20230915-CDP-APHIS-0178
Jennifer Harrison, Animal Care Inspector, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), Horse Protection, uses her camera to document a horse inspection and record evidence for possible civil court during the Kentucky Celebration competition in Harrodsburg, KY, Sept. 15, 2023. APHIS works with certified Horse Industry Organizations (HIO) and licensed Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) to help ensure the effective identification of sored horses, that proper penalties are imposed, and that the goal of eliminating the practice of soring is achieved. Soring is used to accentuate a horse’s gait. It is accomplished by irritating or blistering a horse’s forelegs with chemical irritants (such as mustard oil) or mechanical devices. Walking horses are known for possessing a naturally smooth gait, but in order to be more successful in competitions their gait will often be exaggerated. APHIS officials also monitor as many unaffiliated horse shows (i.e., horse shows that do not hire licensed DQPs) as time and resources allow. APHIS monitors HIO compliance by reviewing show management, HIO, and DQP reports that are filed with the agency, and by conducting audits of records maintained by the certified DQP programs. APHIS Veterinary Medical Officers (VMO) also attend selected shows and sales to evaluate HIOs' inspection procedures and the performance of individual DQPs. (USDA photo by Christophe Paul)
20230915-CDP-APHIS-0178
Jennifer Harrison, Animal Care Inspector, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), Horse Protection, uses her camera to document a horse inspection and record evidence for possible civil court during the Kentucky Celebration competition in Harrodsburg, KY, Sept. 15, 2023. APHIS works with certified Horse Industry Organizations (HIO) and licensed Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) to help ensure the effective identification of sored horses, that proper penalties are imposed, and that the goal of eliminating the practice of soring is achieved. Soring is used to accentuate a horse’s gait. It is accomplished by irritating or blistering a horse’s forelegs with chemical irritants (such as mustard oil) or mechanical devices. Walking horses are known for possessing a naturally smooth gait, but in order to be more successful in competitions their gait will often be exaggerated. APHIS officials also monitor as many unaffiliated horse shows (i.e., horse shows that do not hire licensed DQPs) as time and resources allow. APHIS monitors HIO compliance by reviewing show management, HIO, and DQP reports that are filed with the agency, and by conducting audits of records maintained by the certified DQP programs. APHIS Veterinary Medical Officers (VMO) also attend selected shows and sales to evaluate HIOs' inspection procedures and the performance of individual DQPs. (USDA photo by Christophe Paul)