AQHA Policy

For those involved in equine, whether as a beginner or someone who makes it their livelihood, government at all levels has an impact on our industry. As the largest equine breed association in the world, we believe it is our duty to take an active role in public policy to ensure the horse and our members’ best interests are represented in government. 

How does the government affect the equine industry? Laws are in place at all levels; city, state and federal, that govern our horse, use of horses, and overall equine business. In addition, there are animal welfare laws at all levels of government that regulate how our horses should be cared for, laws that oversee water quality for livestock, tax laws that give tax breaks for agriculture enterprises, laws that regulate federal land, laws that control import and export of horses, immigration and many more. It is our job to fight for the laws that support our industry and oppose laws that bring harm.

How does AQHA influence public policy? As stated previously, AQHA is the world’s largest equine breed registry, and our sheer numbers can play a great role on the outcome of policy decision making. It requires that our members take an active part to influence policy to support the horse and the membership. Not only do we, as members, have the opportunity to make an impact, we have partners that can help influence the outcome of public policy for our benefit. These groups include:

• National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

  AQHA has a lobbying partnership with NCBA.

   

  • NCBA is the most prominent and effective agriculture lobbying group in Washington, DC. What is the purpose of AQHA aligning with NCBA? Both organizations were started by ranchers that understand the livestock industry and have a devotion to the impact the horse plays within it. Most of our positions on legislation and regulation involving livestock align between the two associations. While AQHA is not involved in the consumption side of NCBA, we do advocate for the health and well-being of livestock, are interested in knowing and understanding the taxes that affect our ranches and families, water quality that impacts our businesses, land use, and numerous other points. NCBA has staff dedicated to all facets of the industry, who are devoted to livestock and agriculture production, striving to keep our industries prospering.  

• American Horse Council (AHC)

  AQHA was a founding member of the American Horse Council, based in Washington, DC.

   

  • The AHC serves as the trusted voice for horsemen and women to advocate for the social, economic, and legislative interests of the United States equine industry. AHC has five committees that advocate for the horse in animal welfare, health and regulatory, horse shows, racing and recreation, as well as trails and land use. AQHA is proud to be represented on the AHC board of directors and has staff who serve on all AHC committees.

• AQHA Public Policy Committee

  The AQHA Public Policy Committee comprises a group of dedicated leaders who recommend positions and action plans related to legislative and regulatory issues identified as important to the American Quarter Horse industry.

   

  • A primary responsibility of committee members is to educate our elected officials on the size and scope of the horse industry as well as inform them of legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry.

• AQHA Political Action Committee (AQHAPAC)

  The American Quarter Horse Association has made a commitment to lead the equine industry through the tough world of public policy.s

   

  • Now more than ever, government at the local, state and federal level is scrutinizing horse ownership and the way horses are managed. As a result, AQHA takes on an active role in the national political, legislative and regulatory processes. To guarantee the horse industry is heard and respected in Washington, D. C., we must cultivate stronger relationships with members of Congress. That is why AQHA has a political action committee to help establish those vital relationships and support members’ campaigns who support the equine industry. AQHAPAC allows us to pool voluntary contributions from many United States AQHA members to make meaningful contributions that help support capable candidates get elected.

    AQHAPAC DONATION