Recently, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Animal Welfare Commission met the at 2023 AQHA Convention in Fort Worth, Texas to discuss animal-welfare related rule changes recommendations.  The Animal Welfare Grievance Committee is made-up of industry professionals, including AQHA judges, AQHA Professional Horsemen, university professors, veterinarians and association professionals.  Several proposed rule changes were submitted to the AQHA Executive Committee, which were approved this April.  The rule changes focus on revisions and updates to penalties, allowing the use of lip chain or “cord” in weanling halter classes, rules relating to the death of a horse at an AQHA-approved event and educational programming for animal welfare.

So what the are new rule changes that are most likely to affect you?

First, the Conformation Alteration Task Force will remain in place and will continue to refine testing protocols and procedures for conformation alteration at the AQHA World Shows.  This task force was created in 2022.  The performance alteration testing program uses thermographic imaging, palpation and neck flexion to determine if a horse’s neck has abnormal characteristics or functionality.  Horses that fail the testing will be disqualified from competing in the finals of a class.  Additionally, finalists will be subject to testing a second time following the conclusion of the class.

Second, the Executive Committee approved implementation of rule changes for inhumane treatment violations.  Some of the changes include revising and updating disciplinary fines and penalties for inhumane treatment.  Owners and exhibitors who have been suspended for inhumane treatment will also be banned from AQHA show grounds.  Additionally, horses that are transferred out of the suspended person’s name cannot be transferred back into their name until the probationary period of the suspension is complete.

AQHA has also approved new rules relating to the death of a horse as a result of an incident at an AQHA approved event.  In the event of a death, AQHA will immediately appoint a three-person panel from the Animal Welfare Grievance Committee to review the incident.  This review will require the horse owner, exhibitor, and/or trainer to cooperate with the investigation, including permitting collection of samples from the horse and providing veterinary records and post-death/necropsy reports.  Failure to cooperate will result in an immediate, temporary suspension.

The rules set forth specific procedures that must be followed in the event of a fatality. “Fatality” includes the natural death or euthanasia of a horse at any time from when the horse arrives at the show grounds until the completion of the event or after the event where the fatal injury or illness is related to the horse’s presence at the AQHA approved event.  This rule also applies when a horse transported to another facility to seek veterinary care and ultimately dies.  Therefore, this rule is not limited to just the death of a horse on the show ground or during the event, but can extend well after the incident.

In the event of the death of a horse, the show manager or steward must be notified within one hour.  Thereafter, AQHA must be notified of the death within 24 hours and provided an explanation for the death.  A veterinarian will be called to collect blood, urine and/or vitreous fluid samples from the horse, which will be sent to AQHA for testing.  In most instances, a necropsy will be required and performed by a veterinarian.  The necropsy report should identify the cause of death as well as any treatment and substances administered to the horse before, during and after death.   Once all medical and treatment records and post-death reports are completed and forwarded to AQHA, the Animal Welfare Grievance Committee will review within 72 hours and determine if further investigation is necessary.  Should the reports indicate that a horse’s death was related to inhumane behavior, then the responsible people (i.e. horse owners, exhibitors, and/or trainers) are likely to be subject disciplinary sanctions.  Importantly, an AQHA member, including those who did not directly participate in inhumane behavior, may be held responsible for the actions of their trainers, agents, representatives and/or employees.

Katherine Jarve is a partner at the Marlton, New Jersey law firm of Jarve Granato Starr, LLC. She is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and maintains a practice in personal injury and civil litigation, including equine related issues. Katherine spent her childhood competing on the national AQHA show circuit. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have a specific legal question or problem, consult with an experienced equine law attorney. Questions, comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to kjarve@nj-triallawyers.com.