I was getting around to filling out the registration papers for my colt. I got the forms in the mail from the stallion owner (I think AQHA sent them to him when he sent in the breeding report?) and there is a note on them that says "Dam needs to be DNA tested for foal to be eligible for registration."

I realize I probably should have known this before now, but I seriously have never heard of this. I've asked some friends that have been breeding QH's for years, and they said they've registered babies without the dam being DNA'd. If it matters, the mare was live covered. Not shipped semen, no embryo transfer. 

I'm not sure what I should do. Send in his papers, and see if they contact me and tell me she has to be DNA'd? Or just go ahead and order the DNA kit? If I just mark the DNA box (theres an option on the form to choose DNA test, but is that for him or for the mare? 

Per usual, I reached out to AQHA via facebook and the contact us link on the website and have not heard a peep from them regarding this, and it's been 2 weeks. I want to at least just send in the papers so I get the cheaper fee before it goes up.

Am I the only one that didn't know this?

Thanks ya'll!

 My mare had to be DNA tested as well- I think due to age and the fact that she was a maiden. My mare is 14. I would definitely order the DNA kit for you mare and get that rolling because if you don't they are going to require it and it will set you back even further as far as time goes (as if the wait isn't long enough now)...

       They actually sent me a letter saying that they needed it shortly after my mare was confirmed in foal so her DNA was done way ahead of time. I'm surprised you didnt get anyting until just now... But yes, it has become common practice now. 

Thanks for that info! Yeah. They didn’t send anything other than the note on the registration papers. In fairness, I did have those before he was born. But wasn’t looking for it to say anything like that so I didn’t really read the papers. Definitely didn’t get them until this year though. I’ve been trying to change my name on as well with no response. I was not yet married when I joined and everything is still being addressed to my maiden name so I wouldn’t be surprised if they hadn’t updated my address. ??

The requirement for DNA on broodmares and stallions has been in affect for years ... 

You need to send your mare's papers in with the DNA request .. 

AND I would send the foals registration papers in at the same time filled out correctly and with required photos .. the foals processing is tied to the mare until his papers are finished and mailed to you with foals new registration number .. 

I would also .. see if there is a breeder/owner form to fill out for newly married and address changes and send all in the same packet .. with each in separate plastic sheet protectors 

Since mare needs DNA for the foal to be registered >>>>> do not confuse them by asking for foals DNA at this time ..  after receiving the foals papers with his legit registration number  ... then ask for the DNA if you want it or don't ask if you don't want it ... 

IMO with all the turmoil and incompetence at AQHA ... I think it has become a sanctuary for unregistered horses ... 

Thank you for this. 

I went online and bought the DNA kit through the website. The website had me order the kit and select the horse it was for before it would let me check out. I selected the mare and it provided her name and registration number. I then got an email with a PDF that has instructions on how to collect the hairs, attach to the form, and mail. The form for the DNA test says it should be mailed to UC Davis. Do you think I've messed up, or should I just send in her DNA test, and then once the results show on the website (or I call and inquire with AQHA repeatedly), then send in the foals registration?

it comes in an envelope where you pull hairs, stick to the tabs, and send it off to the self addressed envelope...well that is what I did when I had to DNA my mare before breeding.

I think this sounds quite similar, they just emailed it to me, and I have to send it in my own envelope. Theres instructions on how to pull the hairs, how many. Where to place them, How to secure them to the paper, and how to fold the paper so they are "inside" and then mail it off. Do you happen to recall how long the results took to get back?

AQHA e-mailed mine, with instructions to print it and tape the hairs on the paper and mail it in.

The part with the hair goes to UC DAVIS. If you got it in the mail then you fill out the part that says the date hair was pulled and send it to AQHA. if you got it as an emailthen there is is a link to a form you fill out online with date hair was pulled etc. Make sure you do that part. It verifies that you pulled the hair. 

ON THE DNA TEST FORM AND PDF YOU RECEIVED .. 

First rule I have .. is to have a folder on each horse I own when they are born or purchased so that I can place a copy of any communication with AQHA just in case the papers get lost or misplaced.  (and the photos I sent for registration)  plus misc photos of the horse over the time I owned them.  It is a good memory blaster into the past.  

You will send the hair test to UC AT DAVIS .. this is where they are tested .. 

((The normal DNA form they have used for years was a postcard type of paper with perferations to separate into two parts.  One was addressed to UC at Davis and had strips of paper that uncovered a sticky glue area for you to place the roots of hair in a certain direction and fold over on itself with the hairs inside.  One third of the kit was like a postcard that you mailed to AQHA to notify them that you had sent your hair samples.   Both were pre-printed and addressed and you would add the correct postage of course. ))

When compared to what you have been directed to do ... it is practically the same by sending hair samples to UC with your own envelope etc ...  They left out the post card type of notification probably due to their being snowed under.  

So.. do exactly as they instructed and send the hair samples to UC.  Copy the form and the addressed envelope with the date mailed and print it out or send the info by email to yourself as your record . 

Normal time before the melt down at AQHA for the entire registration and DNA with parentage verification took 6 weeks.  (this is for a foal's first registration) 

Expect the same time frame on your mare ...  WHO HAS THE MARES REGISTRATION PAPERS??   If you have them .. staple a copy of the DNA form and envelope to her papers with a note affirming the hair kit has been sent to UCD ... and I repeat keep a printed or hard drive copy of everything!!!

AQHA requires you to send the mares papers in so they can reprint her registration papers ... this is the reason I suggested that you send her papers in now to maybe save some time on getting her papers back and the foal registered sooner.  Your main thing is to get processing started on registering the foal and lock in the fee at the lower amount.  ALSO by sending your married name and new address in the same pkg should get that issue over with. 

Whether it be now or in the past .. they will hold up processing if all the required blanks or check marks are not filled in ... I have helped a lot of friends that had started a fight with AQHA  when their forms were missing some little check mark rather than following the rules or their directions to finalize the registration ... lol ...  So .. keep your business hat on and don't deal in personality clashes ... 

Here is a little history that is good to know ...  always print off new forms when needed to make sure you are sending the correct amount .. 

https://www.aqha.com/-/dna-and-parentage-verification  

Be a good little girl and smile when typing or talking to AQHA ...  they are looking at you thru your own device's camera ... Keep in mind ... My friend told a joke .. he laughed, I laughed .... and ...... Lexis laughed .. 

Let's see if I can get that link to come back to life ..  

https://www.aqha.com/-/dna-and-parentage-verification 

there ya go .. 

Thank you all so much! I reached out to the contact mentioned above and she got back to me right away and was SO helpful! I've pulled the hairs and put them in an envelope (made copies) and sent them off!

I filled out the colt's registration form, copied, included letter about my name, and that is ready to send off as soon as I print some pictures to send in.

Thank you all for your help! I super appreciate it!