The American Horse Council (AHC) opposes the Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed new child labor regulations applicable to agriculture. The proposed rule, if adopted, would place new limitations on the ability of young people to work for pay on farms or ranches not owned solely by their parents and would effectively bar workers under 16 from working in most capacities in agriculture, especially around livestock, such as horses.

"The safety of young workers is important, but these proposed rules are so broad they would keep most young people from working on horse farms and ranches at all," said AHC President Jay Hickey. "For over 70 years Congress has explicitly allowed young people to work in agricultural because of its unique and family nature. We believe, as written, this proposed rule is contrary to Congressional intent."

In comments submitted to the DOL the AHC focused on the parts of the proposed rule that it believes are overly broad, such as prohibitions on workers under 16 herding livestock on horseback or foot in confined spaces and engaging in most common animal husbandry practices.

The AHC also highlighted the special role young people play in the horse community and raised concerns regarding new limitations on the parental exemption that could impact family farms and ranches. The complete AHC comments can be found on the AHC’s website