How to Find Your Horse's Pedigree

There are many reasons why a horse's breed registration papers can be lost. For instance, if the horse has been bought and sold several times, a previous owner might neglect to pass along the papers. Or sometimes paperwork simply goes astray. Also, unscrupulous sellers might pair the papers with a similar horse to increase its value.

While this is inconvenient for the new owner of the "unpapered" horse, it is also illegal. Still, even if your horse is missing registration papers, it is sometimes possible to find information on the horse's pedigree.

Ways to Identify Your Horse

If you have a horse that is tattooed or branded, you have a head start in the horse pedigree recovery process. Thoroughbreds often have a lip tattoo. Although the tattoos can be difficult to read as the horse ages, they do provide a means of identification.

Rather than try to hold back the horse's upper lip and read the tattoo, many people find it easier to hold the lip and take a picture of the tattoo. That way, you can take your time reading the characters without having to worry about a squirming horse. Plus, you can enhance the contrast and sharpness of the photo to make the tattoo easier to decipher. Similarly, shaving down neck tattoos can help to increase their visibility.

Instead of a specific set of characters, some horses might be branded with a farm tattoo. This can lead you to the horse's breeder and give clues on its lineage. When contacting a breeder, realize that sometimes very large farms don't keep detailed records. However, many do. And you might find that a clear description and photo will help a breeder remember your horse.