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New AQHA Rule Change Proposal #1:
Rule 205 GENETIC DEFECTS AND UNDESIRABLE TRAITS
Please refer to page 50 of the 2010 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations and see section (c) of Rule #205 regarding the subject of HYPP; followed by parts (1), (2), and (3). The wording that needs to be made concerning the proposed changes to Rule #205 in regard to adding HERDA to the list of genetic defects needs to follow the general guidelines and requirements as those given concerning the horses carrying the HYPP gene.
Those horses identified as being descendents of those bloodlines known to carry the HERDA gene must have mandatory testing done regarding their parentage, and to determine the absence or presence of this genetic defect. All foals born in 2011 must be required to have the above mentioned testing done regarding HERDA and the appropriate notification of those test results designated on the registration certificate.
As more genetic testing becomes available in the future for various other conditions involving our Quarter Horses, the test results of those too shall be identified and recorded on the AQHA registration certificate as covered by this new rule change.
Explanation of Proposed Rule Change:
“AQHA has taken measures to be sure that its membership and the general public be made aware of those conditions that are considered “undesirable traits and/or genetic defects” in the American Quarter Horse. The following conditions are currently listed in Rule #205 …..(a) Parrot Mouth (b) Cryptorchid (c) Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) and (d) White Markings…..and these conditions are indicated on the registration certificates of those horses affected.
More and more progress is being made as additional testing becomes available regarding the identity of more genetic defects linked to our horses. It is my proposal that an amendment be made to Rule #205 requiring that all genetic defects for which there is now genetic testing be stamped on all AQHA registration certificates effective 2011.
This new addition to the ruling would add “HERDA” to the list of “undesirable traits and/or genetic defects” as outlined in Rule #205. It would also require that those horses identified as being descendents of those bloodlines known to carry the HERDA gene have mandatory testing done regarding their parentage and to detect the presence or absence of this gene.”
New AQHA Rule Change Proposal #2
Rule 448 (d) Halter Equipment
(1) All amateur and youth exhibitors may show the following horses with the use of a chain over the horse’s nose, under the horse’s chin, through the horse’s mouth, and/or with a lip chain:
(A) Mares
(B) Geldings
(C) Stallions
(D) Performance Halter Stallions, Mares or Geldings
(2) ***NOTE: This portion of Rule #448 (d) would be eliminated if the proposed rule change as outlined above also included trainers and all halter horse exhibitors.
Explanation of Rule Change Proposal:
“I feel that a change should be made to Rule #448 (d) regarding the non-use of lip chains and/or chains in the mouth in halter horse classes…..especially those horses being shown by a youth or amateur exhibitor. This proposed rule change would apply to Mares, Geldings, Stallions and Performance Halter Stallions, Mares or Geldings. Just as the name implies, “halter” horses are exhibited wearing only a leather halter attached to a leather lead shank or lead line, which is held in the hands of the exhibitor.
These horses enter a show arena filled with not only other horses that are being exhibited, but many other things in and around the arena to catch their eye and provide them with distractions. Halter horses are judged on their movement, along with a combination of balance and structural correctness.
In order for the appointed judges to make an objective and informed evaluation of each individual horse, the exhibitors are required to walk and trot the horses while in the show arena, and then line the horses up head to tail while the judges complete their individual inspections. This latter part of the judging process requires that the horses be “set-up” or positioned to stand in such a way as to best exhibit a horse’s balance and muscled uniformity and conformation; and this can be for long periods of time.
No matter how well trained these horses are, the movements and close proximity of the other horses and activities taking place inside the show arena, coupled with the noise and activity level of the people outside the arena, can be very unsettling to the horses being exhibited and cause them to become very excited, disruptive and hard to control.
When this happens, all too often we watch an amateur and/or youth exhibitor try and maintain control over a horse weighing as much as 1,300 to 1,400 pounds with only a chain placed across its nose or under its chin. Oft times, not only is the exhibitor at risk of injury while trying to regain control over his or her horse, but many times they are also putting others in harms way due to the fact that they don’t have the means to effectively bring the horse back under control.
We have to remember and take into consideration that these exhibitors are not professional trainers….and it is imperative that we afford them the opportunity to show their horses in as safe a manner as possible. It is my proposal that all amateur and youth exhibitors in all halter horse classes be allowed to show their horses with the use of a chain over the horse’s nose, under the horse’s chin, through the horse’s mouth, and/or with a lip chain.
Changing the current rule to permit the use of a chain in the horse’s mouth to provide more and better control to the exhibitor (in many respects the same way that a bit allows a rider more contact and control over his/her horse) is much needed and very strongly supported by a vast number of AQHA members….including amateurs, youth and their parents, as well as trainers. It is also my suggestion that this proposed rule change become effective immediately before someone gets hurt or injured.”
We would like to thank Bill and Ann Lanning of Edgewood/Lanning, Inc. for sharing with us these two well-written and thoughtful rule change proposals.
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding these two proposals, please submit your comments in the space below this article.
Concerning the HERDA I agree that this rule change should come into effect. We have tested our stallion and plan on testing all mares we own with that bloodline so we know who to breed to and who not to. I also think that stallion owners should inform mare owners if their stallion is a carrier. This is not a case of a testicle in the belly, it’s a death sentence for a horse, and why take the chance? Half Way Leo our stallion was tested and is N/N.