FAQ

AqHR
Why should I register my horse?

The American Quarter Horse Registry provides an opportunity for breeders and owners to register their horses when they otherwise may not have the means to do so. With the huge popularity of the American Quarter Horse, and its tremendous versatility, it has only been natural for breeders to cross their quarter horses with other breeds. The temperament and athleticism of the American Quarter horse, along with its beautiful conformation and gorgeous colors, which can be passed on to these crosses, makes the results both unique and special.


There are tremendous benefits to having your horse registered including:

  • Proof of ownership
  • Provides pedigree which shows how the horse is bred
  • Provides age verification
  • Adds value to your horse
  • Creates a record of past ownership and geological whereabouts
  • The horse becomes eligible for our “Ride” programs and other annual awards
  • Registration certificate is required to show a horse in any futurity, as well as enter him/her in incentive programs, such as Future Fortunes, Mare Power, etc

The qualification for registration is simple: at least one parent must be AQHA or APHA registered, hence our original name “Half Quarter Horse Registry” (now the AqHR.) This one, simple guideline allows us to retain the integrity of the breed while enabling the registration of horses that are possibly turned away from other associations or registries.


While we do have many crosses, we also have numerous full-blooded quarter horses. Because AQHA and APHA have several strict guidelines, we receive countless referrals directly from AQHA because they will deny a horse registration for the following reasons:

  • The horse is a cross between an AQHA or APHA horse and another breed
  • The horse is a cross between an AQHA or APHA horse and an unregistered quarter or paint horse
  • The horse is a cross between an AQHA or APHA horse and a quarter or paint horse with lost papers
  • The horse is a cross between an AQHA or APHA horse and a registered quarter horse with an international association that AQHA or APHA is not affiliated with
  • The horse is a cross between two appendix AQHA horses, resulting in too much thoroughbred blood
  • The horse has too much white. AQHA will not accept a horse with white above the hock or knee.
  • The horse is a color that AQHA or APHA does not acknowledge or accept
  • One or both of the parents is deceased and does not have a DNA verification with AQHA
  • While AQHA and APHA will gladly register any qualifying horse, the cost reaches several hundred dollars if the horse is registered at an older age. Our highest registration fees do NOT exceed $80 (standard registration).
Does my horse qualify for registration?

Simple answer: your horse qualifies if a AT LEAST ONE parent (sire and/ or dam) is AQHA or APHA registered (or registered with one of their international affiliates)

Complex answer: your horse MAY qualify if it is verifiably a MINIMUM of half quarter horse according to pedigree and/ or DNA. (Ex.: your horse may be a cross between two Appaloosas (ApHC) that are each half quarter horse. OR your horse may be a cross between an Appaloosa and a half Arabian each having a sufficient amount of quarter horse in their pedigree. OR your horse may be the result of an AqHR x AqHR)

Hardship cases: if your horse does not meet any of the above requirements, you may apply through The American DNA Registry for a breed analysis registration certificate.

Should I DNA type my horse?

We always recommend DNA typing, ESPECIALLY if the horse is a futurity or incentive program prospect. OR if you have plans to breed the horse. Parental verification adds credibility and value to your horse, even if for just the sire OR dam.

Can I register my full Quarter Horse? What if AQHA denied my registration?

The AqHR registers full Quarter Horses almost daily. As a matter of fact, most of them come as a direct referral from AQHA who we work with very closely. The AqHR offers an alternative when AQHA denies a horse registration or the horse’s owner does not wish to incur the expenses of registering with AQHA.


AQHA may deny your ability to register your horse for numerous reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

  • excessive white on the horse or in areas that AQHA does not approve of
  • too much thoroughbred bred back into appendix lines
  • lack of DNA for either parent
  • horse is older and it is too costly through AQHA
  • dispute with breeder or stallion owner
  • the horse is a clone
Can I show my AqHR horse in AQHA shows?

No. AQHA is the most strictly governed purebred association. Only AQHA horses can be shown in AQHA shows.

What performance associations and programs recognize AqHR Reg. papers?

It is our knowledge that AqHR certificates are recognized everywhere (with the exception of breed-specific shows and programs). However, we suggest that you check with the specific association, directly. BFA, Future Fortunes, and Mare Power DO accept AqHR certificates.

What does my horse’s AqHR registration number say about him/ her?

Example Registration Number – A006702-QA ¾.

  1. The first letter indicates what classification your horse is. Class A is a horse that has parental verification for both the sire and dam. Class B is a horse that has parental verification for only one parent. Class C is a horse that does not have parental verification.
  2. The numeric digits indicate which horse yours is. In the above example, that horse is the 6702nd horse to be registered with AqHR.
  3. The letters following the number tell what breed cross your horse is. The first letter will always be Q, for quarter horse, since each horse must descend from at least 50% quarter horse lineage. The second letter will tell what other breed is included in the lineage. Scroll down to view the current breed codes.
  4. The fraction tells how much verifiable quarter horse is in your horse’s blood.
Why should I add a photo to my horse's certificate?

