AQHA members on March 16, 2026, during the AQHA Convention to remove the Two-Year Rule, restoring the previous policy that allows frozen semen from deceased stallions to be used indefinitely.

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By StallioneSearch

LAS VEGAS, NV–MARCH 16, 2026–On Monday, March 16, 2026, the AQHA Two-Year Rule was eliminated following a vote of the membership during the 2026 AQHA Convention.

The rule had restricted the use of frozen semen after a stallion’s death. With the rule now removed, the policy reverts to the previous standard allowing a stallion’s frozen semen to be used indefinitely.

Earlier in the convention, the AQHA Stud Book and Registration Committee voted to keep the rule in place and recommended forming a task force to continue gathering research and data on genetic diversity through 2027. The committee’s recommendation was then forwarded to the general membership.

During open discussion, nearly 20 AQHA members addressed the issue, sharing perspectives on how the rule had affected their breeding programs and long-term planning.

When the proposal came before the membership Monday morning, the vote was 259 in favor of eliminating the rule and 143 in favor of keeping it.

The rule had originally been adopted in 2015.