How to Find Your Horse's Pedigree

If you suspect your horse was previously registered, a breed association might be able to help you identify the horse and even reissue registration papers. Knowing the horse's registered name (and ideally its breeder) is a great help. You'll also need clear photos and a description to give the breed association, so it can try to match the information to a horse in its database. Some breed associations charge for this service.

You also might be able to search the name of your horse yourself on the breed registry site. If information on it exists, you'll often find a photo, names of previous owners, the horse's pedigree, and show records.

If you already have registration papers but want to find out more about your horse's pedigree, there are online databases that can help. The website  includes several breeds, such as the American quarter horse, thoroughbred, Arabian, and paint. Sometimes, you might encounter several horses with the same name. In that case, check the date of birth to be sure you've found the right records.

Tracing the History of Former Racehorses

If you have a former racehorse and wish to learn about its race records, you can check for information on Brisnet or Equibase. Some of these services are free while others require a small fee.

If you don't find your former racehorse's pedigree online, it is possible to contact the breeders' associations. In the United States, try reaching out to The Jockey Club. In Canada, the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society might be able to help you out.

Did you find a lot of champions in your horse's pedigree? Remember there is much more to a good horse than an impressive pedigree. In fact, many former racehorses are notoriously difficult to handle and don't make the best pleasure riding horses. Both nature and nurture contribute to a horse's overall demeanor.