SHW205. ANIMAL WELFARE. Every American Quarter Horse shall, at all times, be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion. This prohibition against inhumane treatment applies to AQHA members and non-members.
SHW205.1 AQHA members may be held responsible for the actions of their trainers, agents, representatives and/or employees. For violation of this rule, an individual may be disciplined, suspended, fined, denied AQHA privileges, disqualified, expelled from show grounds and/or expelled from AQHA.
SHW205.2 The standard by which conduct or treatment will be measured is that which a reasonable person, informed and experienced in generally accepted equine care, training and exhibition procedures or veterinary standards, would determine to be cruel, abusive or inhumane.
SHW205.3 Refer to the VIOLATIONS section of this handbook for comprehensive rules on animal welfare.