NEW RULE CHANGES TO COME INTO EFFECT 1ST AUGUST 2014
a) Rule 60.2 1st paragraph change “14 days” to 30 days” and after the end of this sentence add “Exception: Any
shows held in the month of July each year, point sheets MUST be received by the 14th August in that year or the
points will not be allocated.”
b) Rule 60.2 Delete 2nd paragraph
c) Rule 50.4 Delete and replace with “All yellow point sheets must be in the office within 30 days of the last
day of the show, or results will not be accepted. Exception: “Exception: Any shows held in the month of July
each year, point sheets MUST be received by the 14th August in that year or the points will not be allocated.”
d) Rule 57.3 Change “14 days” to “30 days” and at end of this sentence add” “Exception: Any shows held in
the month of July each year, point sheets MUST be received by the 14th August in that year or the points will not
be allocated.
e) Rule 60.3 Delete in its entirety and replace with “Points will only be allocated if membership is financial
when Show results are received in the AQHA Office.”
f) Rule 64 Delete last 2 sentence in this rule and replace with “A Show Result form must be correctly filled in
and returned within 30 days of such contest accompanied by a copy of the program. Exception: Any shows held
in the month of July each year, point sheets MUST be received by the 14th August in that year or the points will
not be allocated.
g) Rule 54.4 2nd paragraph add “Australian Hunter Horse Association.”
h) New Rule - That a minimum of a 35 day lease be made available to International Amateur/Select Amateur
visitors to our country that wish to show in Amateur/Select Amateur classes at our shows.
The Lease must be in place, with the AQHA prior to the Amateur/Select Amateur submitting nominations for a
show. The Amateur/Select Amateur must meet our Amateur/Select Amateur eligibility criteria and must have
an Amateur/Select Amateur ticket with us. If this lease is cancelled prior to the expiration of the lease, then the
owner of the horse cannot show this horse in Amateur/Select Amateur classes till the lease period has expired.
i) New Rule - Novice Youth & Novice Amateur Program
CLASSES: Only 6 classes in total being, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Western
Horsemanship, Trail and Showmanship.
ELGIBILITY
You must hold a current Full membership and an Amateur Permit with the AQHA or a current Youth
membership
If you have achieved an Amateur/Youth ROM with the AQHA, or a respective breed association, in any of the
above classes, then you are NOT eligible as a Novice in that class but would be eligible for the class that you
haven’t achieved an ROM in.
The Novice Ticket will have printed on it the Novice classes that you are eligible for and MUST be produced
when entering a Novice class at a show
Any person competing in the Novice classes MUST have a Novice Ticket with their relevant breed association
and the rules for gaining that Novice Ticket through their relevant breed association must be rules similar to the
AQHA
If there is a NOVICE AMATEUR/YOUTH TRAIL on the show program and AMATEUR/YOUTH TRAILS, then the
choice must be made, a horse cannot compete in both these trails at the same show.
If there is no Novice Amateur/Youth Trail on the show program, you can compete in the amateur/youth trails.
SHOW PROGRAMS
It is not compulsory for any Affiliate to run Novice classes on their programs.
High points at shows – up to the Affiliate if they wish to run Novice High Points at shows
POINTS GAINED
All points gained in a Novice class will go towards their Amateur/Youth ROM’s.
NOVICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
10 points in an individual Novice class (must have 5 “A” points)
YOUTH TO AMATEUR
From the day you are eligible to apply for an Amateur Permit you may also apply for a Novice Amateur Ticket.
Youth Novice Points will not continue forward onto the Amateur Novice Ticket.
AMATEUR TO PROFESSIONAL AND BACK AGAIN
If you have gained NOVICE AMATEUR POINTS and you relinquish your Amateur Permit, and then reapply for
Amateur status in the future, then the Novice Points you had gained previously will be brought forward.
No annual high point AQHA Awards will be awarded for any Novice classes.
