Function

• The Horse Protection Act prohibits sored horses from participating in competitions, sales or auctions, and it prohibits the transportation of these horses to shows.
  
  

Cause

• Widespread public disapproval about the inhumane nature of soring led to Congress passing the Horse Protection Act, and it led to a later strengthening amendment in 1976.
  
  

Overseers

• Under this Act, Designated Qualified Persons--such as veterinarians or horse trainers--are licensed by a horse organization or association to watch for sored horses. The program is overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture.
  
  

Procedure

• Managers of shows and sales hire Designated Qualified Persons to inspect horses and make sure sored horses are not allowed in the rings.
  
  

Consequences

• If convicted, violators of the Horse Protection Act can be sentenced to up to 2 years in prison and receive penalties up to $5,000. They also may be disqualified for a specified number of years from participating in exhibitions or sales.