A total of four sessions of the USDA Certification of the Horse Industry break-out was held. Attendance and diversity of representatives were extremely limited in Murfreesboro and St. Louis with an average of five (5) per session. In Sacramento, the session was attended by over twenty (20) individuals representing a wide variety of interests.

All sessions were very informative and there was an expressed interest and desire to work within the existing regulations to improve the HIO program. The summary reports developed after each session are very similar and address basically the same areas of concern. This consensus is due in part to the fact that several HIO's were represented at each session and made their position known. The Sacramento session, because of the number and diversity of attendees, produced items that will require further discussion by USDA, HIO's and other interested parties.

In the course of the four sessions, several key points were identified under which most recommendations could be placed. The following are offered as a summary: (1) all certified HIO's should be treated as equal regardless of size, as long as they meet established USDA guidelines; (2) the HIO's DQP program must have a designated coordinator who can devote the time required to manage their specific program; (3) all HIO's must have a rulebook that address the Horse Protection Act and related regulations; (4) USDA should establish a HIO review team with responsibility for the certification and audit of all HIO's; (5) regularly scheduled consultations between USDA and HIO's should be held to improve communication.

In conclusion, the sessions were beneficial in establishing dialog between special interest groups and the USDA. Every effort should be made to capsize on the momentum generated by these public meetings to develop a program that will meet the needs and expectations of all concerned.

Areas of Consensus:

1. HIO Certification program must be consistent
2. With every process is used, APHIS must assure that it is transparent, sound and consistent
3. The following minimum standards for HIO Certification were recommended.
a. Comprehensive rulebook
b. Committee to enforce rules & HPA within HIO
c. Veterinary consultant of record
d. DQP Program - Full time coordinator, standardized training & quality control
e. Education program for membership
4. Incentives to those shows that are affiliated
5. Increase inspection by USDA of non-affiliated shows
6. Bullets in strategic plan are examples of specific concerns but not all inclusive
7. Probation period for HIO should be 6 months
8. USDA should cooperate with and support parts of industry that are trying to be a positive force

Areas of Consensus-
1. HIO needs DQP coordinator available during business hours. Full or part-time.
2. HIO rule book should have specific reference to HPA violations; especially as they apply to officers and staff
3. Consistent/Uniform/Equivalent

APHIS should use same standards for certification of all HIOs. HIOs should have consistency within DQP program.

Apprentice (new applicant)

Certified

Probationary (1 mo)

Decertified

An appeal process should be in place at time of implementation

7. Affiliated shows

Non-affiliated of concern - APHIS should increase surveillance of non-affiliated shows and increase efforts to educate show management to the benefits of being affiliated.

Areas of Disagreement-

That the bullets listed as in strategic plan are not all inclusive and should be part of HIO rulebook along with other criteria as listed above.

USDA Certification of the Horse Industry Workgroup
Sacramento, California-August 16, 1996
Submitted by: M.A. Thomas, Jr., Leader; John Coakley, Facilitator; and Scott Price, VMO

Issues and Ranking - Items discussed are listed below in order of discussion and are not ranked.

Areas of Consensus: A certified HIO must have the following:

1. A designated DQP coordinator who is responsible for the program.
2. The ability to understand and enforce the provisions of the Horse Protection Act.
3.An evaluation mechanism for identifying needed improvement areas. Adequate documentation and records.
4. HIO mission statement. Goals & Objectives with action plan & time lines.
5. Formal hearing procedures for violations of the HPA.
6. Published rulebook with bylaws of HIO.
7. Financial statement using GAAP standards.
8. A training and education function.
9.Training time for new DQPs and refresher courses should be based on regulation & standardized objectives. Evaluation including both written & practical should be required.
10. All DQPs should have resumes on file.
11. DQP program should be standardized between HIO's.

Areas of Non-Consensus

1.Impact of violation of HPA on individual status regarding serving as official of HIO.
2. Accountability of judges for enforcement of HPA.

Included in the reviews would be requirement to follow established check list, audit records and evaluate DQP program.

Recommendations - The following are recommendations to APHIS - REAC from
attendees:

1. Treat all HIO's as equals
2. Establish HIO review team.
- To review initial certification (provisional)
- To conduct periodic reviews
3. Establish a conflict resolution/appeal process
4.Hold regular consultations with HIOs to improve communication and resolve problems
5. Suggested certification levels of HIO:

Provisional (new applicant)
Certified
Probationary
Decertified

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