J) add to Youth Membership: That no youth under 3 yrs can show a horse at an approved show
k) Rule 115.4 point penalties: delete the third paragraph
l) Rule 115.4 Scoring add the following: At the Judges discretion credit will be given to the handler that does not
enter an obstacle with the horse
m) New Rule The thickness of an English spur can be no more than 1cm, with a shank no more than 2.5cm in
length measured from the outside of the spur. (pic to be inserted in rule book)
n) New Rule That a yearling can only compete in a maximum of 4 yearling performance classes at a show
o) Rule 35 d) Delete the words “Lease Agreement” and replace with “a Notification of Lease”
p) If Youth Halter classes are run, then the minimum number of classes held must be:
Youth Gelding 2 & under
Youth Gelding 3 & over
Champion & Reserve Gelding
Youth Filly 2 & under
Youth Mare 3 yrs & over
Champion & Reserve Mare
No Youth Halter Colt/Stallion classes can be held.
q) TO BE IN THE FRONT OF THE RULE BOOK UNDER SECTION ONE BEFORE THE MEMBERSHIP TYPES ETC
PROFESSIONAL CODE OF ETHICS
We, the members of the Australian Quarter Horse Association, in carrying out our role of providing service to
the Australian Quarter Horse industry, recognise the need to do so in a professional manner, and to deal with
the public and our colleagues with the highest degree of integrity. Therefore, we have set forth the following
creed which shall govern our endeavours to fulfil our obligations:
a) To adhere to the professional standards of the Australian Quarter Horse Association and to work to further
its goals and objectives.
b) To ensure that the welfare of the Australian Quarter Horse is paramount and that every Australian Quarter
Horse shall at all times be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion.
c) To conduct all business affairs with integrity, sincerity and accuracy in an open and forthright manner.
d) To act with integrity in financial dealings with clients, other professionals and the public.
e) To handle our business and operations in a manner that promotes’ the image of the Australian Quarter
Horse industry.
f) To instil confidence among clients and the public in the Australian Quarter Horse industry, avoiding any
action conducive to discrediting it or membership in the Australian Quarter Horse Association.
OUR STATEMENT
a) To develop diverse educational programs, material and curriculum that will position the AQHA as one of the
leading organisations in the Australian Equine Industry
b) To record and preserve the pedigrees of the Australian Quarter horse while maintaining the integrity of the
breed
c) To provide beneficial services for our Members which enhance and encourage Quarter Horse ownership and
participation
d) To generate growth of the AQHA membership via the marketing, promotion, advertising and publicity of the
Australian Quarter Horse Association.
e) The welfare of the Quarter Horse is paramount to all other considerations and the continual development of
procedures that ensure humane treatment of the breed and all other horses and animals involved with the
AQHA events, and fair competition, supersede all other concerns.
INHIBITING COMPETITION
Any form of conduct that inhibits competition at Association approved events is expressly prohibited. This
offense includes not only the person suggesting the prohibited conduct, but all who participate in the scheme or
plan. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:
i) padding classes by entering a horse(s) not otherwise qualified for the competition to fill a class to increase
points;
ii) encouraging a potential competitor to refrain from entering the class.
iii) Any contestant who is assisted by another person inside the arena or show ring will be disqualified.
(exception RWD, Leadline and Walk & Jog classes. This does not apply to a co-contestant in a team, such as
Team Roping or Cutting.
iv) For inhibiting competition, an Association member may be disciplined, suspended, fined and/or expelled
from the Association, and a non-member may be denied Association privileges. Furthermore, violation of this
rule shall be grounds for the Association to disqualify the horse(s) entered by the persons that participate in the
scheme or plan prohibited by this rule.
v) To assist the Association in the promotion of true competition, any person who is approached by another to
co-operate in a scheme or plan to inhibit competition, shall immediately report the matter to the Association.
Failing which, the person approached may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors, the same
as the person or persons suggesting the scheme or plan.
