Common Questions Addressed to KWHA-HIO

Question: When a HPA violation is written what parties receive a suspension?

Answer: When a violation is written by a DQP at a show the following names are documented on the Violation Report: 1. The Trainer’s name; 2. The Owner(s)’ name; 3. The Exhibitor’s name. 4. The Horse’s name. HPA violations that carry a suspension include pressure shoeing, bilateral (often referred to as a two-foot sore violation) sore, unilateral (frequently referred to as a one-foot violation) sore, scar violation, and postshow foreign substance and postshow equipment violations. Preshow foreign substance and preshow equipment violations are definitely violations but they only result in DQ (dis-qualified) from Class. If the violation carries a suspension and if the violation is of a preshow nature then the given suspension is charged to the TRAINER and to the OWNER, assuming that the trainer and the owner are different individuals. Obviously, if the trainer and the owner are the same individual then only one party will receive the suspension. If the violation carries a suspension and if the violation is of a postshow nature then the said suspension is levied to the TRAINER, to the OWNER, and to the EXHIBITOR. For a scar violation the "2003 Amended Scar Rule Penalty Provisions" state that a suspension will be imposed on the horse.

Question: What can a person on suspension do at a horse show?

Answer: Any person on suspension "MAY ONLY BE A SPECTATOR AT HORSE SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS, SALES OR AUCTIONS."

Question: If the horse is suspended with a scar violation then does that means that other horses owned by a suspended owner may be eligible to show.

Answer: No! Just remember that a person on suspension may ONLY participate as a spectator; therefore, he cannot participate as a owner with other horses even though they may not have cited with a violation.

Question: What measures may be exerted to avoid receiving a violation?

Answer: You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the scar rule and to discuss your individual horse with your respective trainer. USDA has developed a brochure entitled "Understanding the Scar Rule" and DQPs have a copy of this pamphlet. As you prepare a horse for inspection PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL! Before presenting a horse for inspection, check for various aspects relating to shoeing. (If you are an owner then encourage your trainer to always check out the shoeing.) For the flatshod divisions make sure you understand the different shoe sizes for the lite-shod, the plantation pleasure, and the country pleasure classes. If you are preparing a padded entry for inspection then be mindful of the following specific prohibitions:

If hoof bands are used then make certain that the bands are placed at least ½ inch from the coronary band and check to make sure that the bands are tight.

Should you ever have any doubt as to the weight of action devices and straps/fasteners then always check them on the scales at the inspection station. You are strongly encouraged to always check the weight of any newly purchased action devices or whenever you change straps. Remember six (6) ounces is the limit! (Also remember when you place action devices on a horse tighten the devices whereby they will never touch the coronary band for low chains are viewed as an equipment violation.) If you are required to report for post show inspection then do not allow any individual to remove the action devices prior to receiving DQP permission.

Don’t forget that foreign substances are not allowed on horses! (Should you use any cleansing agent to clean your action devices before going to the show then make absolutely sure that no residue remains on the chains or rollers or straps/fasteners.

While speaking of substances the following definition of sore under the HPA as paraphrased from Section 2 of the Horse Protection Act states:

"A horse is described as being "sore" when one or more of the following conditions have been met: 1. An irritating or blistering agent has been applied, internally or externally, to any limb of the horse, 2. Any burn, cut, or laceration has been inflicted by a person on any limb of a horse, 3. Any tack, nail, screw, or chemical agent has been injected or used on any limb of a horse, 4. Any other substance or devices has been used on any limb of a horse, or a person has engaged in a practice involving a horse, that can cause or can reasonably be expected to cause that horse suffering, physical pain or distress, inflammation, or lameness when walking, trotting, or otherwise moving. The term does not include any therapeutic treatment or practice performed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian." Violations for "sore" are classed as either unilateral or bilateral and a bilateral ticket carries an eight-month suspension for the first offense.

Don’t forget to always have your horse DQP-inspected before entering the ring and be sure to report immediately to the DQP for any requested post show inspection.

Attention to detail cannot be overly emphasized! How easy it is to forget some aspect of double-checking when you are in a hurry!