Once the application is received and processed by AMHA, the office will forward to the Show Manager of the AMHA sanctioned event the Hardship Inspection and Measurement documents. The horse CAN NOT be Hardship Inspected or Measured without prior approval of the AMHA office.

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***Some countries outside of North America may not recognize AMHA Hardship Registration in their government stud books. You should check with your country's regulations. AMHA is not responsible for knowing foreign countries' rules and regulations, nor can we guarantee that you will be able to complete the Hardship process in your location.****

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Please see the current AMHA Rule Book Rules and Regulations #193 for complete Hardship Rules.

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DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR HARDSHIP PROCESS

What to do:

1. Send in completed Hardship application (including vet section) along with 4 current photos and payment of application, DNA kit (mares and stallions only), and membership (if applicable).

2. Be a current AMHA member.

3. Indicate which show or special event you plan to take the horse to be inspected.

4. The AMHA office needs at least two weeks prior to target inspection date to prepare the paperwork.

                 A. Completed application and payment received more than 1 week, but less than 2 weeks will incur a $40 expedite fee.

                 B. Completed applications and payment received less than 1 week before target inspection date, will incur a $100 expedite fee.

                 C. Incomplete applications will be subject to expediting fees if any part of the application or payment is received less than 2 weeks prior                         to the target inspection date.

5. Upon receiving the required DNA kit for mares and stallions, pull hair and send to lab BEFORE the target inspection date.

6. Failure to do all of the above will cause the application to be put on hold.  

 

Refund Policy:

1. No refunds on DNA kits, whether they have been submitted to the lab or not.

2. No refunds on membership.

3. 50% refund on Hardship fee if the horse doesn’t measure in or otherwise meet inspection requirements.

4. No refunds if owner fails to complete Hardship process.

 

 Important Info:

1. AMHA will avoid conflicts of interest as much as possible but will make the final decision on the measurer and inspector of the horse. The owner/handler/agent has no say in who measures and/or inspects the horse.

2. Any evidence of sedation of the horse will result in refusal by officials to inspect/measure it.  

3. Inspections will not be allowed unless pre-authorized by the AMHA office. No walk ups allowed.

4. Stallions and mares cannot show in AMHA classes at the show they are being inspected at. Geldings can show provided neither the inspector nor the measurer are the judges for the AMHA show AND they have notified the AMHA office of that intent prior to the show.  

5. If the horse does not measure at the targeted inspection event, the owner may take the horse to one more show in an attempt to measure it in. 

The inspector and measurer must be different than the first set. The decision at the second attempt is final.  

6. Hardship inspections must take place on or after the horse’s 3rd birthday. The application may be sent in prior to the horse’s 3rd birthday but in this case the postmark does not count for determination of postmark date in Rules & Regs 193G. The postmark for 193G will be recorded as the horse’s 3rd birthday.

7. The horse will be measured no more than 3 times during the posted Hardship measuring time period, at the location predetermined by the officials, so be sure your horse is trained to stand calmly. The measurer and inspector will determine the correct stance for the horse and the placement of the measuring stick. Excessive repositioning, changing measuring location, and delaying of measurement by the owner/handler will not be allowed.  

 

By submitting a Hardship or Progeny Hardship application to the AMHA office, the owner/agent agrees to the above rules.  

4/25/2023