The Tack Room: Perspectives on Equine Law, Business and Policy

Rodeo has grown from what was once seen by many as a niche hobby to being one of the most dynamic and fastest-evolving sports in the U.S. Holland & Knight Equine Industry Team Leader Kayla Pragid welcomes tax-exempt organizations attorney and avid Western rider Nykolas McKissic alongside Stretch Roping Dummies Co-Founder Denton Edwards on this episode of "The Tack Room" to break down how rodeo works, why team roping has become a popular gateway into the sport and what is fueling its rapid growth. Mr. McKissic and Mr. Edwards cite high-stakes jackpots, major events across the country, social media buzz and smarter training tools as reasons for rodeo's ascent, as well as talk about their own involvement in the sport. Along the way, they explore the realities behind the glamour, including safety, accessibility, business innovation and the legal issues shaping the future of rodeo, offering an insightful look at a world where tradition, competition and opportunity are evolving faster than ever.

Keeping one of America's oldest – and most decorated – sports alive in a fast-changing day and age is no easy task. It requires vision, leadership and stakeholder input to modernize the industry and ensure future growth. Partners Kayla Pragid and William Shepherd welcome Tom Rooney, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), on this episode of "The Tack Room" to unpack how thoroughbred racing is transforming amid larger cultural shifts. Mr. Rooney shares his personal roots in the sport, then lays out the NTRA's mission and the industry's biggest pressure points: creating uniform safety standards nationwide through the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, using emerging technology to prevent breakdowns before they happen and reshaping wagering so racing can live alongside mainstream sports betting. This conversation also looks beyond the finish line with the emphasis of global competition, rise of influencer-driven fan engagement, and growing focus on aftercare and veteran therapy programs. Through describing what the NTRA and other organizations are doing now, Mr. Rooney offers a clear road map for horseracing's next chapter.

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.

On the third episode of "The Tack Room," Partner Kayla Pragid speaks with Senior Counsel Terry Middlebrook and nationally recognized equine and sports portrait artist Kyle Lucks about the meeting point between creativity and the copyright world of equine art. Mr. Lucks shares his journey from painting professional athletes in St. Louis to becoming captivated by the equestrian scene in South Florida, explaining how he balances commissioned and noncommissioned work, his "Frankensteining" method of combining multiple photographs into a single original image and his innovative series painting horses over Hermès silk scarves. Ms. Middlebrook offers a practical legal road map for visual artists, clarifying when and how they can use reference photos, the difference between copyright and trademark, what rights artists retain in commissioned works, why written agreements and proper recordkeeping are essential, and how registration strengthens enforcement. Together, they provide artists, collectors and equine enthusiasts with real-world guidance on creating, commissioning and protecting equine art in the age of social media, luxury brands and evolving intellectual property law.

On the second episode of "The Tack Room," Partner Louis Rouleau joins Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), for a candid conversation about the push to standardize safety and integrity across U.S. thoroughbred racing. Mr. Rouleau and Ms. Lazarus talk about her prior leadership roles at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and National Football League (NFL) before moving on to explore HISA's racetrack safety and anti-doping programs, its partnership with the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), measurable progress in reducing equine fatalities and why consistent national rules matter for horse welfare, jockey safety and public trust. They also unpack the high-profile constitutional challenges facing HISA, how its Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversight and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)-style model fit into U.S. regulatory frameworks, and what it will take to secure the sport's long-term viability so future discussions focus on excellence on the track instead of safety concerns.

On the first episode of "The Tack Room," Partner Kayla Pragid, founder and chair of Holland & Knight's Equine Industry Team, joins Public Affairs Advisor Tori Deal for a conversation with Holland & Knight-sponsored rider Kara Lindenberger and Lindsay Barrack, who owns and works as a trainer at Mahan Farm. Along with covering the path to an equine career, the hosts trace Ms. Lindenberger's journey from 4-H and "backyard" riding to eventing, including transforming a difficult mustang into a pony safe for children and setting sights on the American Eventing Championships with her young mare, Stella.​ Ms. Barrack discusses building a barn business from the ground up, mentorship and the power of asking questions. Together, they unpack training philosophies, day-to-day routines and confidence-building strategies that help riders progress thoughtfully, providing a way to turn passion, persistence and smart planning into real results.