Have you put your horses’ breed papers on file with USDF? Now is the time!
By Ross Creech
First things first, no, USDF does not require a horse to have breed papers on file for registration purposes. However, there are a number of reasons for horse owners to submit their breed papers to USDF, including potential award qualifications and ensuring the most complete and comprehensive record of your horses’ careers. Breed registry papers can be submitted to USDF at any time, and owners can verify if a horse has breed papers on file by logging into the USDF website. Acceptable breed papers must be a copy of the actual breed papers (no internet printouts) and contain the breed registry stamp, breed registry number, foal date and breeder, and pedigree.
Here are just a few reasons USDF strongly recommends that all horses have breed registry papers on file:
Complete and Clean Records
It goes without saying that, by supplying your horses’ breed papers to USDF, you are contributing to USDF’s efforts to maintain complete and clean records. But, did you know, it goes beyond that? By having breed papers and pedigree information, it allows USDF to identify horses that may already be registered with USDF (saving you money as a transfer of ownership is over 30% cheaper than a new registration) ensuring that duplicate records are not created and that each horse’s complete history is included in their records. Also, a set of breed papers containing the ownership record is one of the easiest ways to provide proof for a transfer of ownership with USDF!
Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards*
USDF’s awards program is extensive and one huge part of that is the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards, recognizing the accomplishments of specific breeds in dressage. Over 65 participating registries/organizations (POs) currently participate in the program, offering awards across many categories and divisions reflected in the Adequan®/USDF Year-End Awards program. By submitting horses’ breed papers† to USDF, members are one step closer to being eligible to compete for these awards from their breed specific PO.
†For current year foals, Letters of Eligibility from the breed registry are accepted in lieu of actual breed registry papers for Adequan®/USDF Year-End and All-Breeds Awards purposes.
Adequan®/USDF Breeder and DSHB Breeder of the Year Awards*
In addition to horses’ potential eligibility for awards, USDF also offers the Adequan®/USDF Breeder and DSHB Breeder of the Year awards. Both of these awards recognize breeders based on the competitive achievements of their progeny, so in order for these achievements to be factored in, breed papers naming the horses’ breeders must be on file with USDF. So, support our breeders and file your horses’ papers today!
Publication and Reports
Only pedigrees and breeding information that is on file with USDF in the form of official breed papers can be published in USDF Connection and on YourDressage, and included in reports available through USDFScores, such as historical awards reports, owner and breeder horse portfolio searches, etc. Each year, the official Adequan®/USDF Year-End Award standings and results from the ProElite/USDF Breeders Championship Series Finals, Great American/USDF Regional Championships and US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® are published in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection. Included within the award standings and results is the pedigree and breeding information for the horses included. However, without breed papers on file, the pedigree and breeding information for the horses in these standings and results cannot be included. Additionally, while USDF is not a breed registry and there is no requirement for breed papers to be filed with USDF, this short list is just a sampling of why filing the papers can be so important. Help USDF help you and get your horses’ papers on file today, so you can take full advantage of the wide array of awards and recognition opportunities USDF provides.
*For full award requirements, visit the USDF website or consult the USDF Member Guide.
