Since its inception, the SHOW HIO has placed a premium on the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). In order to ensure consistency in its inspection, Co-Compliance Coordinators Dr. Steve Mullins and Dr. John Bennett have spent the last five weeks with Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) on proper enforcement of the HPA as well as personally attending shows across the walking horse industry.
Due to recent events at SHOW affiliated horse shows, SHOW officials will be reviewing the videos of inspection to ensure proper enforcement of the HPA by USDA Veterinary Medical Officers (VMO). The recent activities of certain VMO’s have caused great concern within the industry and SHOW will review those activities and act accordingly through the proper channels. SHOW is committed to the fair and consistent enforcement of the HPA but will also ensure its entries are treated fairly and within the boundaries of the HPA.
SHOW remains committed to its objectives of Sound Horses, Honest Judging, Objective Inspections and Winning Fairly. Details of the SHOW evaluation will be made available to the public as they happen.