Register A Horse
Register your horse
Registering your horse with the MFTHBA is a smart decision. Registering your Missouri Fox Trotting Horse provides official documentation of the horse’s lineage, records ownership and makes the horse eligible for exclusive programs. In the long run, this registration may increase your horse’s value. Most importantly, registered Missouri Fox Trotting Horses are critical to the longevity and future of this amazing breed of horse.
How to Register a Missouri Fox Trotting Horse
Before the registration is completed, the foal, the sire and the dam must all have DNA on file with the MFTHBA office. DNA kits must be ordered from the MFTHBA. The MFTHBA strongly recommends that mare owners confirm that the stallion has been DNA tested prior to breeding to the stallion. More specifics on these requirements can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page and in the MFTHBA Rule Book.
The process of submitting the initial registration is simple. If you prefer to register your foal electronically, click here.
- Plan Ahead: DNA Test Stallion and Mare Before Breeding
Before breeding, we strongly encourage that both the stallion and mare have DNA on file with the MFTHBA. Life is unpredictable—there have unfortunately been situations where a stallion has passed away before the foal was born. If there is no DNA record for one or both parents, the foal cannot be registered. This proactive step gives you peace of mind and protects your foal’s future. - Obtain the Application for Registration (Breeder’s Certificate)
After your foal arrives, contact the stallion owner to obtain the Application for Registration—commonly known as the Breeder’s Certificate. This is a critical document in the registration process. - Stallion Owner Responsibilities
The stallion owner must complete their portion of the application, including stallion details and the breeding dates. Alternatively, stallion owners can submit a Stallion Breeding Report directly to the MFTHBA. If this report is on file and they have checked the box to waive signature, you may register your foal online without needing the stallion owner’s signature, offering added convenience. - Mare Owner Responsibilities
As the mare owner, you will complete the remaining sections of the registration form. Double-check for accuracy and completeness before submitting. - Order and Complete a DNA Kit
All foals must be DNA tested and parentage verified to be registered with the MFTHBA. After purchasing a DNA kit, follow the included instructions:
• Pull tail hairs from the foal.
• Complete the enclosed form.
• Submit the hair sample and top portion of the form to the lab using the provided envelope.
Optional: If you wish to test your foal for color, you may download a color testing form from Gluck Equine Research Center and include it with your DNA sample, along with payment to the lab. The lab will not provide the MFTHBA the results. If you would like to include the results on your registration papers, you will need to send the results to the MFTHBA office. - Submit the Bottom Portion of the DNA Kit to MFTHBA
The bottom section of the DNA kit form must be submitted to the MFTHBA along with your registration paperwork. If registering online, scan and email or mail this form to the office. Providing this piece ensures your DNA results are properly matched and helps staff process your registration efficiently. - Registering a Spotted Foal
If your foal has a spotted coat pattern, your application must include three clear photos:
• One of the left side
• One of the right side
• One of the face
Ensure that each photo captures the entire horse—including head, trunk, legs, and feet. Do not crop or trim the photos. These images become part of the foal’s official record and should be submitted electronically. - Ensure All Owners Are MFTHBA Members
All owners listed on the foal’s registration papers must be current MFTHBA members. If you are not already a member, please submit a completed membership application or apply online. - Submit Your Completed Packet and Fees
Finally, send the following items to the MFTHBA office:
• Completed registration application
• DNA form (bottom portion)
• Membership application (if applicable)
• Required photos (if registering a spotted foal)
• Appropriate fees (based on the foal’s age)
Note: If the foal is registered before turning 12 months old, the fee is only $40 (with required DNA). A full list of fees is available on the Customer Work Order Form on our website.
What is the cost to register a stallion, gelding, and mare (18 months to 3 years)?
Registration-Colt or Filly (birth through 12 months)-$40.00
Registration (over 1 year)- $80.00
Registration – Pony Tentative (birth through 4 years)-$20.00
Registration – Pony Permanent (5Years & Older)- $50.00
My horse isn’t spotted, but I would like to have a photo included on my registration papers. Is that possible?
While photos are required for spotted foals, any foal being registered with the MFTHBA can have photos submitted for inclusion in their official record. The MFTHBA encourages owners to do this. Over the years, we have assisted many horse owners identify horses from auctions, sales and in other situations identify the appropriate horse.
What are the criteria for selecting a name?
Each animal for which registration is applied must be given an acceptable name which does not conflict with the name of any other animal registered with the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, either living or dead, or duplicate an existing registry name, suffixes are not allowed to create a difference in name. Names must be limited to 30 characters, which includes punctuation and spaces.
Can I change name of a registered Missouri Fox Trotting Horse?
Yes. The name of a horse may be changed as long as horse has not sired or produced a foal or has a show record at a MFTHBA sponsored show. An administrative fee will be charged for changing the name.
How to Register a Missouri Fox Trotting Pony
The initial process to register a Missouri Fox Trotting Pony is the same as listed above except that all ponies must be DNA tested prior to registration. Following this initial submission, tentative registration in the Missouri Fox Trotting Pony registry will be granted. Tentative registrations will expire 6 months after the horses 5th birthday. Prior to this time, the pony will need to complete gait inspection. This can be completed from ages 2-5 years of age. In addition, the pony will need to be validated to meet the height requirements of the registry. This cannot be completed until the pony is 5 years of age. To qualify for permanent registration, a pony must be more than 44 inches and less than 56 inches in height at the withers and 5 years or older.
All of the forms can be found on the Registry Form page.