The SHOW HIO received a letter on April 24, 2013 from the USDA regarding the recent request for cross-utilization of Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) from other Horse Industry Organizations (HIO).  In the letter the USDA clarified that it will allow cross-utilization of DQPs specifying that the licensing HIO bears the responsibility for DQP conduct and performance along with record producing and penalty assessment and enforcement for violations documented by the DQP.

The letter goes on to explain that transferring of licenses from one HIO to another is not permitted.  If a new applicant or a currently licensed DQP wants to be licensed at a different HIO they can do so by completing the 14-hour training program and meeting all requirements for licensure provided in the regulations.

Although the letter was addressed to SHOW, it was as a result of the efforts to combine the HIOs under the Performance Show Horse Association (PSHA).  The SHOW HIO will conduct a 14-hour training program on May 18-19, 2013 in Shelbyville, Tenn.  For more information contact the SHOW HIO at www.SHOWHIO.com.