During the hay shortage on the east coast last year, I saw tons of off the track horses coming to various shelters in the area in deplorable condition - Is there any reason why racing is not being governed by the USEF? Hunters, jumpers, dressage, and eventing is...can’t see why Thoroughbred racing isn’t included under the big umbrella of the USEF.
Money. No one is betting on other equine sporting events besides Thoroughbred, Quarter horse or harness racing. It's the states that won't cede to other entities the ability to regulate (or to not regulate in this case) an activity that brings in to the state coffers a tremendous amount of money. It's always about the money.