AQHA to Consider Rule Change Proposal at 2025 Convention
The Stud Book and Registration Committee of the American Quarter Horse Association will consider proposed changes to rules concerning the use of frozen semen and embryos at this year’s AQHA convention, to be held March 28-31.
Current rules, established in 2015, limit the use of frozen semen from stallions born in 2015 or later to two years after the horse is deceased or becomes sterile, and limit the use of frozen embryos from a mare to two years after she is deceased or spayed. Horses foaled prior to 2015 have no limits placed on the use of frozen semen or frozen embryos.
The two proposed changes would, 1., amend REG 111.6 to allow frozen semen to be used for ten years after the death or sterilization for stallions foaled in 2015 or after, and, 2., amend REG 111.6 and REG 112.9 to allow frozen semen and frozen embryos to be used for 20 years after the foaling date or two years after the death, whichever is longer, for horses foaled in 2015 or after, if they are adopted.
Robin and Cody Scherbarth raise quarter horses and ranch south of Chadron, Nebraska.
“I think these proposed rules are a good idea,” Robin said. “Many people didn’t even know about the rule change to not allow stallions born in and after 2015 to have registered foals beyond two years after their death when it happened several years ago. I think these proposals are bringing new awareness to the original rule.”
Scherbarth believes the proposed rules are a good thing.
“2015 doesn’t seem that long ago; those stallions are 10 years old now, and anytime there can be a career ending injury, colic or accident,” she said.
While Scherbarth loves the influence of the older generation of AQHA stallions that still have frozen semen available, she doesn’t want to see the new generation’s influence on the breed cut short.
“There are certain studs that have been deceased for years and people are still breeding to them,” she said. “I love them, and breed to them myself. But the breed has come a long way in 20 years. High level performance horse trainers are looking for the newer bloodlines, we’ve selected for multiple traits to improve the breed and I don’t think we should shut down a stallion’s career to only two years after his death.”
Scherbarth also worries about how the untimely loss of a stallion could impact smaller breeders.
“It’s not always easy to find a replacement,” she said. “The registry stays alive because of our breeders, and people can’t always afford to breed multiple mares to outside stallions.”
Jenn Zeller, a trainer, clinician and breeder from Gettysburg, South Dakota, supports the proposed changes. She fears that continuing to limit the use of a stallion’s frozen semen or a mare’s embryos could send AQHA breeders to other breed associations.
“The paint horse association and the appaloosas do not have this rule, so the deceased stallion’s semen could be bred to paint or appy mares and those associations would gladly take them,” she said. “There’s a good possibility people will move to a half breed registry due to their love of the genetics of their horses. Why risk losing those members?”
Zeller also expressed concern for the long term of the breed by limiting the use of newer bloodlines.
“We need to allow for genetic diversity, and by limiting this to two years after a horse dies or becomes sterile, you’re not expanding the gene pool,” she said.
Stan Weaver, past AQHA president and current member of the Stud Book and Registration Committee, encourages people to contact any of the committee members or email the association.
“Last year the digital certification proposal proved to be really controversial,” Weaver said. “I got a lot of emails and a lot of people went to the convention. They really did sway that issue by speaking out. I sure encourage people to talk to committee members if they have questions.”
Any member can write a rule change proposal and send it to the association, Weaver said. No matter how trivial, “If you submit it, it will be put on the agenda. There’s no guarantee it will be passed, but it will be discussed.”
Anyone who attends the convention can speak up about the proposed rule changes during the committee meeting, and emails sent to the association about the proposed rule changes are presented to the committee.
“The Stud Book committee will listen,” Weaver said.
The agenda for the AQHA convention is posted on the website so people can be aware of topics coming up for discussion.
Tammy Canida, AQHA registrar, encourages members to come to the convention if possible, but for those unable to attend, there are other opportunities voice thoughts and concerns.
“Attending in person is the best opportunity to have your chance to talk to committee members face to face,” she said. “If you’re not able, talk to the directors that represent your state. They will be at the convention and some will be on the Stud Book Committee.”
Another option, Canida said, is to send a letter.
“If they send it to me, I will make sure the committee has it in front of them when they have this on the agenda,” she said.
Canida said that letters for or against the proposed changes can be emailed to her at tcanida@aqha.org.
“These rule change proposals come from our membership, and all rules for registration are adopted by our board of directors which is made up of AQHA members, not staff,” she said. “Every voice matters.”
For a rule change to be considered for the following year’s convention, Canida said it must be submitted by December 31. A rule change proposal form will be published on the AQHA website following the 2025 convention. Rule change proposals will be put before the appropriate committee, and discussed by committee members with opportunity for comments from other members in attendance.
“The Stud Book committee will spend two days going through the agenda, and whatever decision they make will be passed to the members at the convention. Members there will vote on the recommendation from the committee. At each agenda item, members present have the opportunity to speak for or against it. When it comes out of the membership meeting it will go to the Board of Directors for a final vote. They can still say no at that point, and it has happened.”
Canida said the Stud Book and Registration Committee members are always very thoughtful about making changes to registration rules.
“They know what they do will impact generations in the future. They are very careful and considerate and I respect that.”