VIOLATIONS
i) No person shall refuse to assist the Association, its officers, committees or agents 1) in locating, identifying
and inspecting, or to answer promptly and truthfully any inquiry concerning a horse or an ancestor thereof, that
has been registered with the Association, or for which application to register has been made; or 2) to promptly
and truthfully give information, in form requested, concerning any Association matter of which the person has
or may have knowledge.
ii) In the furtherance of their official duties, all Association representatives shall be treated with courtesy,
cooperation and respect, and no person shall direct abusive or threatening conduct or language toward them.
iii) A member or non-member shall not conspire with another person or persons to intentionally violate
Association rules, or to knowingly contribute or cooperate with another person or persons, either by affirmative
action or inaction, to violate Association rules.
iv) Ownership of an issued registration certificate remains with the Association; it is issued in reliance on a
written application submitted and attested by the owner at time of foaling and upon the express condition that
the Association has the privilege to correct and/or cancel the certificate for cause under its rules and
regulations.
v) No change or alteration of a registration certificate shall be made except by the Association or its official
representative upon proper showing of the necessity for such change or alteration, by reason of change in
colour or markings, or mistake; nor shall any person display or advertise, or have in his/her possession, a
certificate that has been changed or altered otherwise than by the Association or on its authority.
vi) No person or entity shall:
a) refuse an Association request for the return of a registration certificate, either before, after or pending
hearing to determine registration or participation privilege in Association approved events. The Association may
retain possession of a certificate until resolution of the matter for which the return of the certificate was
requested;
b) issue, sell, exchange, give away or receive, or offer a false or fraudulent certificate, representing the same to
be a genuine official certificate issued by the Association;
c) represent any horse owned or managed by him to be registered with the Association, unless the same be
registered in the official Stud Book;
d) represent as a registered Australian Quarter Horse any horse other than the horse for which the registration
certificate was issued;
e) advertise or enter in any Australian Quarter Horse event or competition any registered horse by a name
other than that by which the horse is registered;
f) represent, by advertisement, claim or otherwise, that a horse registered with the Association has earned or
is entitled to any official Association awards prior to actual recording of such awards in the records of the
Association;
g) alter, in any way change, or attempt to hide or alter natural markings of a horse by surgery, dye or in any
other manner.
vii) Any member may be disciplined, suspended, fined and/or expelled from the Association, and a non-member
may be denied Association privileges for any of the above violations
Prohibited Conduct by a member or non-member
i) failure to pay when due any obligation owing to the Association
ii) failure to pay when due any obligation owing to an Association approved affiliate; or an Association
approved show;
iii) giving a worthless cheque for entry fees, stall fees, office charges, stock charges or any other fees or charges
including bank charges for returned check connected with the exhibition of horses.
iv) Unsportsmanlike conduct including but not limited to inappropriate language
v) No alcohol is allowed in, or can be consumed in the marshalling areas, working arenas or show pen/contest
areas.
vi) Any member may be disciplined, suspended, fined and/or expelled from the Association, and a non-member
may be denied Association privileges for any of the above violations
Horses
The Association can bar from participation in any Association approved event all animals registered in such
suspended person’s name according to Association records during the term of his/her suspension.
Shows
i) If show management desires to conduct their own drug testing, it must obtain written authorisation from the
Association and a set of instructions as to the procedure for the testing. Drug testing is mandatory at State and
National Quarter Horse Championship shows.
ii) At any Association approved show, only State or provincial Associations or representatives of show
management, acting pursuant to Association rules, or the Association, may request specimens of urine, saliva,
blood or other substances for drug testing or require payment of drug testing fees as condition for entry.
iii) Drug testing fees charged by an approved show are subject to prior approval by the Association.
iv) If show management, or a State Quarter Horse Association, desires to conduct its own surgical alteration
inspections, they must obtain prior written authorisation from the Association and obtain instructions for
procedures. Such inspections are to be conducted by a registered Veterinarian.
