AQHA Advocacy

Learn how AQHA takes an active role in the political, legislative and regulatory process.

The American Quarter Horse Association continues to increase its role in public policy and advocacy concerning the American Quarter Horse and all horses. Learn how AQHA is taking an active role in the political, legislative and regulatory process. In addition to increasing advocacy of the American Quarter Horse in public policy, AQHA continues to keep the horse as its foremost concern by providing programs to members promoting the health and wellbeing of their America Quarter Horse.

AQHAPAC

AQHA has established a Political Action Committee with the goal of educating members of Congress about the size and scope of the American Quarter Horse industry. The PAC is a campaigning method that is funded only by donations. With the AQHA Political Action Committee, members have the opportunity to contribute funds to ensure AQHA voice in Washington, D.C., is strong and powerful. The PACs aim is to secure resources to make an impact on the horse industry and those who are involved with it by supporting elected officials in Washington, D.C., or candidates seeking federal legislative offices. You can make a contribution by calling AQHA at (806) 376-4811 and ask for the public policy department.

Q-Contact was created to develop a key contact system to enable AQHA to expand its efforts in national public policy work. Q-Contact advocacy is based on select industry leaders developing a strong working relationship with lawmakers and their staff. The Q-Contact program goal is to identify and empower at least 50 members at least one in each state to develop key constituent relationships with selected members of Congress who might be in a position to advance policies and regulatory goals of AQHA. Q-Contacts are working to become a reliable resource and expert partner for lawmakers and their staffs.

American Horse Council

AQHA is a strong partner with the American Horse Council, which is the organization that represents all segments of our nation's diverse equine industry. AHC works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Founded in 1969, AHC was organized by a group of horsemen concerned about federal legislation affecting their industry. They recognized the need for national support and coordinated industry action in Washington, D.C. AQHA is a major supporter of AHC and encourages AQHA members to join and learn more. Visit the American Horse Council online at www.horsecouncil.org.

Unwanted Horse Coalition

The Unwanted Horse Coalition is a vital part of the American Horse Council, providing options and resources should a horse ever become unwanted. AQHA strongly supports the Unwanted Horse Coalition's efforts in educating the equine industry regarding owner responsibilities and services available to them. Learn more about the Unwanted Horse Coalition at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org.

Horse Processing

The following is AQHA's position statement on legislation concerning horse processing:

"First and foremost, the American Quarter Horse Association unequivocally supports the humane treatment of horses and vigorous enforcement of reasonable state and federal laws intended for that purpose.

It is this fervent dedication to the welfare of the horse that drives AQHA to address the difficult issues related to humane care, transportation and disposition of all breeds of horses.

Therefore, AQHA supports and joins with the Unwanted Horse Coalition whose mission is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve their welfare through education, and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety, and responsible care and disposition of these horses.

End-of-life issues for horses are personal and should remain the right of the individual horse owner.

AQHA opposes abolishing the option of horse processing until there are other provisions to take care of more than 150,000 horses that meet that end each year. Consistent with positions established by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and American Veterinary Medical Association, AQHA supports the humane, USDA supervised end-of-life process as a much better option than starvation, neglect or inhumane treatment inside or outside of the United States.

To date, no proposed state or federal law has addressed funding of care for unwanted horses, long-term placement of affected horses or established guidelines for standards of care at retirement and rescue facilities. Failing to address these core issues adversely affects the welfare of horses.

Additionally, horses as livestock are personal property protected under the United States Constitution. Any law that would result in taking of personal property without just compensation or valid purpose is a violation of an individuals constitutional rights. Furthermore, it is a violation of the Commerce Clause to unreasonably restrict interstate trade of property.

Therefore, AQHA continues to oppose the provisions of state or federal legislation intended to: (a) prohibit the humane end-of-life processing of horses; and (b) prohibit the humane transport of horses that may be destined to processing plants.

To contact AQHA regarding horse processing, please use our online contact form.

Owner Responsibility

AQHA believes its the owners responsibility and, ultimately, their choice regarding decisions concerning the welfare of their horse(s). The Association encourages responsible ownership practices and management that will reduce the number of unwanted horses. AQHA recognizes that the processing of unwanted horses is currently a necessary aspect of the equine industry because it provides a humane euthanasia alternative for horses that might otherwise continue a life of discomfort and pain, or inadequate care or abandonment. AQHA has actively supported legislation to ensure the safe and humane transportation of horses that are bound for processing facilities and backed guidelines for how horses must be treated at the facilities. AQHA supports other choices for unwanted horses, including euthanasia by injection, life in an equine retirement facility, donation to a college or university, or other options.

