the opportunity to review the
inspection process in advance of the show season’s start, and engage in open dialogue with
hands on demonstrations for applying HPA regulations. Please ensure you review the
training slides from the clinic and the highlights below as you prepare for the new season:
•
•
•
Scar rule. USDA and DQPs will continue to apply the inspection focus for
assessing compliance with the scar rule. Please note with respect to the anterior and
anterior medial and lateral aspects of the front pastern, our focus will be on
identifying noncompliances involving tissue that is non-pliable, with hard ridges or
nodules with distinct edges even if there is no hair loss in the area. This was a point
of confusion last season because hair loss is part of our focus for assessing
compliance with the posterior aspect of the front pastern. With respect to the
posterior aspect the front pastern, our focus will be on identifying noncompliances
involving tissue that has multiple focal areas of hair loss or generalized hair loss and
that is non-pliable, with hard ridges or nodules with distinct edges.
Coronary (coronet) band. In accordance with the HPA regulations, USDA and
DQPs will assess compliance for metal hoof bands, heel-toe ratio, and the 50
percent rule by measuring from the bottom of coronary band or coronet. USDA
and DQPs will identify the bottom of coronary band by applying pressure with a
finger to identify the location where the hoof wall ends and pliable tissue begins.
USDA and DQPs generally identify the bottom of the coronary band with ease;
however, if it is more complicated to locate (because of excessive cornification, for
example), USDA and DQPs will confer and agree on the location of the bottom of
the coronary band before taking measurements.
Heel-toe ratio. The HPA regulations prohibit a toe length that does not exceed the
height of the heel by 1 inch or more. During the shoeing clinic, there was
considerable discussion about the meaning of “the most lateral aspect of the rear
pastern,” which is the location where USDA and DQPs measure the height of the
heel. Following the clinic, we reviewed the Federal Register Notices associated with
the promulgation of this rule, and found that in April 1978, USDA explained, in
greater detail, the location for taking heel measure: “The heel is measured from the
coronet band, at the most lateral part of the rear pastern, at a 90 degree angle to the
ground, at the rear of the shoe.” Applying this intent, USDA has updated its
diagram for measuring heel-toe ratio, and USDA and DQPs will measure as follows:
o Toe length: measured from the coronet band (arrow “A” in the diagram
below), at the center of the front pastern along the front of the hoof wall,
to the ground.
o Heel height: measured from the coronet band, at the most lateral portion
of the rear pastern, at a 90 degree angle to the ground, at the rear of the
shoe (arrow “B” in the diagram below). The heel measure excludes normal
caulks at the rear of a horseshoe that do not exceed ¾ inch in length. That
portion of caulk at the rear of a horseshoe in excess of ¾ of an inch is
added to the height of the heel. Note: The exclusion of ¾ inch in length
only applies to horseshoes with caulks. If a horseshoe does not have a
caulk (i.e., a rubber bottom horseshoe), the heel is measured from the
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
NWHA National News 41