Copyright WHR 2007

By Christy Howard Parsons

USDA Veterinary Medical Officers (VMOs) pulled into Asheville, North Carolina, yesterday to inspect horses at the Land O Sky Horse Show. Sources at the horse show indicate that between 10 and 15 violations were noted and information taken for federal cases by the VMOs, many scar rule violations. Average class sizes of 10 or more dropped to 2-3 once investigators began turning down horses.

The Land O Sky Horse Show is affiliated with the Kentucky Horse Industry Organization, who has not yet signed the 2007-2009 Horse Protection Operating Plan with the USDA. The National Horse Show Commission signed the 2007-2009 Operating Plan yesterday. See the related story HIOS Receive Operating Plan to read the transmittal letter which accompanied the amended plan.