HISTORY OF US EQUINE WELFARE AND LEGISLATION

The history of equine welfare and legislation in the United States is to some extent a reflection of the traditional views and background of its diverse society. In 1641, the Massachusetts Bay Colony drafted a law which forbade cruelty to farm animals including horses. The federa l legislation entitled ''Horse Protection Act'' of 1970 prohibits the use of irritating or blistering agents on the limbs of competitive hor ses. State legislation has been enacted to prohibit the use of medicat ion in sport horses, poling of jumping horses, docking of tails, and t he elimination of some rodeo events in both traditional rodeo and Mexi can-style rodeo. Emerging issues, with the possibility of drafted legi slation, include transportation issues and minimum exercise requiremen ts for confined horses.