what you should know before getting started?

Before breeding, it’s a good idea to ask a few important questions before you go stallion shopping.

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.

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.

OOCYTE PERMIT APPLICATION

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. 

RETAINED OOCYTE PERMIT APPLICATION - MARE BEING SOLD

Is the stallion registered with the AQHA? Online Studbook gives you the opportunity to research the stallion. You can see if the Initial Breeding Fee (IBF) has been paid and if the stallion owner is a current member of AQHA; The offspring of the stallion and their success in the show ring if applicable. 

What is a stallion IBF (Initial Breeding Fee)? A stallion must have its Certificate of Registration endorsed as having completed the IBF process prior to the first service taking place which involves an Stallion IBF (Initial Breeding Fee) Form, along with paying Associated Fees. NB: Failure to comply with the above will result in a substantial penalty fee being applied.

a) The owner of the stallion must submit the following to the Association for consideration:

• the stallion’s original Registration Certificate.

• a fully completed IBF Form signed by a registered veterinarian certifying that the details contained in the form are true and correct.

b) The stallion will not be eligible for IBF if he:

• is Parrot mouthed (overshot or undershot) where normal occlusion between the upper and lower incisors is absent in horses over the age of two (2).

• is a cryptorchid or monorchid.

• does not have two (2) visible testicles descended into the scrotum.

• is under 18 months of age at time of IBF Vet inspection.

• is not a minimum height of 14hh at time of IBF Vet  inspection.

• if the horse tests positive to deafness.

c) A deceased stallion cannot have an IBF completed and therefore cannot be upgraded to a breeding sire;

d) Any stallion that applies for IBF, from 1 August 2024, must complete a GBED, PSSM1, IMM, MH and MYHM genetic test by a laboratory recognised by the Association as part of the IBF process. 

The IBF process ensures offspring can be registered with the AQHA, with "IBF Paid" showing in the Online Studbook. It's crucial for breeders to check for "IBF Paid" and "Not Suspended" status before breeding. 

IBF FORM - UPGRADING A STALLION TO A BREEDING SIRE

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 Testin