Proposed changes to the Horse Protection ACT (HPA) will be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. This will begin the 60-day listening and comment period on the proposed rules. This rule would ban the use of pads and action devices (otherwise commonly referred to as chains) in the show ring by Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses and Spotted Saddle Horses. This proposed rule would also ban the use of bands and limit the weight of shoes.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host five listening sessions where concerned parties (trainers, owners etc.) will be allowed to voice their opinions and concerns on the proposed rule changes. These listening sessions will be held on the following days at the following locations:
Murfreesboro, TN August 9, 2016
Lexington, KY August 10, 2016
Sacramento, CA August 16, 2016
Riverdale, MD September 6, 2016
Virtual Public Hearing September 15, 2016

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