AQHA Handbook

Get easy access to the official AQHA Handbook electronically or in print.

AQHA's "Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations" is updated yearly after undergoing careful scrutiny by AQHA. The Handbook represents corporation bylaws, rules and regulations of registration, rules and regulations of racing, rules and regulations of shows, amateur and youth division rules and regulations, Horseback Riding Program rules, and the constitution of AQHYA.

AQHA's Handbook answers all your questions regarding AQHA rules, showing patterns, horse markings, equipment guidelines and more.

Three Ways to Access Your Handbook:

• View the online version of the 2013 Handbook. The online version of the Handbook is updated as needed, so check back often. The online version of the Handbook is mobile optimized for easy viewing on your smart phone or tablet.
• Download the free Handbook app to your phone or tablet: Download for Apple iOS or Android. (Note: we no longer support Blackberry.)
• Request a mailed printed copy of the Handbook. (If you've participated in an AQHA show within the past two years, you will automatically receive a printed copy in the mail.)

Rule change proposals are accepted each year prior to AQHA Convention. Download a bylaw and rule change proposal form (PDF). Or, download a Word version of the form and e-mail to rulechanges@aqha.org.

• Define the problem and develop as many possible solutions as you can by asking others for input.
• Choose one possible solution that appears to be the most appropriate and that fits the mission and goals of AQHA.
• Determine if any other rules would be affected if your proposal were to be adopted, and specify the rule numbers.
• Submit proper wording for a proposed rule change by typing or neatly printing the exact wording being proposed. If you propose changes to existing language, strike through the words you propose to delete. Type in bold and italics the words you propose to add.
• Meritorious proposed rule changes submitted with sufficient documentation and specific explanations detailing reasons for the change will be assigned to the respective committee(s) and included on AQHA’s Web site with an invitation for members to submit comments. Rule changes submitted without sufficient documentation and specific explanations detailing reasons for the change will not be assigned to a committee.
• Define the problem and develop as many possible solutions as you can by asking others for input.