This article has been reposted from 2022 with updated links and information.
Keeping track of membership, horse registration, and specific program requirements can be a daunting task for even the most experienced members and competitors. Below are answers to some of the most common topics related to USDF horse registration.
What types of horse registrations does USDF offer?
USDF offers two types of horse registration:
Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR)
As the highest level of horse registration available, a USDF LHR is required for most USDF championship and award programs, including Adequan®/USDF Year-End Awards, Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, ProElite/USDF Breeders Championship Series Finals, and the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®. Visit the USDF website to obtain a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration for a one-time payment.
USDF Horse Identification Number (HID)
The USDF HID fulfills the minimum horse registration requirements necessary for competition. Any horse competing in a USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competition must have a minimum of a USDF HID*. Additionally, USDF Horse Identification Numbers are the minimum horse registration requirement to earn scores towards USDF Rider Awards. Visit the USDF website to obtain a USDF Horse Identification Number for a one-time payment.
*Certain classes are exempt from this requirement; please refer to the current USDF Member Guide for the full exemption list.
Do I need both a USDF HID and LHR for my horse?
NO. Only one type of horse registration is necessary. To determine which horse registration you need, refer to specific program requirements as outlined in the USDF Member Guide.
Do I need to renew my horse registration with USDF?
NO. Neither of the USDF horse registrations (LHR or HID) requires renewal. Once purchased, the registration remains with the horse throughout its career, until it passes away.
If I purchase a USDF HID for a horse but later need a USDF LHR for competition and award purposes, how do I obtain one?
SIMPLE! To upgrade a horse’s USDF HID, simply go to the online horse registration application and select upgrade from the list of registration types. The cost of the upgrade is the difference between the costs of an HID and an LHR. Keep in mind that, while scores for an HID-registered horse will be recorded, most award and championship programs require a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration at the time the scores are earned.
If I purchased my horse and it already has a USDF horse registration, do I need to re-register it?
NO. USDF horse registrations and numbers remain with the horse for its lifetime. If your new horse already has a USDF horse registration, you will need to complete a transfer of ownership. For full instructions for transferring ownership of a horse, please visit the USDF website (Forms & Documents > Membership > Horses > Transfer of Ownership Instructions).
I am leasing a USDF-registered horse. If there are owner membership requirements, do I need to purchase memberships for the actual owners if they don’t already have them?
NO. If you are leasing a horse with a USDF horse registration, you simply need to submit a USDF Lease Recording Form (Forms & Documents > Membership > Horses > Lease Recording Form), along with the recording fee. For the duration of the lease, the lessee is considered the owner of record for competition/score purposes, and therefore, the lessee’s membership will fulfill any “owner” membership requirements.
The horse I am leasing is not currently registered with USDF. Can I register the horse with myself listed as the owner?
NO. If you are registering a horse with USDF that you currently lease, the horse registration must be submitted in the name of the actual owner(s). Then, a USDF Lease Recording form and the appropriate fee must be submitted, naming you as the lessee.
If you have any other questions, please contact USDF at horseregistration@usdf.org or (859) 271-7880.
