REGISTRY BOOKS

1. Foundation Stock Division

The Foundation Stock Division is available for horses with no known pedigree, unverifiable lineage, or limited historical documentation.

1. To register a horse within the Foundation Stock Division, the applicant must submit:

   • A DNA sample; and

   • A completed Certificate of Identification form signed by a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) verifying the identity of the horse.

2. If a veterinary examination is unavailable for a horse over one (1) year of age, the age may be listed as “Unknown” on the registration certificate.

3. DNA Requirements:

   • DNA profiles are mandatory for all mares and stallions.

   • DNA profiles for geldings are optional.

4. All horses registered within the Foundation Stock Division are required to have a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.

5. Applicants who believe their horse represents a specific breed type may request breed designation review.

   • Horses may be evaluated by reputable breeders or qualified breed representatives to determine whether identifiable breed characteristics are present.

   • Horses determined to likely represent the claimed breed may receive an “XX” designation on the certificate.

   • Horses that do not sufficiently meet the identifiable breed characteristics may be designated as “Unknown” or “Crossbred.”

 

2. Premium Division

The Premium Division is intended for horses with one or both parents registered through a recognized registry or association and with a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) known pedigree.

1. Registration within the Premium Division requires one or more of the following:

   • Breeder’s certificate;

   • Signature from the registered owner of the sire and/or dam;

   • Bill of Sale; and/or

   • Supporting ownership documentation.

2. If required signatures cannot be obtained, DNA parentage verification may be accepted, provided the sire and/or dam has DNA markers on file with the applicable registry or association.

3. All horses registered within the Premium Division must:

   • Have a DNA profile on file; and

   • Be implanted with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.

 

DNA REQUIREMENTS

3. DNA Genetic Markers

1. All mares and stallions are required to maintain a DNA profile on file with Equines of America.

   • DNA samples may be collected through hair follicles with roots or blood samples.

2. Equines of America primarily utilizes the University of California, Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (UC Davis); however, DNA results from other accredited laboratories may be accepted upon review and approval.

3. DNA parentage verification requires DNA samples from one or both parents.

   • Many horses already have DNA markers on file with their respective breed registries or associations.

   • Owners may request copies of existing DNA records for submission with the application.

   • If no DNA markers are available, new DNA samples must be submitted for verification purposes.

 

4. DNA & Genetic Testing

1. Equines of America strongly recommends genetic health testing for all breeding mares and stallions.

2. Breed-specific genetic disorder panels may include, but are not limited to:

   • Quarter Horses: PSSM1, GBED, HERDA, HYPP, MYHM, and EJSA

   • Friesians: Distichiasis, Dwarfism, and Hydrocephalus

3. Genetic testing results may be listed on the horse’s registration certificate.

4. Color genetic testing is available and may be required in certain cases.

   • Approved color testing results and genetic color codes may be listed on the registration certificate.

 

REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS & TRANSFERS

5. Verification of Ownership

1. All registration applications must be signed by the horse owner, breeder, or authorized agent at the time of submission.

2. Applications must be accompanied by valid proof of ownership. Acceptable documentation may include:

   • Signed Bill of Sale

   • Ownership records matching the sire or dam listed on the application

   • Signed transfer documentation

   • Breeder’s certificate

   • Veterinary statements

   • Auction or sale receipts

3. Transfers of ownership must:

   • Be properly completed and signed; and

   • Include the original registration certificate.

4. If the original registration certificate has been lost, a duplicate certificate fee will apply.

5. If a transfer request is submitted without the seller’s signature, Equines of America reserves the right to contact the seller directly for verification.

   • If no response is received within forty-five (45) days, Equines of America may approve the transfer based on the documentation provided.

 

EQUINE NAMES

1. Equines of America prohibits names that are:

   • Offensive

   • Vulgar

   • Disrespectful

   • Political in nature

2. Single-word names are not permitted.

   • Applicants may include initials, numbers, prefixes, suffixes, or ranch identifiers before or after the selected name.

3. Duplicate names are not permitted within the Equines of America registry.

4. Effective January 15, 2026, name changes will no longer be permitted.

 

MICROCHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. All horses registered through Equines of America are required to have a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.

   • This requirement also applies to horses processed through Equines of America for outside registries and associations.

2. Microchips must be implanted on the left side of the nuchal ligament, midway between the poll and withers.

3. Microchips are available for purchase through Equines of America for $25.00 and may be mailed upon completion of registration processing.

4. Horses must be microchipped prior to:

   • Sale

   • Exhibition or competition

   • Breeding activities

5. Horses already implanted with a microchip must provide proof of implantation at the time of application.

 

OUTSIDE REGISTRY PROCESSING & THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

1. To authorize Equines of America to act as a third-party registration agent, the horse owner must complete and sign an authorization form or letter.

   • Certain registries or associations may additionally require notarized authorization documents.

2. Applicants are required to comply with all rules, policies, and regulations established by the applicable registry or association.

3. Equines of America reserves the right to contact outside registries or associations directly to verify documentation or clarify requirements.

4. Under Equines of America policies:

   • DNA testing and microchipping are required for all horses processed through Equines of America, regardless of outside registry requirements.

   • DNA samples processed through Equines of America are tested through UC Davis, and results may be shared with the applicable registry or association.

5. In the State of Texas, Equines of America’s Veterinary Technician (V.T.), when permitted by organizational policy, may implant microchips and collect DNA samples for certain registries or associations.

   • Some organizations may still require additional veterinary approval or DVM oversight.

6. Payments for outside registry processing may:

   • Be made directly to the registry or association; or

   • Be submitted through Equines of America for processing services.

7. Equines of America reserves the right to refuse service or assistance at its sole discretion.

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HIGH POINT AWARDS PROGRAM

Eligibility & Participation

1. The Equines of America High Point Awards Program recognizes the accomplishments of horses registered with Equines of America across all recognized disciplines.

2. Stallions registered with outside breed associations are eligible if they have offspring registered with Equines of America.

3. Eligibility Requirements:

   • Horses must be registered with Equines of America; or

   • Stallions must be registered with another recognized association and have registered offspring within Equines of America.

   • Owners must be current members in good standing.

   • Horses must compete under their officially registered name.

4. The High Point Award is presented annually to the horse demonstrating the highest overall achievements during the competition year.

   • The competition year begins January 1 and concludes December 31.

   • Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted no later than February 1 of the following year.

5. Equines of America recognizes participation in all legitimate equestrian disciplines acknowledged as organized competitive sports within their respective regions, including culturally recognized disciplines such as Caballos Bailadores.

6. Equines of America strictly prohibits participation involving:

   • Illegal match races

   • Illegal padded performance practices

   • Animal fighting or abuse

 

CANCELLATION OR DENIAL OF REGISTRATION AND/OR MEMBERSHIP

Equines of America reserves the right to deny, suspend, revoke, or cancel any registration, membership, transfer, award eligibility, or related services if irregularities, false information, fraudulent documentation, tampering, misconduct, or rule violations are identified in connection with:

• Registration applications

• Transfers of ownership

• DNA submissions

• Membership records

• Show records

• Supporting documentation

Refunds will not be issued in cases involving denial, suspension, revocation, or cancellation resulting from violations of Equines of America rules and regulations.

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