Other Equine Associations
The Association may accept suspension rulings pertaining to cruel or inhumane treatment of horses from other
recognized equine related associations, the effect of which is to automatically suspend the individual from
Association membership privileges, or deny such privileges, for a length of time equal to the suspension for
which reciprocity is given.
r) Rule 60.14 Delete in its entirety and replace with:
a) Show Hunter over 14hh and not exceeding 14.22hh
b) Show Hunter over 14.2hh and not exceeding 15hh
c) Show Hunter over 15hh and not exceeding 16hh
d) Show Hunter over 16hh
e) A horse cannot be shown in Show Hunter and Hack classes at the same show, a choice must be made.
s) Rule 82.2 b) to read: Crops or bats to measure no more than 76cm in length
t) Youth Age That the Minimum age for a youth competing in any ridden Open and Youth classes is 7yrs old.
exception is Leadline and Walk/Jog, Walk/Trot.
Minimum age for a Youth competing in a Youth Showmanship and/or Youth Halter class is 5yrs old
u) NEW RULE LEADLINE
Youth Lead line class be introduced being for youth 3 to 6 yrs old as at 1st August and that no 2 or 3 yr old horses
can be used in a Youth Lead line class
It is mandatory for this class that an approved safety helmet is worn
No rider entering this class can enter any other ridden class on the program
Class will enter the ring at a flat footed walk turning right and proceeding on a counter clockwise direction on
the rail. The class will be worked on the rail at a walk in both direction
In the line up the Judge may ask the contestant to back up their horse
The rider will be judge on their basic position in the saddle, hand positions, leg position, seat position and back
position. The horse must be led and controlled by an adult who is over 18 years of age. A lead at least six feet
long must be attached to a halter that is under the bridle so that while the rider is on the rail the horse is
controlled by the adult. If the judge asks the rider to back the horse in line up, the adult is not to aid the rider.
The adult should only keep the horse under control.
The rider may ride in Western or English in this class and attire should match the gear. The adult handler must
be dressed in appropriate attire as per the Rule book.
v) YOUTH WALK JOG That a Youth Walk & Jog/Trot class is introduced for youth 5 to 10yrs as at 1st August and
that no 2 or 3 yr old horses can be used in a Youth Walk & Jog/Trot classes
No rider entering this class can enter any other ridden class on the program.
This class is designed for the very inexperienced competitor who is capable of riding without assistance of an
adult leading them. Most of these youngsters are just beginning to compete in youth classes and may not be
capable of riding with more experienced contestants.
It is mandatory that show management designate two adults (other than Judge & Ring Steward) to be in the
arena during the class to help any contestant who might need assistance.
The two adults should be stationed so as to avoid disrupting the class. If in the opinion of the Judge, he feels the
ability of the contestant’s merits, he may request the contestants to extend the jog (trot), the position of a
riders free hand is optional.
The class will enter the ring at a flat footed walk turning to the right and proceeding in a counter clockwise
direction on the rail. The class will be worked at a walk and trot (jog) both directions of the ring.
In the line up the Judge may ask the riders to back their horses to help him Judge the extent of the riders
horsemanship.
The rider will be judged on his basic position in the saddle, hand position, leg position, seat position and back
position. The contestant will also be judged on his ability to govern, control and properly exhibit the horse they
are riding.
This class can be English or western or combined.
The horses gear must be Western or English, and the rider must wear corresponding attire to the gear used on
the horse.
Contestants will not be asked to Lope or Canter. If the rider is riding 2 handed then the horse must be in a
snaffle (regardless of horses age)
Youth Leadline and Youth Walk & Jog/Trot are non point scoring classes
w) Stallions must be a minimum age of 18 months at the time of IBF as of 1/8/2014
x) Rule 20 a) add after the word “breeding” the words “or characteristics”
y) Rule 31.1 i) Delete the last sentence and replace with “The Appendix registration number will be allocated
taking into account the horses 5 generation pedigree.”