How to Dual Register Your AQHA Horse with APHA

Did you know a horse can be dual registered with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA)? This is possible when a horse meets the registration requirements of BOTH breed associations. Dual registration is beneficial for additional earning, competition, and breeding opportunities, as the horse (and their potential future offspring) will be eligible to participate in shows and activities sanctioned by AQHA & APHA.

How to Dual Register with AQHA & APHA

The following guidelines have been provided by the American Paint Horse Association to help you identify if your horse qualifies for dual registration. All information is from APHA as of September 2025. For further information or clarification about your horse’s registration eligibility, please contact APHA directly!

1. Eligibility

Your AQHA horse must meet at least one of the following requirements to be registered with APHA:

1. Your horse has an APHA-registered sire or dam (with the other parent being a registered Paint, Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred). Horses that meet this requirement can be registered with APHA, whether or not your horse has qualifying white markings on its coat. Genetic testing for colors and patterns can help get your horse classified correctly as an overo, tobiano, tovero or solid Paint.
2. Your horse has AQHA or Thoroughbred parents AND has qualifying white markings on its coat. Includes an area of solid white hair that’s 2” or more in size (continuous) with some underlying unpigmented skin, located in the qualifying area. The qualifying area is basically above the knees/hocks (measured at the bony protrusion at the back of those joints) or behind a line on the face from the outside corner of the eye to the corner of the mouth and under the chin to the opposite corner of the mouth.

**Questions? Please contact APHA for more information. **

2. Documentation

To submit your horse for APHA registration, submit the completed APHA registration application, provide a copy of your horse's AQHA registration certificate (front and back, this is used in place of the required signatures on the registration application and breeding report), the required photos, and payment for applicable fees.

3. Genetic Testing

APHA recognizes the following white spotting patterns for use in APHA-registration:

• Tobiano (TO)
• Frame Overo (LWO)
• Sabino 1 (SB)
• Splashed White (SW): SW1, SW2, SW3, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8
• Dominant White (W): W5, W10, W20, W22, W31, W32, W34 and W35

Testing for colors and white-spotting patterns helps get your horse classified in the correct category for APHA registration. Plus it’s required if your horse only has AQHA or Thoroughbred parents.

Does your horse carry white genes? Order the APHA Pro Package 2.0 to find out!

4. Submit Your Registration Application to APHA

Complete the APHA registration application, ensuring all necessary information is provided accurately. Include the APHA-accepted genetic test results obtained through Etalon Equine Genetics to enhance the registration process and validate your horse's eligibility for dual registration.

Order APHA-Approved Genetic Testing Here

Please contact APHA directly for more information.