AQHA is reaching out in as many ways as possible to ensure a bright future for the horse industry.

Political Action Committee

The time to ensure the future of the horse industry is upon us! By now, we trust you're aware that the American Quarter Horse Association has made a commitment to lead the equine industry through the tough world of public policy. Now, more than ever, government at the city, state and federal level is scrutinizing horse ownership and the way we manage our horses. As a result, it has become necessary to take on a more active role in the political, legislative and regulatory processes.

To guarantee the horse industry's voice is heard in Washington, D.C., we must cultivate stronger relationships with members of Congress. That's why AQHA has formed a Political Action Committee to help establish those vital relationships.

Support AQHPAC

To make a contribution to AQHPAC -- in any amount up to $5000 -- call AQHA at (806) 376-4811, or mail your contribution to AQHPAC, P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, TX 79168.
 

Q-Contact Program

Q-Contact was created to develop a “key contact” system to enable AQHA to expand its efforts in national public policy work with a functional “grassroots or grass tops” type program. Key contact advocacy is based on select industry leaders developing a strong working relationship with lawmakers and their staff. The initial goal of the Q-Contact program was to identify, train and ultimately empower at least 50 members -- one in each state -- to develop key constituent relationships with selected members of Congress that might be in a position to advance policies and regulatory goals of AQHA. Q-Contacts are working to become a reliable resource and partner in regard to the area of expertise for lawmakers and their staffs.

Current Legislation

S. 1176 Horse Processing
Equine Health
Racing
Recreational
Showing
Equine Welfare

Get involved with legislation initiatives by logging into the AQHA Member Services area and clicking the Public Policy link under Member Action to find the Legislative Action Center. From here, you can find your congressional representatives, state representatives and local officials and their contact information. Additionally, you'll find information on important issues, recent votes and legislation and much more.

AQHA Statement of Position

American Quarter Horse Association’s mission is to record and preserve pedigrees of American Quarter Horses, while maintaining the integrity of the breed. Further, AQHA encourages American Quarter Horse ownership and participation. AQHA actively protects the American Quarter Horse by establishing and strictly enforcing rules that govern every AQHA-approved event in order to reflect the natural ability of the animal. To that end, AQHA is committed to the following beliefs:

Every American Quarter Horse, all other horses and all animals, shall, at all times, be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion.

Stringent rules established and enforced by AQHA demand that American Quarter Horse breeders, owners, trainers and exhibitors are continually responsible for the well-being and humane treatment of any American Quarter Horse entrusted to their care.

Above all, the American Quarter Horse’s welfare is paramount to other considerations and the continual development of procedures that ensure humane treatment of the breed and of all others horses and all animals involved with AQHA events, and fair competition supersede all other concerns.

American Horse Council

The American Horse Council is proud to be the association that represents all segments of our nation's diverse horse industry. The American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Founded in 1969, the AHC was organized by a group of horsemen concerned about federal legislation affecting their industry. They recognized the need for national and coordinated industry action in Washington, D.C. AQHA is a major supporter of the Horse Council and encourages members to join and learn more about the Horse Council.

The AHC is member supported by approximately 160 organizations and 1,200 individuals representing every facet of the horse world – from owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries, horsemen’s associations, horse shows, racetracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers, state horse councils and more.

The AHC needs your support and membership to be able to continue representing your equine interests and opportunities.

The Unwanted Horse

See what AQHA and the Unwanted Horse Coalition are doing to give horse owners more options. Download the Unwanted Horse Coalition's brochure.

Full Circle

Many owners are concerned about the long-term care of horses they’ve bred and/or owned, even long after they’ve been sold. Now there’s a program, developed by AQHA that lets you have that option. It’s called Full Circle, and it’s free. Check out our easy, online Full Circle enrollment form.

 

Learn more about S. 1176 - the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011

What is S. 1176?

A Senate Bill to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

More Information

The links below are to materials and documents to help inform you about S. 1176. Please contact AQHA's Public Policy department for more information about AQHA's position regarding S. 1176.

Get Involved

Log on to the AQHA Member Services Area and click the Public Policy link under Member Action to find the Legislative Action Center. From here, you can find your congressional representatives, state representatives and local officials and their contact information. Additionally, you'll find information on important issues, recent votes and legislation and much more.

2011 AQHA Position Statement on S. 1176 and Legislation Concerning Horse Processing 

“First and foremost, the American Quarter Horse Association unequivocally supports the humane treatment of horses and vigorous enforcement of reasonable state and federal laws intended for that purpose.

It is this fervent dedication to the welfare of the horse that drives AQHA to address the difficult issues related to humane care, transportation and disposition of all breeds of horses.

Therefore, AQHA supports and joins with the Unwanted Horse Coalition whose mission is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve their welfare through education, and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety, and responsible care and disposition of these horses.

End-of-life issues for horses are personal and should remain the right of the individual horse owner.

AQHA opposes abolishing the option of horse processing until there are other provisions to take care of the 80,000 to 100,000 horses that meet that end each year. Consistent with positions established by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and American Veterinary Medical Association, AQHA supports the humane, USDA supervised end-of-life process as a much better option than starvation, neglect or inhumane treatment inside or outside of the United States.

To date, no proposed state or federal law has addressed funding of care for unwanted horses, long-term placement of affected horses or established guidelines for standards of care at retirement and rescue facilities. Failing to address these core issues adversely affects the welfare of horses.

Additionally, horses as livestock are personal property protected under the United States Constitution. Any law that would result in “taking” of personal property without just compensation or valid purpose is a violation of an individual’s constitutional rights. Furthermore, it is a violation of the Commerce Clause to unreasonably restrict interstate trade of property.

Therefore, AQHA continues to oppose the provisions of state or federal legislation intended to: (a) prohibit the humane end-of-life processing of horses; and (b) prohibit the humane transport of horses that may be destined to processing plants.”