This makes your horse more identifiable which is especially important for futurity horses, when selling a horse, and in the unfortunate event of a lost or stolen horse.

If I register my horse with AqHR, can the offspring then be registered with AQHA?

No. AQHA is a purebred registry and the most strictly governed breed association.

What options do I have if I don't know anything about my horse’s sire or dam, or if my horse falls short of the requirements?
  • You may opt to purchase a certificate of ownership. This includes current owner, history, age, color, and markings.
  • You may DNA register your horse. This is similar to a certificate of ownership, but is tied to a DNA case number for reference.

Does AqHR have any international representatives?

Yes!

  • South America: Marco Palavicini
  • Germany, Austria, & Switzerland: Singrid Kramer
  • If you are or someone you know is interested in becoming rep, please contact us.
Do I need a breeder’s certificate for my horse?

A breeder’s certificate is needed for horses under one year of age. We also prefer to have one on file for any and all horses whenever possible.

What ‘class’ (classification) will my horse be registered under?
  • If the horse is DNA typed and has parental verification for both parents: class A
  • If the horse is DNA typed and has parental verification for only one parent: class B
  • If the horse is not DNA typed: class C
ADNAR
Does my animal qualify for registration?

Yes. We have several different classes and divisions.


ALL animals will receive a registration certificate that includes the following:

  • Name – Registration number
  • DNA case number (your animal’s true identity)
  • Full genetic marker report
  • Breeder info
  • Owner info
  • Breed or breed cross
  • Color – Markings
  • Sex
  • Year of birth
  • Place or region of birth

Animals with verifiable mother and/or father will also have the following included on the certificate:

  • Pedigree (partial or full, as available)
  • Parental verification (for mother and/ or father, as available)
  • Date of birth
Do I need a membership?

No. The registration fee is all-inclusive. There are no memberships and it includes the cost of the DNA test for the horse in which you are registering.

What are the different divisions and classes?

Divisions (commonly referred to as ‘books’)

  • Equine
  • Bovine
  • Swine
  • Goat
  • Sheep
  • Canine
  • Feline

Exotic Classes (within divisions)

  • Purebred
  • Distinct cross
  • Grade cross
  • Grade (no pedigree)
  • Clone
Should I DNA type my horse?

The ADNAR registration fee includes a DNA test. In some circumstances, a minimal additional fee may be required for a second analysis. DNA is especially important if the horse is a futurity or incentive program prospect OR if you have plans to breed the horse

Parental verification adds credibility and value to your horse, even if for just sire OR dam.

Will the DNA test reveal who the sire and/or dam is?

NO – The DNA test will either provide parental verification with the case number of the parent(s) (to test against) OR it will provide a breed analysis if your animal has an unknown history or pedigree.

Can I show my AHQHR or ADNAR horse in AQHA shows?

No. AQHA is the most strictly governed purebred association. Only AQHA horses can be shown in AQHA shows.

What performance associations and programs recognize AHQHR and ADNAR Reg certificates?
  • It is our knowledge that AHQHR and ADNAR certificates are recognized everywhere (with the exception of breed-specific shows and programs). However, we suggest that you check with the specific association, directly.
  • BFA, Future Fortunes, Mare Power, and NCHA, DO accept AHQHR and ADNAR certificates.
Why should I register my horse?
  • Proof of ownership
  • Provides pedigree which shows how the horse is bred
  • Provides age verification
  • Adds value to your horse
  • Creates a record of past ownership and geological whereabouts
  • The horse becomes eligible for our “Ride” programs and other annual awards
  • Registration certificate is required to show a horse in any futurity, as well as enter him/ her in incentive programs, such as Future Fortunes, Mare Power, etc
What does my horse’s registration number say about him/ her?

Ex. Registration #: A006702-QA

1. The first letter indicates what classification your horse is.

  • Class A is a horse that has parental verification for both the sire and dam.
  • Class B is a horse that has parental verification for only one parent.
  • Class C is a horse that does not have parental verification.

2. The numeric digits indicate which horse yours is. In the above example, that horse is the 6702nd horse to be registered with ADNAR.

3. The letters following the number tell what breed cross your horse is.

Why should I add a photo to my horse's certificate?

This makes your horse more identifiable which is especially important for futurity horses, when selling a horse, and in the unfortunate event of a lost or stolen horse.

If I register my horse with AHQHR or ADNAR, can the offspring then be registered with AQHA?

No. AQHA is a purebred registry and the most strictly governed breed association.

Do I need a breeder’s certificate for my horse?

A breeder’s certificate is needed for horses under one year of age. We also prefer to have one on file for any and all horses whenever possible. It is section #8 of the application.

What ‘class’ (classification) will my horse be registered under?
  • If the horse has parental verification for both parents: class A
  • If the horse has parental verification for only one parent: class B
  • If the horse does not have parental verification for either sire nor dam: class C

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(254) 592-7827

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