584 South Creek Road
Orrum, NC 28369
910-739-7024
910-738-9569 (facsimile)
www.ParkerFarms.com
Gene Parker Farms
12/22/2005
American Quarter Horse Association
Attn: Stud Book and Registration Department
P.O. Box 200
Amarillo, TX 79168
To Whom It May Concern:
As an AQHA National Director, an AQHA Judge, a Professional Horseman, and a breeder/manager of several stallions, I am
respectfully requesting that the Stud Book and Registration Committee rescind the current Rule #205(c)(3), which will affect the
registration of foals carrying the HYPP H/H gene born in the year 2007. I personally would like to see the registration of all HYPP
genetic horses, including those with the H/H gene. The following are my reasons for requesting this change.
For over 25 years, we have perpetuated this Impressive bloodline to be the “standard” for what we have been looking for in our halter
horses. It is unfair to the stallion owners, mare owners, breeders, and trainers who have generously supported the AQHA with
millions of dollars invested into their horses by way of the AQHA incentive fund, advertising in the QH Journal, and the AQHA
shows. The economic impact that this ruling has had to the halter horse industry has been extremely negative over the last two
years. Breedings as well as sales are down, and people in general are dissatisfied with what is occurring in our industry today.
Many in the halter horse industry feel that the AQHA is singling out only one of many genetic diseases that affect the American
Quarter Horse. According to Dr. Sharon Spier, this defect is easily treatable and controlled, just as it is in humans. Those of us in
the industry have been controlling this ever since it was diagnosed. There are many other genetic defects that are far more serious in
their consequences that have yet to be addressed.
One of these diseases is the Lethal White Syndrome, which has no treatment and is a sure death sentence for the foal. HERDA is
another life-threatening genetic disease that is plaguing our cutting and reining horse industry. This disease has no treatment at this
time and renders the horse useless until their death. Other diseases include combined immunodeficiency, cerebellar abiotrophy,
epitheliogenesis imperfecta, hyperelastosis cutis, degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis, polysaccharide storage myopathy,
osteochondrosis and limb deformities. It is confusing to many of us why AQHA would choose to deny registration for a defect that is
easily diagnosed and very treatable. By denying the registration of one certain defect, we have opened the door, both legally and
ethically, to deny ALL horses with ANY type of genetically-linked disease to be registered in the future. This needs a great amount of
consideration and deliberation as to the effect that this ruling will have on our Association down the road.
There will be many foals that may be denied registration that will have full brothers and sisters that are already registered with the
AQHA and are out competing and supporting our Association. Since AQHA has opened up the registration to horses with an AQHA
registered sire and an AQHA registered dam, I feel that it is unfair to deny any horse an AQHA registration number when they are by
AQHA registered sires and dams.
With much thought and consideration, I would like to propose the following guidelines, which I feel will greatly benefit our Association
and membership much more so than this current ruling.
Do not deny registration to any horse carrying the HYPP gene, regardless of the HYPP status.
Require mandatory testing for all breeding stallions, mares, and the resulting foals beginning in 2007 and…
Make it mandatory that the HYPP test results are printed on all registration papers and are available for public record through AQHA
and the AQHA website.
Consider developing a duplicate transfer form whereas the buyer/seller signs or initials that the buyer has been informed of the horse’s
HYPP status. AQHA could then send the duplicate copy along with the registration papers to the buyer as a record that he was made
aware of the horse’s status.
AQHA could send an informative booklet on HYPP as well as a suggested treatment plan to every owner that purchases or registers a
foal that has tested positive for the HYPP gene.
Require ALL stallions with Impressive bloodlines that advertise in the Quarter Horse Journal to disclose their HYPP status in all
advertisements beginning immediately.
Continue various forms of research and education concerning HYPP.
These proposals will benefit any prospective buyer and breeder in making them aware of the status of the horse they are considering.
These proposals can also be used in the same manner for any other genetic disease. This now gives every individual the right to
choose which direction best suits their goals.
In closing, I want to thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of rescinding the current Rule #205(c)(3). It is unfortunate
that the past two years has brought such turmoil to our halter industry. I feel it is time that we reunite as an Association and hold true
to the AQHA Mission Statement that we are to record and preserve the pedigrees of the American Quarter Horse while maintaining
the integrity of the breed.
Sincerely,
Gene A. Parker
I.D. #0107051
C:\Documents and Settings\Bobbie Parker\My Documents\HYPP Letter 12-05.doc