When Cheaters Prosper: A Look at Abusive Horse Industry Practices on the Horse Show Circuit

Summary: Part I of this Article will discuss abusive training practices in breed industries such as the Tennessee Walking Horse and American Quarter Horse, before briefly examining similar practices in other performance horse industries. Turning to federal efforts to eliminate the abuse, Part II examines the Horse Protection Act of 1970 (“HPA” or “Act”), including its legal history and current administration. Part III considers horse show industry attitudes toward horse treatment, particularly among trainers, owners, and exhibitors. Part IV deals with HPA's inadequate protection of competition horses, while Part V suggests a solution that is further developed in the Proposal section.

Copyright © 2013 by Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law; Kjirsten Sneed. Reprinted with permission.