OBS Implements Additional Control Measures Ahead Of March Under-Tack Show

[Wandering Eyes]

The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company has implemented additional control measures for its under-tack shows in 2026, the company announced Tuesday. In a press release, OBS states the measures “further enhance existing standards that prioritize the well-being of horses and riders.”

Beginning with the under-tack show for the March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training, use of the riding crop will be restricted to where the rider will not be permitted to strike the horse with their hands off the reins before, during or after the breeze.

Also starting this year, all horses will be required to have a veterinary statement stating they are suitable to perform in the under-tack show. Any entries without an affirming statement will be scratched from the sale. This will be in addition to the existing practice of a staff veterinarian monitoring the training leading up to the under-tack show and positioned on track during the under-tack show.

Additionally, OBS states that the new protocols complement safety rules which have already been successfully implemented. The administration times for NSAIDS and corticosteroids were tightened to where neither are allowed to be administered within 48 hours of a horse's under tack performance and no other medication is allowed within 24 hours of an under-tack effort.

Corticosteroids are also not permitted within 24 hours of a horse's sale session. No NSAIDS can be administered after 6 p.m. the day prior to a horse selling. Any overages for these medications will result in a horse being subject to return.

Last year, OBS instituted a gallop only option where sellers can enter their horses with this designation which will be on the catalog page.

The 2026 OBS March Sale will be held March 10-12 with under-tack shows taking place March 4-7.

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