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AQHA works to ensure not only the integrity and welfare of American Quarter Horses, but also the integrity and welfare of the entire horse industry. AQHA continually revises its policies concerning animal welfare via the Public Policy Committee and an in-house Task Force on Animal Welfare. Through these avenues, as well as industry leadership, advisory groups and councils, AQHA is able to expand upon its proven efforts to safeguard the welfare of American Quarter Horses, as outlined by the AQHA Statement of Position.
AQHA expresses concern for the health and welfare of the racing athlete through rules and through financial support of worthy industry initiatives. These include support of a racing surface research project, support of the industry’s Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and national movements through Racing Commissioners International for uniform medication rules. The Association has also implemented the Racing Equine Health, Welfare, Integrity and Research Subcommittee (EqHWIR).
The EqHWIR is comprised of Phillip Stewart as chairman and members Sharon Brandsness, Bob Broadstock, John Hammes, Rene Hunderup, John Beech, Paul Jones, Dick Harrison, Kevin Dickson and Kirk Goodfellow. EqHWIR in a statement said, “Rule 302 in the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations state, ‘Without necessity of referral or recommendation by stewards, to enhance penalties and sanctions, AQHA reserves the right to independently direct disciplinary action or sanction against individuals coming under AQHA recognition by their participation in American Quarter Horse racing conducted under the provisions of the AQHA Official Handbook and regulated by duly authorized state racing commissions . . .’
“The EqHWIR will monitor each situation and work with state racing jurisdictions involving medications, abuse and other issues concerning American Quarter Horses and at the appropriate time recommend penalties to the AQHA Executive Committee against the offender(s).
“The EqHWIR strongly encourages all AQHA members and horsemen to work with their respective racing stewards, commissions and the AQHA Racing office, and to report any person violating the rules and regulations of the state, Association of Racing Commissioners International and AQHA to protect the horses, horsemen and fans that enjoy and participate in the sport of American Quarter Horse racing and all horse racing.”
Recognizing that animal welfare is the single-most important issue facing the equine industry today, the AQHA Executive Committee has appointed the 12-member AQHA Animal Welfare Commission. The Animal Welfare Commission’s mission “is to provide a framework for its members to 1) identify issues negatively affecting the welfare of the American Quarter Horse, 2) discuss issues, and 3) recommend actions that will help to protect the American Quarter Horse from inhumane practices and AQHA and its members from the negative impacts associated with those practices. The AQHA Animal Welfare Commission, in an effort to do right by the horse, will share discussion, action items and recommendations with alliance partners.”
Jim Heird, executive professor and coordinator of the equine sciences initiative at Texas A&M University, is the chairman of the commission.
The commission is about “protecting the industry, our livelihood and, most importantly, the horse,” Heird said.
Other commission members include AQHA Executive Committee member George Phillips, Sandy Arledge, Dr. Glenn Blodgett, Kevin Dukes, Dr. Eleanor Green, Carol Harris, Paul Jones, Dr. Tom Lenz, Clark Parker, Sam Rose and Sandy Vaughn.
In 2011, AQHA offered an official position statement on the use of the medication Clenbuterol in racing American Quarter Horses.
“AQHA recognizes that the FDA/Health Canada-approved Ventipulmin Syrup (Clenbuterol) is an effective medication when used as directed; however, because of the illegal manufacturing of a clenbuterol-like substitute, the anabolic effects of beta 2-agonists and the illegal doses horses receive of either substance, the following proposal was adopted:
Several states and provinces have already had rules in place regarding this issue, have adopted rules regarding this issue or are addressing such rules.
States and provinces that already had rules in place or put rules in place include Alberta, California (Los Alamitos Race Course), Colorado, Indiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ontario and Wyoming. Several other states are presently addressing the rules.
EqHWIR December 2011 Statement
EqHWIR June 2011 Statement
American Association of Equine Practitioners Quarter Horse Racing White Paper
AAEP Clinical Guidelines for Veterinarians Practicing in a Pari-Mutuel Environment
Black & White & Gray All Over (August 2011)
Clean Running (December 2011)
Cleaning up the Medication Mess (January 2012)
Oklahoma Clenbuterol Limits (April 2012)
RCI Conference Calling for Expanded Authority (April 2012)
Jockeys' Guild Medication Statement (April 2012)
RMTC Names Interm Director (April 2012)
Oklahoma Lowers Clenbuterol Limits (March 2012)
Paul Jones Assessed Penalties (March 2012)
Two Indiana Trainers Suspended (March 2012)
New Mexico Limits Clenbuterol (February 2012) AQHA: Animal Welfare Committee (February 2012)
Farias Horses Disqualified (January 2012) RCI Model Rules Adjustment (December 2011) Los Alamitos Clenbuterol Rules (September 2011)
CHRB Approves Request to Restrict Clenbuterol (August 2011) Ontario Restricts Clenbuterol (August 2011)
“Bath Salts,” Synthetic Cannabis and Demorphin Addressed by RCI (July 2011)
Sunland Fully Accredited by Safety Alliance (December 2010)
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium strives to promote the fairness and integrity of racing and the welfare of racehorses. To do so, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has developed uniform rules, policies and testing standards at the national level. It has also developed research and educational programs to protect the interests of the racing public.
Racing Medication and Testing Consortium Racing Commissioners International