Columbus, OH – The United States Trotting Association on Wednesday (Oct. 4) revoked the membership and USTA licenses of horseman Dale P. Hiteman, effective that day.

Mr. Hiteman was fined and suspended earlier by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission for “an act of cruelty to a horse.” As stated in its Oct. 4 ruling, the Association finds that “this brutal conduct is evidence of a lack of general fitness and your (Hiteman’s) participation in harness racing is not consistent with the best interest of the sport as specified in bylaw §1.04(a)(1).

USTA Article 1, §4 states that “membership may be revoked for any member whose experience, character, or general fitness are such that the participation of such person in harness racing will not be consistent with the best interest of the sport and whose membership would be detrimental, reflect adversely or unfavorably on harness racing.”

The USTA deplores and will not tolerate the cruel or inhumane treatment of any horse. Under Article VII of the USTA bylaws, Mr. Hiteman has the right to appeal his penalty.