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rubber, sponge rubber, silicone, commercial hoof packing or other substances used
to maintain adequate frog pressure or sole consistency. The HPA also prohibits the
use of pads that are not made of leather, plastic, or a similar pliant material. When
developing the HPA equipment prohibitions in July 1988 and February 1989,
USDA explained that shoeing practices that do not conform to equipment
prohibitions constitute HPA noncompliances (including, for example, the insertion
of a metal horseshoe between the pad and the hoof). With that said, corrective
horse shoeing practices done for therapeutic treatment under the supervision of a
veterinarian may be allowed. If a horse is presented for inspection with corrective
shoeing that is done for therapeutic treatment, USDA and/or the DQP may ask the
custodian for the name of the veterinarian supervising the treatment of the horse.
Tack changes. Beginning this show season, USDA will allow custodians of flat
shod horses to present the horse for USDA or DQP inspection with tack, provided
the stirrups on both western and English saddles are positioned to avoid interfering
with the USDA or DQP inspection. This means that prior to inspection, exhibitors
and custodians must have English stirrups pulled up tight with leathers tucked, and
Western stirrups tied up over the saddle. If USDA or a DQP has concerns or
suspicions regarding the tack on a flat shod horse, they may request that the
custodian remove the tack for inspection.
My most sincere thanks to: The Celebration for providing space for both the joint training
for USDA and DQPs and shoeing clinic; the Walking Horse Trainers Association for
providing horses for hands on exercises at both events; S.H.O.W. HIO for its collaboration
on both events; the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) and Dr. Jim Baum for
their contributions to the joint training; the HIOs and DQPs who participated in the joint
training; the exhibitors, trainers, owners, farriers, and veterinarians who attended the
shoeing clinic; and my HPA team at USDA who worked diligently to support these learning
opportunities and my vision for ending soring and promoting fair competition.
In my last letter to you, I set forth my belief that to achieve the dual purposes of the HPA:
horse owners, exhibitors, trainers, and custodians must present sound horses for inspection;
USDA and HIOs must work together to enforce the HPA through consistent compliance
inspections; Management must disqualify sore horses from participating in HPA-covered
events; and, as Deputy Administrator, I must create an environment that promotes success
in each of these areas. I am incredibly humbled to see progress in each of these areas and
hope this update has been helpful and informative for you. If you have ideas on how we
can improve our communication with you (including this letter), please let me know
([email protected]). We look forward to continuing to work with you
toward achieving our common goals and a solid season of horse shows, exhibitions, sales,
and auctions.
Very truly,
Bernadette Juarez
Deputy Administrator
Animal Care
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
NWHA National News 43