The benefits of adding a photo to your American Quarter Horse’s registration certificate.

Since the introduction of AQHA’s new registration certificate, submitting photos of your horse has been an ever-increasing inquiry at AQHA. It was brought to my attention today that many aren’t aware of the procedure behind the photo certificate. Keep reading, and I’ll let you know your options.

AQHA Customer Service Rep Kayla Randall

The new AQHA certificate of registration has a huge advantage over the older certificates of the past. The main advantage is convenience. Many people are alarmed that the markings diagram has been replaced with a transfer report on the back. This will help ensure that documents are not lost when a horse changes hands because now there is only one document to keep up with. Now, markings are important – unique to your horse. So AQHA thoroughly describes the markings on the front of the certificate.

Even with the extensive markings description, sometimes it just helps to have a reference. To see the markings on the certificate, look up, and see the same markings on the real thing. This is where the photograph comes into play. While it is not mandatory (yet), it is important to send a good photo of your horse to AQHA and have that photo updated when appropriate. Think of it like re-taking your picture for your drivers license. I sure don’t look the same as I did when I was 16 (I wish!). Your horse won’t look the same when he’s 4 as he did when he was 8 months old!

But, what about the cost? I’m all about saving money, so I’ll tell ya how to get that photo added for free!

• Submit a photo when you transfer your horse. If your new horse already has the new certificate, but the picture is old or not there at all, include a new one and the update is free of charge!

• Submit a photo at the time your foal is registered.

• Be sure a certificate-worthy photo is submitted with a duplicate or correction request.

If your horse doesn’t qualify for one of the above circumstances, the fee is $10 to add or update a photo.

So, what is this “certificate-worthy” photo? Check out AQHA’s “Picture This” brochure for an example. Basically, the photo is what we call a “3/4 view.” We want to see that horse’s pretty face, down the side of its body (branded side facing the camera, please!), and all four legs – all the way down to the ground. Don’t cut off the ears or the hooves, either. Also, make sure the horse is standing on flat, uncluttered ground, and that there is enough space between the subject and any other horse or object for AQHA to be able to crop appropriately.

Get your camera out and start clicking away! Have a question or suggestion? Leave a comment!

As Always, At Your Service…

Kayla Randall
AQHA Customer Service