April 15, 2026

Dear Management of Horse Shows, Exhibitions, Sales, and Auctions (Management), Horse Industry Organizations and Associations (HIOs), and Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs):

At the start of this year, I committed to strengthening USDA’s engagement with you and enhancing our oversight of the DQP program. I want to thank you for the meaningful engagement we have had since then. Over the past few months, my team and I have met with trainers, show managers, exhibitors, and HIO leadership. We also trained alongside DQPs, hosted an open house, and attended six early spring horse shows.

During our discussions, you raised questions about the inspection process, the scar rule, and equipment requirements. While we addressed these questions in person, I want everyone to have access to the same information. Along with this letter, we have included answers to your Frequently Asked Questions and copies of the Event Management and DQP Evaluation Forms that USDA personnel will use throughout this show season.

Across all these interactions, one theme has stood out: you want the practice of soring horses to end and for horsemen and horsewomen who carefully breed and patiently train their horses to have a fair chance at competing in horse shows. This shared goal is the benchmark for our progress.

Below are actions each one of you can take to move us closer to our goal this show season. These steps build on what many of you are already doing well and provide a roadmap for continued improvement across the industry.

 Management – Many of you have fostered a culture of integrity at your events – one in which fairness matters and anyone looking for unscrupulous wins knows to go elsewhere. Establishing and maintaining this culture depends on ensuring that DQPs can perform their duties without influence or interference. This means no one, including event staff, should approach DQPs during their tour of duty to discuss specific horses or inspections. When DQPs are allowed to work without influence or interference, they can carefully inspect horses and help you meet your responsibilities under the HPA.

 DQPs – During our joint training session, you demonstrated the ability to conduct careful and thorough inspections of horses to assess compliance with the HPA. Your task now is to bring that same level of consistency to every inspection. Consider using the DQP Evaluation Form as a self-assessment tool to help you track your strengths and identify areas of growth. When questions arise, reach out to your HIO leadership or my team at horseprotection@usda.gov. We are invested in your success and ready to support you.

 HIOs – Now that your DQPs have completed their annual training requirements, this is the time to monitor and evaluate their performance. You should see the same level of the thoroughness of DQP inspections whether USDA is present or not. If one of your DQPs fails to follow required procedures or standards, the Horse Protection regulations require that you issue a written warning, then cancel their license after a second violation. This accountability process ensures that DQPs are held to consistent expectations and are provided with a chance to improve. We are here to help. For supplemental training opportunities for your DQPs, please contact us at horseprotection@usda.gov.

As we continue this work together, your feedback remains vital. If you have suggestions for improvement, please reach out to me at Bernadette.R.Juarez@usda.gov. Thank you for your partnership, your leadership, and your commitment to ensuring a successful show season grounded in fairness, integrity, and shared responsibility.

Sincerely,

Bernadette Juarez
Deputy Administrator
Animal Care