USDA Delays Implementation of Horse Protection Amendments Until December 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced a delay in the implementation of the Horse Protection Amendments final rule, originally scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2026. Due to ongoing legal and legislative developments, the remaining provisions of the rule will now become effective on December 31, 2026.
The final rule, published in May 2024, aimed to strengthen enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) by transitioning oversight from an industry-led inspection model to USDA-authorized Horse Protection Inspectors (HPIs)and expanding restrictions intended to prevent soring, a practice that causes pain to horses to exaggerate gait movement.
However, multiple factors have prompted APHIS to extend the implementation timeline.
In January 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated several major provisions of the rule, including the ban on pads and action devices and changes to the long-standing “scar rule.” Additional litigation filed in June 2025 challenged existing HPA regulations, including policies restricting noncompliant horses from competing in subsequent classes and current scar rule standards. A preliminary injunction issued in August 2025 further complicated enforcement, creating a fragmented regulatory framework.
Congressional action also played a role in the delay. A House Committee Report issued in November 2025, accompanying the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations legislation, directed APHIS to withdraw the 2024 final rule altogether.
“Moving forward with partial implementation while key provisions remain under litigation would result in an unworkable patchwork of rules,” said Bernadette Juarez, APHIS Deputy Administrator. “This delay provides APHIS with the time needed to determine the most effective path forward to end soring while ensuring clarity and regulatory certainty for exhibitors, owners, and event managers.”
As a result of the postponement, horse show managers will not be required to comply with new recordkeeping and reporting requirements that were set to begin in February 2026.
APHIS reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Horse Protection Act and eliminating soring practices. During the delay period, the agency will assess potential regulatory revisions or new rulemaking efforts consistent with court decisions and congressional direction.
For additional information on the Horse Protection Act and current enforcement standards, visit the APHIS website or contact horseprotection@usda.gov.
