Horses

Horses have long been a part of the American economy, culture and history. Beginning with Columbus’s journey, horses were a key part of American exploration. In fact, some of the Iberian horses brought in the late 1400’s escaped and became feral. Their relatives are now the mustangs found in western United States. (However, the horse family Equidae and the genus Equus evolved in North America and existed in prehistoric times.)

By 1911, there were more than 23 million horses in the US, according to the Dept. of Agriculture. By the last horse census in 1959, there were only 4.5 million horses. But the number of horses since the 1960’s has grown — not for agricultural or transportation use — but for sport, competition, recreation and companionship. A 2005 study found that there are 9.2 million horses in the US. (Source: USDA)

Proposals in Congress

• HR 4440
  

  Horse Transportation Safety Act

  To prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate transportation in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of one another. — Recently introduced —

• HR 4098
  

  Horse Protection Amendments Act

  (Introduced by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn [R, TN].) To amend the Horse Protection Act to provide increased protection for horses participating in shows, exhibitions, or sales. — Recently introduced —

• S 2193
  

  Horse Protection Amendments Act

  (Introduced by Senator Lamar Alexander [R, TN].) To amend the Horse Protection Act to provide increased protection for horses participating in shows, exhibitions, or sales. — Recently introduced —

• HR 1518
  

  Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act

  (And in the Senate, S 1406.) To end the soring of horses used by some horse trainers in the Tennessee Walking, Spotted Saddle, and Racking Horse shows, according to bill sponsor, Congressman Edward Whitfield [R, KY]

• S 1459
  

  Horse Transportation Safety Act

  To prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate transportation in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of one another.

• HR 126
  

  Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act

  To direct the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement to provide for management of the free-roaming wild horses in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. (Passed by the House; now goes to the Senate for consideration.)

• HR 1094
  

  Banning the Slaughter of Horses for Human Consumption

  To prohibit the sale or transport of equines and equine parts in interstate or foreign commerce for human consumption. (House bill.)

• S 541
  

  Banning the Slaughter of Horses for Human Consumption

  To prevent human health threats posed by the consumption of equines raised in the United States. (Senate bill.)

• HR 998
  

  Equine Tax Parity Act

  Would eliminate a 44-year-old tax provision that discourages investment in the equine industry, according to bill sponsor.

• HR 2212
  

  Race Horse Cost Recovery Act

  Would renew a provision that expired at the end of 2013 and place all racehorses on a three-year depreciation schedule, according to bill sponsors.

• HR 1705
  

  Rehabilitative Therapy Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act

  To provide for certain forms of physical therapy under the TRICARE program, including therapies provided on a horse.

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