AQHA condemns inhumane treatment of the American Quarter Horse and actions that violate the Association’s mission statement and rules that govern the membership.

© AQHA Racing

AMARILLO, TX–JANUARY 21, 2025–Recent reports indicate that multiple horses have tested positive for prohibited substances in several jurisdictions in both pre- and post-race testing. While more information is forthcoming on these cases, the American Quarter Horse Association expresses its appreciation of the regulators for their diligence in the pursuit. It is measures such as these that help maintain the integrity of the sport through the cases brought forward regarding the offenders as well as in deterring others from engaging in similar behavior.

AQHA condemns inhumane treatment of the American Quarter Horse and actions that violate the Association’s mission statement and rules that govern the membership.

AQHA supports racing jurisdictions in their efforts to regulate the safety and welfare in American Quarter Horse racing, including testing to ensure the rules of racing are being followed. This testing includes condition of entry testing, out of competition testing and/or post-race testing.

While AQHA is not a regulatory body, the Association works closely with the racing jurisdictions which uphold welfare and integrity measures. AQHA supports all measures to protect both the horse and the industry from isolated actions that do not uphold the highest standards of protection for the horse and for the industry. The Association supports measures to deter the use of performance-enhancing medications and supports jurisdictions in their efforts to prevent their use.

AQHA is dedicated to adhering to the Association’s mission statement, which ensures the American Quarter Horse is treated humanely, with dignity, respect and compassion at all times.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA Racing on X and on Instagram, "like" Q-Racing on Facebook, and visit www.aqha.com/racing.