When considering a horse for purchase, ask to see the registration papers (pedigree) issued by the RMHA. The pedigree will indicate whether the horse is “registered” and “certified.” A foal must be registered, requiring DNA parental verification by the association through independent genetics laboratories. Certification by three trained and official RMHA examiners must inspect the horse after it is at least twenty-three months old to certify that the horse meets all of the RMHA breed standards.

For offspring to be eligible for registration by the RMHA, this certification must be completed and both parents must have been certified and registered before breeding. This certification process is unique to most American breed associations, and it is the reason RMHA could be issued a Certification Mark by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The certification mark specifically states: “THE CERTIFICATION MARK, AS USED BY PERSONS AUTHORIZED BY THE CERTIFIER, CERTIFIES THAT THE HORSES HAVE BEEN EXAMINED BY THE CERTIFIER AND MEET THE CERTIFIER’S STANDARDS REGARDING HEIGHT, BODY, GAIT, TEMPERAMENT AND COLOR”

If you have questions, you can always contact the Rocky Mountain Horse Association headquarters for assistance at 859-644-5244 or e-mail: admin@rmhorse.com.