At a recent Board of Directors meeting, the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Board emphasized its commitment to the aggressive enforcement of its rules regarding the inhumane treatment of horses. Specifically, Rule 97 of the NSBA bylaws states that no person shall treat any horse in a cruel or inhumane manner. The rule further states that every horse at an NSBA-approved event shall, at all times, be treated humanely and with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Abuse is defined as an action, or failure to act, which a reasonable, prudent person, informed and experienced in the customs, accepted training techniques and exhibition procedures, or veterinary standards would determine to be cruel, abusive, inhumane, or detrimental to the horse’s health. The rule lists some examples of conduct that the NSBA considers abusive, including tying a horse in a manner as to cause undue discomfort or distress in a stall, trailer, or when longeing or riding and intentional inhumane treatment which results in bleeding