LET US HELP YOU!
1. Is the horse Registered with the AQHA?
Sight the Registration Certificate and make sure the horse you are buying matches - gender, markings, brands, colour etc.
Our Online Studbook gives you the opportunity to research the horses pedigree and the name of the Breeder and last recorded owner on the AQHA database.
2. Who are you buying this horse from? Is this person's name on the Registration Certificate? If the horse is not registered with the AQHA in the sellers name, and the horse has changed hands a few times, but has never been transferred, make sure you gain the information about who the seller purchased the horse from.
3. Get a receipt! AQHA Registration Papers are not legal proof of ownership. A receipt for your purchase stating the name and registration number of the horse (if not registered then full description of the horse should go on the receipt) the sellers name and contact details, the price you paid, make sure it states PAID IN FULL with a signature. It is recommended that if you purchase a horse "on conditions" that you have a signed contract between both parties.
4. Make sure the Transfer Form is signed by the person selling the horse. If it is an older type Registration Certificate it may not have a Transfer section on the back. See Horse Transfer.
5. If the Horse is not registered, but you are told it can be registered? Contact our AQHA Office with any details you have and we can research the information we have on file. Please make sure you know the Sire, Dam and age of horse.
6. Are you buying a mare in foal?
Check through steps 1 to 5 above for the mare. Contact our AQHA Office in regards to the unborn foal. We will confirm a Breeding Return has been lodged and inform you of what else you need to ensure the resulting foal can be registered when it is born. Registering a foal can be a difficult process if the Breeding Return has not been lodged with the AQHA.
7. Are you buying an unregistered foal? Contact our AQHA Office to confirm all paperwork for this foal has been lodged. If the Breeding Return has been lodged, then you should receive a computer generated "Application for Registration" from the seller of the foal. Make sure the breeder (the owner of the mare at the time of service) signs the Breeders Declaration on the application form.
