The American Quarter Horse Journal, April 23, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee met in Amarillo April 20-22 and on the final day of the meeting held disciplinary hearings.
As a result of the April 22, 2009 hearing, the Executive Committee found that, based on the circumstances which occurred with the training of Slow Lopin Scotch at Cleve Wells’ Burleson, Texas, facility, Wells should be held responsible for a violation of Rule 104(a), the terms of which provide that an AQHA member is responsible for the actions of his/her employees.
AQHA Rule 104 (a) states:
No person shall treat any horse in a cruel or inhumane manner, including, but not limited to, the prohibited conduct specified in the Show Rules and Regulations section of this Handbook.Cruelty to horses other than American Quarter Horses is included in this prohibition, as it indicates a general course of dealing with horses, that is unacceptable for AQHA membership qualification. For violation of this rule, an AQHA member may be disciplined, suspended, fined and/or expelled from AQHA, and a non-member may be denied AQHA privileges. This prohibition against cruelty includes, but is not limited to, AQHA members and/or owners of American Quarter Horses, their agents, representatives and employees, the actions for that a member or owner are also responsible.
The Executive Committee action included:
- Suspending Wells’ full membership privileges pursuant to the terms of Rule 106(i) for a period of no less than one (1) year, at which time he is eligible to show cause for reinstatement;
- Fined Wells $10,000 to be paid in full prior to any reinstatement of his membership privileges; and
- Placed Wells on indefinite probation to start if and when his membership privileges are reinstated pursuant to paragraph 1 above.
“In my view, this Executive Committee decision reflects AQHA’s commitment to the horse and animal welfare as a top priority,” said Don Treadway Jr., AQHA Executive Vice President. “It is also consistent with AQHA’s official statement of position that all horses are to be treated humanely and with respect, and that breeders, owners, trainers and exhibitors are continually responsible for the well-being and humane treatment of any American Quarter Horse entrusted to their care.”
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.
