THE American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has confirmed it is not renewing its 25-year-long affiliate agreement with the Irish Quarter Horse Association (IQHA), resulting in the termination of IQHA’s affiliate status.

Heidi Doyle, IQHA Secretary, said the main reason the affiliation was not renewed was that the body has not run an approved AQHA show since 2017, against the requirement that at least one approved show be held each year.

She said the IQHA “remained fully committed to promoting the American Quarter Horse in Ireland. While the AQHA did not renew its affiliation with the IQHA this year, we are continuing with our full calendar of programmes, events, and youth outreach clinics, both in the Republic and Northern Ireland, with no interruption to the support and opportunities we offer our members.

“As an AQHA member I have received an email today from the AQHA stating that the AQHA is seeking hosting of approved shows in Ireland and as secretary of the IQHA I will be making an application for the IQHA National Show in September to be approved by the AQHA.

“The IQHA was founded in March 2000 and proudly served as an affiliate of the AQHA for 25 years. Though we are no longer affiliated, we continue to work with AQHA accredited judges and clinicians and maintain strong international links, including participation in events such as the AQH Youth World Cup, where Irish youth riders have represented Ireland in the past with great success and can continue to do so.

“As before, our focus remains on developing the American Quarter Horse breed within the community in Ireland. We are also proudly continuing our affiliation with Horse Sport Ireland and look forward to progressing our work with them and others in the equestrian community.”

IQHA has 62 members and remains an affiliate of Horse Sport Ireland.

Requirements

“The AQHA partners exclusively with affiliates that uphold the Association’s standards and fulfill the requirements set forth in the AQHA International Affiliate Agreement,” Joanne Cañedo, Manager of International at AQHA told The Irish Field.

“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with organisations that align with our mission and values. Organisations that believe they meet these criteria are encouraged to contact us to initiate the affiliate application process.

“AQHA takes great pride in supporting our members in Ireland and recognises the enthusiasm and dedication they contribute to the breed. Their commitment to the American Quarter Horse is highly valued, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to help them maintain strong connections with the Association.

“In the absence of a recognised affiliate, members in Ireland may continue to register their American Quarter Horses and complete ownership transfers through AQHA. Our team stands ready to assist with these processes to ensure all horses are properly documented within the Association. In the meantime, we encourage members in Ireland to take advantage of several programs available through AQHA.”