The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has submitted comments in response to the proposed amendments to the regulations that implement the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Horse Protection Act.
The comments commend the USDA in its efforts to strengthen the regulations and further protect horses from the practice of soring and explain that USEF seeks to partner with the USDA in the eradication of soring in equestrian sport. The response 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 currently serves as the National Governing Body of equestrian sport in the United States, and the organization has developed a strong history of governance through its Licensed Officials, Equine Drugs and Medications program, and Hearing process.
Both the USDA and the Humane Society of the United States have publically commended the USEF in their leadership of the industry in the protection and enforcement of horse welfare, and, 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.
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.