[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR11.21]

[Page 138-139]
 
                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
 
  CHAPTER I--ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 11_HORSE PROTECTION REGULATIONS--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 11.21  Inspection procedures for designated qualified persons 
(DQP's).

    (a)(1) During the preshow inspection, the DQP shall direct the 
custodian of the horse to walk and turn the horse in a manner that 
allows the DQP to determine whether the horse exhibits signs of 
soreness. The DQP shall determine whether the horse moves in a free and 
easy manner and is free of any signs of soreness.
    (2) The DQP shall digitally palpate the front limbs of the horse 
from knee to hoof, with particular emphasis on the pasterns and 
fetlocks. The DQP shall examine the posterior surface of the pastern by 
picking up the foot and examining the posterior (flexor) surface. The 
DQP shall apply digital pressure to the pocket (sulcus), including the 
bulbs of the heel, and continue the palpation to the medial and lateral 
surfaces of the pastern, being careful to observe for responses to pain 
in the horse. While continuing to hold onto the pastern, the DQP shall 
extend the foot and leg of the horse to examine the front (extensor) 
surfaces, including the coronary band. The DQP may examine the rear 
limbs of all horses inspected after showing, and may examine the rear 
limbs of any horse examined preshow or on the showgrounds when he deems 
it necessary, except that the DQP shall examine the rear limbs of all 
horses exhibiting lesions on, or unusual movement of, the rear legs. 
While carrying out the procedures set forth in this paragraph, the DQP 
shall also inspect the horse to determine whether the provisions of 
Sec. 11.3 of this part are being complied with, and particularly 
whether there is any evidence of inflammation, edema, or proliferating 
granuloma tissue.
    (3) The DQP shall observe and inspect all horses for compliance with 
the provisions set forth in Sec. 11.2(a) through Sec. 11.2(c) of this 
part. All action devices, pads, and other equipment shall be observed 
and/or examined to assure that they are in compliance with the 
regulations. All such equipment on horses examined postshow, and on 
horses examined preshow that are not clearly in compliance, shall be 
weighed and/or measured.
    (4) The DQP shall instruct the custodian of the horse to control it 
by holding the reins approximately 18 inches from the bit shank. The DQP 
shall not be required to examine a horse if it is presented in a manner 
that might cause the horse not to react to a DQP's examination, or if 
whips, cigarette smoke, or other actions or paraphernalia are used to 
distract a horse during examination. All such incidents shall be 
reported to the show management and the DQP licensing organization.
    (b) The DQP shall inspect horses no more than three classes ahead of 
the time the inspected horses are to be shown, except that, in shows 
with

[[Page 139]]

fewer than 150 horses, the DQP shall inspect horses no more than 2 
classes ahead of the time the inspected horses are to be shown. 
Inspected horses shall be held in a designated area that is under 
observation by the DQP or APHIS representative. Horses shall not be 
permitted to leave the designated area before showing. Only the horse, 
the rider, the groom, the trainer, the DQP(s) and APHIS representatives 
shall be allowed in the designated area.
    (c) The DQP may carry out additional inspection procedures as he 
deems necessary to determine whether the horse is sore.
    (d) The certified DQP organization shall assess appropriate 
penalties for violations, as set forth in the rule book of the certified 
program under which the DQP is licensed, or as set forth by the 
Department, and shall report all violations, in accordance with Sec. 
11.20(b)(3) of this part.

[55 FR 41993, Oct. 17, 1990; as amended at 56 FR 13750, Apr. 4, 1991; 57 
FR 62175, Dec. 30, 1992]