Preview of AQHA Rule Change Proposals

By: Brittany Bevis

With the 2022 AQHA and APHA Conventions just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to check out some of the more intriguing rule change proposals on the agendas this year. We already reviewed two hot topics on each breed association’s agenda with the article, Big NRHA Rule Change For Non-Pros- How Would This Look in AQHA or APHA?, as it relates to the new NCAA NIL rule, so be sure to give that a look.

We will start with the AQHA Convention, which will take place February 25-28 in Las Vegas.

Keep in mind that there is a specific process that rule change proposals go through in order to be voted upon, approved, and implemented into a future rulebook.

1. First, someone has a great idea, and they decide to submit a rule change proposal form to the association.
2. Next, the rule change proposal is assigned to the appropriate standing committee.
3. Each committee discusses the rule change proposals at the convention and makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors.
4. The Board of Directors either approve or deny the rule change proposal during a later meeting, often after the convention.
5. Certain rule change proposals are taken to the AQHA Executive Committee for review.
6. Updated rules will be included in the rulebook for the following year, unless they are eligible for immediate implementation.

That’s why it’s important to wait for official word from AQHA as to which rules have gone through the entire approval process. Click here to watch a helpful YouTube video that explains in more detail.

We’ve selected a few of the more intriguing rule change proposals to review and provide an initial impression.

Amateur Committee:

#8. Amend SHW117.1.1 Classes will be combined back to an all-age class should there be less than three entries in the select or amateur class. However, have both groups individually placed.

Impression- Can’t see a real downside to this particular proposal, especially if the classes will be individually placed. 

#13. Amend SHW225.3 to allow youth and/or amateur members to instruct another person in riding for remuneration, monetary or otherwise, either directly or indirectly for riding lessons.

Impression- Likely to receive pushback. This goes against the basic premise of what delineates an amateur from a professional, as far as receiving renumeration for equestrian instruction. 

#14. Review request for amateurs to be allowed to judge/coach at small club shows if payment is only for travel expenses.

Impression- An interesting proposition, designed perhaps to get around the renumeration rule restricting amateurs. The only potential benefit might be added experience for young up and coming judges?…

Judges Committee:

#7. Review request to add rule: “the exhibitor should have a choice of proceeding or stopping if there is something wrong with the pattern or the arena conditions.”

Impression- There’s not really a huge downside to this proposal. Perhaps it’s most applicable to Trail, where an obstacle might not be re-set properly after a hit from a previous competitor. 

Show Committee:

#19. Amend SHW215.9 to allow youth members to exhibit stallions in individual performance classes.

Impression- Likely to receive pushback. Some stallions have a temperament suited for this, while many do not. However, the phrasing “individual performance class” is interesting, because that would indicate other competitors might not necessarily be affected by a competitor’s choice to show a stallion. Although, all competitors do warm up in the same arena.

#56. Review request to add to SHW378.3 a 10-point penalty in Showmanship for “a horse stepping out of or moving the hind end significantly during a pivot or turn more than one time.”

Impression- Can’t see a real problem or benefit with this proposal. Stepping out of a turn in Showmanship “more than one time” should already move an exhibitor to the bottom of a judges’ card, regardless of the point value associated with the infraction. 

#57. Consider proposal to add Cowboy Mounted Shooting to the World Show.

Impression- This would be great fun to watch!

#85. Add AQHYA World Championship Show awards to recognize the all-around champion and reserve champion for both the 13 and Under and 14 to 18 divisions.

Impression- Can’t see a real downside to rewarding both age divisions. 

# 89. Consider a proposal to allow a qualified person to track a Halter horse if this is requested by an exhibitor due to age or disability.

Impression- Can’t see a real downside to this, or that it would be requested by too many competitors. Although, the specifics regarding age would have to be further defined to avoid abuse. 

Click on the links below to view all of the committee agendas.

• Amateur
• Equine Research
• International
• Judges
• Marketing and Membership
• Nominations and Credentials
• Public Policy
• Racing
• Ranching
• Recreational Activities
• Show
• Stud Book and Registration
• Youth Activities

Click here for more information about the AQHA Convention.