You Bought an American Quarter Horse, Now What?

Do you have the papers to prove it? When you purchase an American Quarter Horse, remember to send the horse’s registration certificate and a signed transfer to AQHA to be transferred into your name. Having the ownership transferred provides many benefits that you do not want to miss out on. 
 
Having the horse recorded in your name allows you to conduct AQHA business for it, plus it makes you eligible to compete at AQHA events. If it is a breeding horse, it also ensures you can sign breeding and registration documents to register offspring. You can also then proudly say that you have the papers to prove you own an American Quarter Horse. 
 
A few fun facts: AQHA transferred ownership of 114,000 horses in 2023; AQHA has registered more than 7 million American Quarter Horses since 1940; in 2023, AQHA records reflect 3.1 million American Quarter Horses are alive with more than 800,000 different owners. 
 
What to send to AQHA:

1. Transfer report signed by the last recorded owner. If you didn’t buy the horse from the last recorded owner, include all transfer reports or bills of sale to avoid a delay in processing. You will only be charged for one transfer. 
2. Fill in the buyer’s information exactly as you want the ownership to be recorded, plus the date of purchase on the transfer report.
3. Original certificate of registration. 
4. Transfer fee. If more than one transfer is included for the same horse, only one transfer fee needs to be paid; we won’t charge you for the others. 
5. If you are not a current AQHA member, be sure to include a membership fee to receive the member pricing. 
6. Mail to AQHA, Box 200, Amarillo, TX 79168. 

 
A transfer of ownership is typically processed within a few days after AQHA receives it, if all necessary information is received. An expedited service is available if you need it done by a specific date. You will receive your horse’s updated registration papers by mail within a few weeks. A digital copy will be available sooner within your membership account at myaqha.com. 
  
We’re here to help you transfer your American Quarter Horse. If you need assistance, contact Member Services at 806-376-4811, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central.