AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 84

d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l) attempted to exhibit the horse to the best of the horse’s ability; Penalise a horse for excessive or exaggerated switching or wringing of the tail; Not penalise a horse for the manner in which it carries its tail nor for normal response with its tail to cues from its rider or when changing leads. NB: If a Judge suspects that a horses’ tail has been surgically or chemically altered or has had any item or appliance that restricts the movement or circulation of the tail, then the Judge must report this horse to the Association on their Judging report for further action by the Association. A Judges suspicion is not cause for the Judge not to place the horse. Not call exhibitors off the rail at any gait other than a walk in rail classes; Have the authority to require the removal or alteration of any piece of equipment which in their opinion is unsafe and would tend to give a horse an unfair advantage or which they believe to be inhumane; Disqualify a horse that is exhibited with an open wound and/or shows traces of blood; Disqualify a horse whose mouth is tied or fastened in a performance class; Disqualify a horse who has a bleeding mouth in a performance class; Disqualify a horse if the horse appears sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn or overly tired. Have the authority to place a horse in whatever position in a class they think is justified by the merits of the horse. The Judges decision is final. Page 84