AQHA Stewards

The stewards program was started by AQHA to develop a network of individuals to be advocates for the horse and help ensure fair competition. Stewards also help prevent inhumane practices and unsportsmanlike conduct at AQHA shows and events. The health and wellbeing of the American Quarter Horse is our utmost concern and stewards help to ensure that. Stewards answer exhibitor questions about rules, identify and document inhumane treatment, evaluate any unsafe conditions regarding the show grounds, and guide others on acceptable training practices and equipment. AQHA stewards are trained and tested on AQHAï¿½s rulebook, the stewards training manual, and their ability to handle difficult situations professionally. Most importantly, stewards help protect the breed, advance animal welfare and help ensure the integrity of the competition. A newly developed system by the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission helps protect the horse by defining inhumane practices, outlining acceptable training equipment at any AQHA show and outlining a penalty system for individuals who violate the rules designed to protect the horse.

Political Action Committee

AQHPAC's efforts to educate members of Congress on the size and scope of the American Quarter Horse industry are crucial to achieving our legislative goals.

Since 2005, the American Quarter Horse Association Political Action Committee has supported AQHAs public policy efforts in Washington, D.C. AQHA believes horsemen and horsewomen benefit from having a voice at the federal level on issues that affect their horses as well as the lifestyle they enjoy.

AQHPAC raises personal voluntary contributions from AQHA members and pools those contributions together to support political candidates at the federal level who support the horse industry. Our PAC gives horse owners the visibility our industry needs so that our voice is heard on Capitol Hill. Contributions from our individual members enable AQHA to participate as a serious player in the competitive political environment of Washington, D.C. AQHPAC helps to elect and keep horse-friendly congressmen and women and senators in Washington, so that when an issue arises affecting our members, we know there will be someone willing to meet with us.

AQHAPAC, combined with strong grassroots efforts of AQHA members and other horse owners at the state level through the Q-Contacts program, helps spread the message that horse activities are one of the most robust industries in the United States, one with a direct economic impact of $39 billion annually.

Having the ability to successfully fight for the rights of Americas horse-owning public is critical. Our issues are as diverse as the people who own horses. Favorable tax legislation, disaster relief for horse owners, land-use issues, veterinary care and medication topics, interstate race wagering and simulcasting and proactive animal welfare are just some of the areas in which AQHPAC helps make a difference.

AQHPAC Goals

AQHPAC has set a goal of raising $250,000 by the 2020 elections. If every United States AQHA member does his or her share by making a voluntary contribution, we will not only reach our goal, we will exceed it and our voice will be louder than ever at this most critical time.

AQHPAC Priorities

AQHPAC contributions are overseen by the PACï¿½s trustees. Before supporting a candidate with AQHPAC funds, the trustees review the candidates record of support, bill sponsorships, key votes, financial needs and committee assignments. AQHPAC doesnt support candidates based on political affiliation, but on their support of the horse industry. A candidates positions on issues unrelated to the horse industry are not considered when evaluating support. Recently, contributions have been directed to members on both sides of the aisle who sit on the House Agriculture; Appropriations; and Energy and Commerce Committees; and the Senate Agriculture; Appropriations; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees.

AQHPAC Giving

As a small token of thanks, all donors will receive an AQHPAC lapel pin to show their support of having a strong voice in Washington, D.C.

The Steel Dust Society represents the top level of donors to AQHPAC. As a member of the Steel Dust Society, you will be joining an elite group of members dedicated to protecting and preserving the rights of American Quarter Horse owners. Membership to the Steel Dust Society requires a minimum donation of $1,000. Members will receive a custom lapel pin and a customized leather portfolio designating their level of giving.

Contribution Guidelines

Contributions to AQHPAC are strictly voluntary; suggested contribution amounts are merely a suggestion, and you should feel free to contribute more or less, or not at all. Contributions to the AQHPAC are not deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes and they will be used to support or oppose candidates for public office. AQHPAC may receive up to $5,000 per calendar year from any one eligible contributor. A husband and a wife each have separate $5,000 limits, even if only one spouse has an income. A couple may make a joint contribution using a single form of payment (check or credit card), however in such a case each donor must sign the accompanying form. Contributions from corporations, federal government contractors and foreign nationals are prohibited.

Certain permitted LLC contributions to AQHPAC are accepted. Please contact the AQHA Public Policy department for more information at 806-376-4811 or through our online contact form.

Show Your Support

To make a contribution to AQHPAC -- in any amount up to $5,000 -- call AQHA at (806) 376-4811, or mail your contribution to AQHPAC, P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, TX, 79168.