At its April meeting, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Executive Committee approved rule changes designed to improve Quarter Horse welfare.

A statement from the organization said the board approved stronger penalties and fines for animal welfare rule violators, enacted significant penalties for positive clenbuterol tests, and barred the use of lip chains in show horses, among several other actions.

“The actions exemplify the association taking a firmer stand on animal welfare for the protection of the horse and for the future of the breed,” the statement said.

These welfare topics were discussed and reviewed by AQHA members and the association’s Animal Welfare Commission, Show Committee and Show Council, and Racing Committee and Racing Council