Memphis, Tenn. – In a significant development for horse trainers and competitors nationwide, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker has ruled that several core claims brought by Tennessee Walking Horse trainers Josh, Casey, and Michael Wright against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will proceed to the next stage of litigation.

The Wrights, whose horses were disqualified from major competitions between 2022 and 2024, are challenging the USDA’s enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA), arguing that federal rules and policies have been applied in ways that violate due process and exceed statutory authority.

In his August 13 order, Judge Parker allowed some of the Wrights’ most critical claims to move forward, including:

• A due process challenge to the USDA’s lack of any review or appeal process for horse disqualifications 

• As-applied challenges to the USDA’s controversial “Scar Rule” in connection with the Wrights’ recent competition disqualifications.

• A claim that the USDA’s post-show inflammation policy goes beyond the authority granted by Congress under the HPA.

While the court found that certain aspects of the Wrights’ challenges were untimely, it found the Wrights’ recent disputes with USDA enforcement fall squarely within the statute of limitations. The decision also leaves the door open for the court to examine whether USDA’s policies improperly penalize horses for natural, non-soring conditions.