The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) announced Aug. 12 its endorsement of The Jockey Club’s proposed Reformed Racing Medication Rules.

The rules, announced a year ago by The Jockey Club and updated recently, address the issue of permitted race-day medications, illegal doping of horses, uniform rules, and penalties for those who violate rules or attempt to harm horses and their riders.

"It is critical for us to keep racing clean for the horses; the owners, breeders and trainers; and the betting public," said Don Treadway Jr., AQHA executive vice president. "AQHA has been a leader at addressing this topic and by teaming with our Thoroughbred–and other breed–counterparts, we are forming a united front to address this very serious issue."

Over the last year, horse racing has been under the microscope. Efforts have been initiated in Washington, D.C., to regulate the industry. AQHA Director and Racing Council Chairman Matt Witman testified before a Senate hearing in July regarding medication and performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing