White Rule Modified At AQHA ConventionStory Provided Courtesy of Jim Bret Campbell and Rich Chamberlain

AMARILLO, Texas When the American Quarter Horse Association was organized in 1940, the original founders set several tenets into bylaws that ever since have shaped and guided the Association. One of the early paramount principles was Article VII, Section 6, which stated, "All colors are acceptable, except those commonly designated as spotted, pinto, appaloosa, and albino."

During the 60-year history of AQHA, the "white rule" has been discussed and cussed, challenged through the courts, adjusted up and down, and amended to fall within the commonly designated category. During the 2001 AQHA Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, March 2-6, the matter was reviewed again.

Critics of the rule have long claimed that it is too restrictive and no longer scientifically valid, and argue that with DNA-typing and parentage verification any foal born to AQHA-registered parents should be registered. However, according to a nonscientific poll published in 1998 in the The Quarter Horse Journal and The Quarter Racing Journal which was supported by a scientific poll run by an outside research firm the majority of AQHA members did not want to register horses exhibiting paint/pinto characteristics. In the Journal survey, more than 80 percent indicated that registering horses showing overo characteristics would be confusing to the public.

With that information in hand, the AQHA Stud Book & Registration (SB&R) Committee did not take any action affecting the white rule at the convention three years ago. Since then, however, the AQHA Executive Committee had forwarded to SB&R several files concerning horses with mottling on genitalia, in the axillary region (armpit), inside the hind legs and under the tail that are not typically considered paint characteristics, but could exclude horses from registration.

Upon discussion and consideration at the convention, SB&R agreed that such markings were not paint characteristics and should be allowed. The committee also unanimously agreed to relax the rule for breeding stock to be consistent with the current restrictions for nonbreeding stock by eliminating sub-paragraph (c) of rule 227. The Association now has one white-rule standard for all registered horses.

In addition, the committee amended rule 227(h) to add "Areas of white, pink or mottled skin located on the horse's genitalia, including the sheath or udder, in the axillary region (armpits), or inside the hind legs, including the inner surface of the hindquarters up to and including the ventral surface of the tail, and which are not readily visible when the horse is in a standing position are not considered white markings as described in (c) and (d) above."

Actions by the AQHA Stud Book & Registration Committee are not subject to executive committee review. After being ratified by the general membership and board of directors during the convention, most rule changes by the SB&R committee - and that committee only become effective immediately, though SB&R also has the option of delaying implementation. The actions of all other 12 committees - including that of the racing committee - must be approved by the AQHA Executive Committee before being added to the rulebook.

Because research indicates true albinism does not exist in horses, the stud book & registration committee voted unanimously to amend rule 227(j) by removing the words, "which designate a horse commonly known as an albino." Cremellos and perlinos still are ineligible for registration. The committee also incorporated amendments to: Rule 224(d), to prevent any one joint owner of a horse from transferring ownership to himself. Such transfer shall require the signature of all joint owners.

Rule 215, to allow a horse's name to be changed at any time so long as it has not (a) competed in an AQHA show or special event; (b) started in a recognized race; (c) earned a special achievement recognition award as per rule 440; (d) earned any money or award with an AQHA affiliate as shown on AQHA records; or appeared on any breeding document submitted to AQHA.

Rule 212, to recognize oocyte transfers as a variation of the embryo transfer procedure. The rule will now read "embryo/oocyte transfer."

Rule 212(a)(1), by adding the words, "For mare enrollments received after collection of the embryo, but prior to foaling, a late fee of $25 will be assessed, in addition to fees required by rule 222. For mare enrollments received after foaling, a late fee of $25 will be assessed, in addition to fees required by rule 222."

Rule 212(h) to read, "(b) Any horse produced by embryo transfer must have a registration application on file in the AQHA office postmarked prior to its 12-month birth date to be eligible for registration. For registration applications received after the 7-month birth date, but before the 12-month birth date a late fee of $200 will be assessed, in addition to paying fees required by rule 222."

Rule 212(d) to read, "(d) The Executive Committee, in its sole discretion, may accept filing of a late registration application (beyond the 12-month period specified in subparagraph [b] above) upon being shown substantial excuse.

"In such cases the applicant shall make a personal appearance before the Executive Committee to substantiate his/her case for acceptance of the application. Should the Executive Committee authorize the applicant's request, a penalty of $1,000 should be assessed, in addition to fees required by rule 222."

For more information on the white rule modification or for additional coverage from the Convention see the May issue of The Quarter Horse Journal and The Quarter Racing Journal. To speak with an AQHA representative about registration procedures, please contact AQHA at (806) 376-4811 or visit AQHA online at www.aqha.com.