Our News Home Page Our News Archives

USDA Seeks Ban of All Shoes Over 16oz
Thursday, September 22, 2016


The United States Department of Agriculture has published in the Federal Register the extension to the comment period on APHIS' proposed rule.  The proposed rule initially sought a ban on all pads, action devices and hoof bands on Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses and related breeds.  The extension to the comment period of 30 days will allow comments to be made until October 26, 2016.

As part of the extension notice, APHIS posted a clarification on the allowable weight limit of the shoe.  APHIS is now considering limiting shoes to 16oz for all ages of horses, not just those under two-years-old like in the initial rule.

"In our proposed changes to 11.2, we included provisions in proposed paragraph (a)(3) of that section stating that the use of any weight on horses up to 2 years old, except a keg or similar conventional horseshoe is prohibited, as is the use of a horseshoe on horses up to 2 years old that weights more than 16 ounces.  In keeping with the intent of our other proposed changes, we are considering changing proposed paragraph (a)(3) to read, The use of any weight on horses, except a keg or similar conventional horseshoe, is prohibited."

The clarification states the USDA will consider all comments received on this provision.  Click here to read the notice.  Click here to make comments regarding the rule and the new clarification.

More Stories

  • Disposition and versatility on display

    Four winners from the second annual Take A Ride on multi-World Champion Line Item Veto Facebook contest traveled to Midland Equestrian Center for an enjoyable visit and rides on Veto... Read More

  • Live from Money Tree Fall Classic & PC Splash

    ReporTV will be live from the Money Tree Fall Classic on Friday, September 22nd, beginning at 6:00 pm and on Saturday, September 23rd for the PC Splash Classic, beginning at 5:00 pm. Highlights from both shows will be posted the following day. Read More

  • Thomas earns Pleasure Horse Trainer of the Year award

    The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Board of Directors decided to add a well-overdue and deserved category to their list of awards last year. The Pleasure Horse Trainer of the Year is voted on by their peers and must demonstrate positive attitude, dedication, motivation, is a team player, and an ambassador to their breed. Read More

  • Deadline for Fall Stallion Issue

    The annual Walking Horse Report World Champion Sire Summary and Fall Stallion issue will be the October 2, 2017 issue. The advertising deadline for the issue will be Wednesday, September 27, 2017 and the issue will mail on Friday, September 29, 2017. Read More

  • Obituary - Howard Creed

    Howard C. Creed, 83, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away September 19, 2017. He was born July 29, 1934, in Springfield, Missouri, and graduated Sr. High School in 1952. He served in the Army where he learned his lifetime trade of horse shoeing, which he did for 57 years... Read More

  • Maverick fights his way to the top

    He’s had a solid, steadily upward moving career that’s landed him so close more than once. Finally, the nine-year-old stallion — with the help of his tenacious owners, a dedicated trainer, and a supporting staff of many — earned the roses. Read More

  • Obituary - James Robert "Bob" Nelms

    Mr. James Robert “Bob” Nelms, age 67, of College Grove, Tennessee, died Monday, September 18, 2017 at his home in College Grove.  Read More

  • Honors loves all

    A huge crowd met Honors and Larry Edwards at the Celebration Saturday evening, Sept. 2, 2017, at the meet and greet for 2016 WGC Honors in front of the Blue Ribbon Club on the final night of the Celebration. Read More

  • WGC A Gin To Win visits TN State Fair

    Friday, September 15th, Abernathy Stables traveled to the Tennessee State Fair to exhibit current Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion, A Gin To Win. The Tennessee State Fair has been going on for more than 150 years and this year the Fair’s theme is “Tennessee Proud.” Read More

  • Celebration announces host hotel for Tunica Fall Classic

    The Celebration is pleased to announce that they have selected The Gold Strike Resort and Casino to again serve as host hotel for the Tunica Fall Classic, scheduled for November 2-4, 2017.  Read More