2025 Equine Policy Recap and What to Watch in 2026

On the fourth episode of "The Tack Room," Partners Kayla Pragid, Elizabeth Craddock and Public Affairs Advisor Tori Deal bring insight into the fast-moving state and federal policy issues shaping the equine industry, breaking down what mattered in 2025 and what stakeholders should watch in 2026. This episode highlights how legislation can directly affect racing, animal welfare and day-to-day operations, touching on topics such as decoupling, xylazine regulation and budget reconciliation. Listeners also get a clear look at Florida-specific issues involving land conservation funding, equine-assisted therapy investments and the state's fully funded Best Management Practices (BMPs) cost-share program that can reimburse participants up to 90 percent for qualifying farm upgrades. On the federal side, Ms. Craddock explains the political and procedural realities driving horse-related legislation, including stalled tax provisions for equine assets, the push for a long-term farm bill with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research and veterinary priorities, and emerging concerns around tariffs and USDA workforce reductions that could slow animal health response and import-export processes. This episode was recorded at the end of 2025.