Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez outlines 2026 enforcement priorities and industry collaboration

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently hosted an open house to discuss enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA), with Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez providing updates on enforcement priorities and procedures for 2026.

Juarez emphasized that the HPA serves two primary purposes: eliminating the practice of soring and ensuring fair competition within the industry. Over the past several days, the USDA conducted training sessions with Veterinary Medical Officers (VMOs) and Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) to align inspection protocols and expectations.

A central goal of the training was to ensure consistent enforcement whether USDA personnel are present overseeing inspections or when enforcement is carried out solely by DQPs. Under the 2026 framework, VMOs will primarily observe and evaluate the performance of DQPs, ensuring that horses are assessed properly and that inspections are conducted thoroughly and consistently.

The USDA also stressed the importance of monitoring warm-up areas. DQPs will be expected to closely oversee these areas to prevent prohibited practices or equipment from being used prior to showing.

Juarez highlighted the agency’s commitment to transparency and improved communication between VMOs and DQPs. The USDA hopes to establish a system of two-way communication that allows feedback and collaboration to improve inspection performance across the industry.

To support that effort, the USDA will introduce a standardized evaluation form for DQP performance. VMOs will complete the form at each show and review the evaluation with the DQP both before and after the event. The completed evaluation will be provided to the DQP and forwarded to the Horse Industry Organization (HIO) with which the DQP is affiliated. HIOs will also be able to use the evaluation form to conduct their own self-assessments at events where the USDA is not present.

If concerns arise regarding a DQP’s performance, the USDA will first address the issue through discussion with both the DQP and the affiliated HIO. If problems persist, a second discussion will take place. Continued deficiencies could result in a formal letter of warning, and ultimately the USDA may pursue cancellation of the DQP’s license if necessary.

Several procedural changes were also outlined for the 2026 show season. Many of these changes were due to a 2025 court order enjoining the USDA from enforcing certain policies, procedures and regulatory provisions. Horses found in violation will be disqualified only from the class in which they are entered, rather than from the entire event, just as was the case at the 2025 Celebration and all fall shows.

Additionally, the USDA and HIOs will no longer enforce the Scar Rule. However, the agency expressed hope that the Walking Horse industry will take a leadership role in maintaining strong welfare standards and ensuring that the quality of horses’ conditions does not decline with the removal of the rule.

Under the updated process, the USDA will not refer horses to show management for disqualification. Disqualifications will occur only when a violation is cited by the DQP.

The USDA also indicated that it does not anticipate conducting pre-show inspections of horses in 2026. However, VMOs plan to call back second- and third-place horses for inspection following classes. These inspections are intended to help USDA personnel maintain sharp inspection techniques.

Juarez noted that trainers play a key role in eliminating soring within the industry, but that their efforts must be supported by DQPs performing their responsibilities effectively. She stressed the importance of maintaining a consistent standard for inspections across the entire industry.

The USDA has also partnered with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to conduct blood testing at shows in 2026. The testing will gather data related to the potential sedation of horses prior to inspection and will be conducted under the USEF’s 2026 Equine Drugs and Medications Guidelines. The USDA plans to share the results with HIOs and the public.

In addition, the USDA will conduct swabbing of horses’ pasterns to determine whether foreign substances are being applied. These tests, along with the blood tests, will be used solely to gather data in 2026 and will not result in enforcement actions during the year.

The USDA is also introducing an evaluation form for show management. The purpose is to ensure that show management provides DQPs with the independence necessary to perform their duties without influence or interference. The evaluation is intended as another tool to promote consistency and accountability across the industry.

Juarez encouraged industry participants to work together to support the dual goals of the Horse Protection Act. While some may view recent changes as a step back in enforcement, she noted that other horse breeds are continuing to strengthen their welfare standards and the Walking Horse industry must do the same.

Efforts to create consistent enforcement and judging standards within the industry have been attempted five times since the passing of the HPA, but have not yet succeeded, she said, reinforcing the need for renewed cooperation.  Juarez reiterated the USDA stands ready to assist should the industry attempt coming together a sixth time.

Finally, the USDA confirmed that post-show inflammation will remain a violation. However, new protocols have been introduced through the recent DQP training. Under the 2026 regulations, inspectors must examine the hind limbs, and a violation for post-show inflammation will only be called if inflammation is present bilaterally in both hind limbs.

The USDA hopes that continued collaboration between regulators and industry participants will strengthen compliance and advance the welfare of the horse while maintaining fairness in competition.