In May 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published new Horse Protection Act (HPA) rules, which will be implemented and enforced in February 2025.  The new rules have expanded the scope of the HPA far beyond its original intent when it was voted into law in 1970.

In plain words, the new language amounts to an egregious overreach. The new language impacts the personal privacy of US Citizens involved in the horse industry, every breed of horse, and every sector, from youth events like 4H and FFA competitions to small community horse shows, rodeos, barrel races, and large association events that occur annually on the national level.