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The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has announced a major update to its affiliate structure in Canada, with a new provincial-level model scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The change is designed to strengthen regional participation, improve support for Canadian affiliates, and expand opportunities for Quarter Horse owners, breeders, and exhibitors across the country.
Returning to a Provincial Structure
Since 2018, Canadian AQHA members have been grouped under Region 11 – International. However, feedback from Canadian leadership and members suggested that this structure did not fully address the needs of the Canadian Quarter Horse community.
During the 2025 AQHA Convention, the Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) requested the formation of a task force to evaluate the future of AQHA’s structure in Canada. Following a year of review—including analysis of AQHA rules, procedures, and member feedback—the association determined that Canada will once again be recognized at the provincial affiliate level, similar to how individual U.S. states are represented.
This model reflects the structure that was in place before 2018.
Expanded Opportunities for Canadian Members
Alongside the structural changes, the updated system is also expected to create new opportunities for Canadian affiliates and individual members. Under the provincial model, affiliate organizations will have greater flexibility to develop programs and initiatives that respond to the needs of their local Quarter Horse communities.
One of the most significant changes involves funding. Provincial affiliates will be able to submit funding proposals directly to AQHA, which may allow them to secure support beyond the current international allocation of approximately $30,000 USD. As a result, resources can be distributed more directly to provincial programs, shows, and member initiatives.
At the same time, Canadian members will gain broader opportunities for participation within AQHA governance and activities. Rather than being grouped solely within the international region, members will be eligible to exhibit, pursue elected leadership positions, and participate within Regions 1 through 4 and Region 6, expanding their involvement across AQHA programs and regional networks.
Provincial and Racing Affiliates Across Canada
At the centre of the updated structure are the provincial organisations that represent Quarter Horse owners, breeders, and competitors across Canada. The following organisations are recognised as Canadian provincial affiliates:
- Quarter Horse Association of Alberta
- British Columbia Quarter Horse Association
- Manitoba Quarter Horse Association
- Maritime Quarter Horse Association
- Ontario Quarter Horse Association
- Quebec Quarter Horse Association
- Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Association
In addition to these affiliates, AQHA also recognises racing organisations that support the development of Quarter Horse racing in Canada. These include:
- Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association
- Quarter Horse Racing Association of Ontario
AQHA believes that recognising affiliates and racing organisations within a provincial framework will strengthen collaboration among organisations while better aligning services with regional needs.
What Will Not Change
While AQHA’s new affiliate structure introduces changes to how Canadian affiliates are recognized, many important aspects of participation for Canadian members will remain the same. The process for registering American Quarter Horses, transferring ownership, and managing horse records through AQHA will continue exactly as it does today. Canadian owners, breeders, and exhibitors will still have access to the same registration services and member programs offered by the association.
In addition, participation in AQHA-approved shows and events will remain unchanged. Canadian exhibitors will continue to compete in sanctioned competitions, and their results will still count toward national high point standings as well as other AQHA awards and recognitions. At the same time, youth opportunities will continue to be a central part of the program. Canadian youth members will still be able to attend initiatives such as the AQHYA Youth Excellence Seminar and participate in leadership and educational activities within the organization, ensuring that young riders and industry participants remain actively connected to the broader Quarter Horse community.
Key Points From AQHA’s Member FAQ
AQHA released a detailed FAQ explaining how the new structure will affect Canadian members. Some of the most important takeaways include:
- Provincial affiliates will operate similarly to U.S. state affiliates, allowing for stronger regional representation.
- Canadian youth will continue participating in AQHA youth programs, with travel grants now categorized under domestic participation.
- Horse registration and AQHA services remain unchanged for Canadian members.
- Canadian judges will transition to the standard AQHA all-around judge certification pathway.
- Provincial affiliates may nominate professionals for recognition awards, including AQHA’s Most Valuable Professional Award.
Canadian members will also retain access to AQHA digital publications, educational programs such as AQHLearn, and other national member benefits.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Canada’s Quarter Horse Community
AQHA says the updated affiliate structure will help align services with regional needs while encouraging greater collaboration between provincial organizations.
By recognizing Canadian affiliates at the provincial level, the association aims to strengthen the country’s Quarter Horse network and support long-term growth within the industry.
The new structure will officially take effect January 1, 2027.