2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

49 E. Notice of Hearing: The HIO must advise the HP Coordinator at least seven (7) days in advance of any DQP disciplinary proceeding or HPA violation hearing. F. Suspensions: The HIO responsibilities regarding suspensions are covered in Section 5 below. Section 2. The DQP Program A. Administrative Responsibilities: The President of the MFTHBA is the legally authorized HIO official and has final responsibility for the DQP Program. The Board of Directors has responsibility for approving the MFTHBA Handbook containing the approved Articles of incorporation, Bylaws, and Rules under which the MFTHBA, its Affiliates and membership function and are held accountable. The MFTHBA DQP Coordinator and the MFTHBA DQP Program Administrator have the day-to-day responsibility of DQP Program operations. Under provisions of the Horse Protection Operating Plan 2007-2009, each HIO is directed to develop and enforce regulatory conflict of interest standards of conduct for HIO officers. Individuals may not serve on an HIO board while on suspension under the provisions of this plan. Individuals are prohibited from serving on an HIO board at any time if they have been found to have violated the pressure shoeing rule as set forth in Article VIII, Section D of this plan. The MFTHBA Board of Directors, which includes all officers and directors, is an HIO board as herein referenced. B. DQP Assignments to Shows: If show management wishes to use the services of a MFTHBA DQP, they are to contact the DQP Coordinator for DQP assignment. A DQP is assigned to a show to protect show management from the penalties of the Act and the Regulations, and to ensure that all exhibitors compete under the same and equal conditions. In the event that more than 150 horses are entered, the Regulations require that two (2) DQP’s be employed. C. DQP Remuneration : The fees and expenses associated with the employment of a MFTHBA DQP shall be paid to the mutual agreement between the DQP and show management. These fees shall be due and payable directly to the DQP. The MFTHBA does not demand or receive remuneration for the services of its DQP’s. D. DQP Coordinator: The DQP Coordinator is appointed by the Board of Directors and must be an MFTHBA licensed DQP and a member in good standing. If the management of a show or event wishes to use an MFTHBA DQP, that management must contact the DQP Coordinator for assignment of a DQP. The following are the responsibilities of the DQP Coordinator: 1. Knowledge: The DQP Coordinator must be familiar with the Act, the Regulations, the Plan and the MFTHBA rules related to the Horse Protection Act. The DQP Coordinator must attend annual HPA training conducted by APHIS prior to MFTHBA DQP annual training. The DQP Coordinator must also keep an open line of communication with the HP Coordinator in order to keep abreast of the latest developments in HPA enforcement, and to have input to future Operating Plans. 2. Event Notices: The DQP Coordinator is responsible for providing notice to the HP Coordinator and the DQP Program Administrator of event schedules at least thirty (30) days in advance, if available. The notice should contain the name of the event, the city and state location, and the name and contact information for the show manager. 3. DQP Assignments: The DQP Coordinator is responsible for assigning DQP’s to shows and events where the management of such shows or events has contacted him/her for a DQP. Every effort must be made to provide every DQP in good standing with at least one (1) assignment in each show season. Notice of such assignment must be made to the HP Coordinator and DQP Program Administrator within at least seven (7) days of the show or event. 4. Annual DQP Certification Training: The DQP Coordinator is responsible for scheduling the annual DQP certification training session and coordinating the schedule with the DQP Program Administrator. The DQP Coordinator may include APHIS personnel as part of the training staff. The training shall cover all subjects and training time length required by the Act, the Regulations and the Plan. The DQP Coordinator, along with the DQP Program Administrator, shall develop written tests for DQP certification. 5. DQP Evaluations and Performance: The DQP Coordinator is responsible for evaluating DQP performance annually. Unsatisfactory DQP performance is covered in Section 2 E below.