Registration & Certification:
One of the frequently asked questions is about certification. Not every breed requires both dam and sire to be certified and demonstrate gait under saddle prior to breeding for and offspring be eligible for full registration papers. Rocky Mountain Horse (RMHA) and Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association (KMSHA) each have their own specific processes for registration, certification and qualifications for stallion/mare/gelding books.
The base principal is that owners apply for foal registration papers, along with photos, breeding certificate and DNA testing ( proof of parentage), within six months of the foaling date.
To become certified in the associations, horses must be video taped (for those of us who do not have access to judges in person) demonstrating breed traits, standards and gait under saddle. Video tapes are submitted to the associations along with additional required documentation where three judges review and approve or decline certification of the horse.
Certified means that the horses meets breed standards and are issued new association papers adorning a gold seal. Mares and Stallions must receive their gold seals/certified to breed status prior to breeding for full breed registration papers.
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