The American Quarter Horse Association’s (AQHA) Stud Book and Registration Committee will discuss various matters relating to the breed and AQHA’s registration process, namely eligibility of horses with white beyond certain prescribed limits on their bodies and those of a particular lineage, during the 2004 convention in Reno, Nev., March 5-9.

During their Oct. 7 meeting, the stud book and registration committee discussed a potential compromise to Rule 227(c), commonly called the “white rule.” This rule has been a source of debate since the early days of AQHA. On the agenda for the March meeting will be a review of a proposed compromise, which if passed will come before the general membership and the board of directors for vote. The proposal would establish a new supplemental registry for foals which have white outside the presently prescribed limits and whose parents are both numbered American Quarter Horses.

Horses in this supplemental registry will be eligible to race and perform in AQHA-approved events, but will not be eligible for halter classes. Foals from the matings of two horses in the supplemental registry will not be eligible for AQHA registration.

Another proposal on the agenda relates to hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). This proposal, if passed, would amend rule 227, making foals of 2006 and after ineligible for registration if they are descendants of the stallion Impressive and are found to be HYPP-positive (H/H), and foals of 2010 and later which are found to be HYPP carriers (N/H) will only be eligible for registration as geldings or non-breeding mares