The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) voted today to recommend revised regulations designed to protect non-race breeds participating in a breeders’ incentive fund.
 
Under the new rules, no one who violates the federal Horse Protection Act would receive an incentive payment from the Kentucky Horse Breeders’ Incentive Fund. The fund provides payments to encourage breeders to stable their horses in Kentucky.
 
The Horse Protection Act is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Violations of the act include the practice of “soring,” in which show horses are deliberately injured to compel them to step higher.

The revised regulations would require the 11 association breeds to certify that none of its members has been cited for violation of the Horse Protection Act. Any member showing up on a list of violators would be ineligible for funds.

“With this action, the KHRC has again demonstrated its commitment to the humane treatment of horses,” said Lisa Underwood, KHRC executive director. “The commission clearly recognized that soring is an inhumane practice that should not be tolerated or rewarded.”
  
The Kentucky Horse Breeders’ Incentive Fund will be accepting applications for the next three-year period from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008. Kentucky affiliates can visit khrc.ky.gov to print an application or by calling 888-KYBreds