Is your mare registered with the AQHA? Check if your mare is eligible for registration. See Registry Services.
Is the mare in your name? If your mare is not registered in your name with the AQHA, you'll need to complete a Transfer of Ownership to officially register her under your name before breeding her. See Horse Transfer.
Does your mare have DNA (for parent verification) on file with the AQHA? DNA for mares that were registered or recorded prior to 2023, must have their DNA type on file prior to breeding, for their progeny to be considered for registration.
The Association recommends that DNA samples be taken from all mares at or prior to breeding to have DNA records in the event the mare dies or otherwise becomes unavailable for DNA testing after foaling and prior to foal registration.
Why is Genetic Testing Important? AQHA mares MUST be genetically tested to identify potential carriers of genetic disorders and determine their genetic makeup. See Genetic Testing.
Are you purchasing an embryo from an AQHA registered mare? To register a foal that was conceived by embryo transfer (ET) from an AQHA registered mare not owned by you, an Embryo Permit must be submitted before breeding, and the mare MUST have DNA on file with the AQHA prior to embryos being collected. NB: If you own the mare you will follow the regular registration process.
APPLICATION FOR EMBRYO PERMITS
Are you purchasing an Oocyte from an AQHA registered mare? To register a foal that was conceived by Oocyte Transfer (ICSI) from an AQHA registered mare an Oocyte Permit must be submitted before breeding, and the mare MUST have DNA on file with the AQHA prior to oocytes being collected.
What is the difference between an Oocyte & an Embryo? The main difference is their developmental stage: an oocyte is an unfertilised egg cell, while an embryo is an oocyte that has been successfully fertilised by a sperm.
What if I am selling my AQHA registered mare and retaining breeding rights? Prior to selling your mare, you may decide to retain a breeding right for future use. The following form must be kept on file at our AQHA Office until the resulting foal is registered. It is recommended that you have a contract of sale for your mare that stipulates the condition of your retained breeding.
RETAINED BREEDING RIGHTS DECLARATION - MARE BEING SOLD
What if I am selling my AQHA registered mare and retaining Oocytes? An Oocyte retained from a donor mare can be preserved in frozen storage. If a mare owner sells their mare and retains Oocytes from that mare, prior to the sale of the mare, the mare owner must complete a Retained Oocyte Permit Application. If a mare owner has already sold their mare, and they have retained the right to an oocyte(s) for breeding at a future date, by having a commercial contract with new owner of the mare, then the Breeders Declaration on the form must be completed, signed and forwarded to the AQHA Office and the Office will then send a Retained Oocyte Permit to the rightful owner of the Oocyte. NB: One Breeder’s declaration for every Oocyte retained.
