by Christy Howard Parsons
Copyright WHR 2007
David Finger, Acting DQP Director of the National Horse Show Commission, outlined the penalties that will be imposed by the NHSC for violations of the Horse Protection Act. The general membership of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association voted unanimously not to sign the proposed 2007-2009 Operating Plan. Last season, the NHSC imposed penalties in accordance with the 2004-2006 Operating Plan which was in effect at the time. In the absence of a current plan, the NHSC is charged with enforcing the Horse Protection Act, and has the latitude to determine their own penalties.
NHSC/HPA Violations
First Offense
Second Offense
Third Offense
Fourth & Subsequent Offense
Pressure Shoeing
Five (5) years
Life
Bilateral Sore[1]
Eight (8) months
Two (2) years
Five (5 years)
Life
Unacceptable Unilateral[2]
Pilot program 2007
Unacceptable Scar Rule[3]
Pilot program 2007
Suspension Violations
Six (6) months for each occurrence
Foreign substance - Pre Show
Disqualification from Class unless corrected. Must be re-inspected.
Foreign Substance – Post Show
Two (2) weeks for each occurrence.
Equipment Violations – Pre Show
Disqualification from Class unless corrected. Must be re-inspected.
Equipment Violations – Post Show
Two (2) weeks for each occurrence
Unruly/Fractious Horse
Disqualification from Class (non-correctable)
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[1] Probationary periods will remain as outlined in the 2004-2006 Operating Plan for Bilateral sore. Exception: Pressure Shoeing will have no probation.
[2] The 2007 Pilot program for Unacceptable Unilateral violations will be in effect for one year. If not renewed, the Unilateral Sore penalties will revert to the 2004-2006 Operating Plan. The Pilot Program penalty will require the DQP’s to disqualify any horse in violation from showing, exhibition, sale or auction.
[3] The 2007 Pilot program for Unacceptable Scar Rule violations will be in effect for one year. If not renewed, the Scar Rule penalties will revert to the 2004-2006 Operating Plan. The Pilot Program penalty will require the DQP’s to disqualify any horse in violation from showing, exhibition, sale or auction.