New AQHA Shockwave Rule

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390 – September/October, 2025

By Sarah Welk Baynum

Once considered cutting-edge, shockwave therapy has quickly become a go-to tool for equine performance care due to its ability to ease pain and accelerate healing.

But as its popularity has surged, so have concerns about how—and when—it’s being used. That growing attention recently led AQHA’s Animal Welfare Commission to introduce a new competition rule aimed at protecting both horses and the integrity of the sport.

In this article, we’ll break down how shockwave therapy affects a horse’s body, what prompted AQHA’s recent rule change, and why certain exceptions exist—featuring insights from a seasoned veterinarian and a member of the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission.

How Shockwave Therapy Affects Horses’ Physiology

Click here to read the complete article
390 – September/October, 2025