The
American Quarter Horse Association (
AQHA), based in
Amarillo, Texas, is an international organization dedicated to the preservation, improvement and record-keeping of the
American Quarter Horse. The association sanctions many competitive events and maintains the official registry. The organization also houses the
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum and sponsors educational programs. The organization was founded in 1940 in
Fort Worth, Texas and now has nearly 350,000 members. The AQHA approves of horse slaughtering as a last resort for unwanted animals.