DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

​The AQHA Executive Committee is the forum within AQHA that, initially or ultimately, hears or reviews evidence of alleged violations of rules and regulations by members and/or participants in AQHA approved events. A member may be disciplined, suspended, fined and/or expelled from AQHA, and any nonmember participant may be denied any or all AQHA privileges.
AQHA rules pertaining to prohibition of drugs, surgical alteration or any inhumane treatment of the horse provide for absolute responsibility for a horse’s condition by an exhibitor, trainer, participant and/or the owner, thereby making the exhibitor, participant and/or the owner eligible for possible disciplinary action upon proof of the presence of such prohibited drug by laboratory analysis, existence of surgical alteration or any inhumane treatment of the horse. 

ENHANCEMENT OF PENALTY ​

​AQHA reserves the right to independently direct disciplinary action or sanction against individuals coming under its jurisdiction by participation in AQHA-approved shows, contests, race meets or other events. The AQHA Executive Committee may enhance or initiate suspension, fine and/or otherwise penalize offenders of AQHA rules and regulations, and/or those of other jurisdictions; and include owners or lessees who have placed the care and custody of their horses to such offenders.