Horses: horse shows, competitions, and sales.

Hoover advances a recalibration of California's oversight for horse shows, competitions, and public sales by raising the monetary thresholds that determine when a public equine event falls under the department's regulatory purview.

Under the proposal, Section 24001 would define “Event” and set criteria for subjects of the chapter: for one-day events, the entry fee to enter a single class must exceed $15 and either no other fees are charged or other fees charged exceed $60; the secretary may increase these amounts by regulation, in consultation with the advisory committee appointed under Section 24013.5. The bill preserves existing exclusions, including competitions under the California Horse Racing Board, sales solely of racing stock, parade horse competitions, and timed rodeo-related performances held apart from a horse show. It also maintains definitions for terms such as “event manager,” “public equine event,” and “prohibited substance,” while clarifying related terms like “therapeutic administration” and “exempt medication.”

Implementation hinges on the secretary’s authority to adjust the thresholds by regulation, with input from the advisory committee. The changes also rely on ongoing registration and fee-remittance responsibilities for event managers who organize horse shows and public sales. The bill does not specify enforcement mechanisms or penalties within its text, and it does not establish an operative date. Fiscal considerations are noted as part of the legislative process, with the proposal indicating a potential shift in regulatory scope and workload in light of the higher thresholds, and no new appropriation is included.

The broader governance effect is to recalibrate which events fall under the chapter’s regulatory framework, while keeping a governance pathway for future adjustments through regulation and advisory committee input. The measure reiterates the existing framework for event and participant definitions, ensuring continuity in how events are categorized and how medications, veterinary oversight, and substance rules apply. It also preserves core carve-outs for certain racing and rodeo contexts, maintaining alignment with established regulatory boundaries.