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.