How to Register a Gypsy Horse

Gypsy horses are small, powerful horses that were traditionally used to pull Gypsy wagons. The flashy horses have heavy feathering on their legs, flowing manes and tails. The horses are often colorful pintos.



Currently, the Gypsy Horse Registry of America (GHRA); the Gypsy Horse Association (GHA), the Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association (GCDHA), and the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society (GVHS) are the four recognized Gypsy horse registries in the United States.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a registry or registries for your Gypsy horse.

    • 2

      Download the registration application from the registry of your choice or register your horse online. GHA registrations are submitted and paid online. GCDHA submissions must be mailed in. GVHS and GHRA registrations can be completed either online or by mail.

      If you are registering with the GHRA, you also need to download a Work Order form from its website.

    • 3

      Fill in the application form for the registry you have chosen with all the pertinent information.

      If you are registering with the GHRA, fill in its work order form, which lists the fees for registration, DNA testing and other services. If your horse has never been DNA tested by the University of Kentucky, you must check off on the work order form that you will need a DNA form sent to you and prepay for it. If you have already had your horse's DNA tested by the University of Kentucky for another registry, you will not have to have your horse tested again.

    • 4

      Fill out the DNA submission form for the GHA, if necessary. Send it in with payment to the University of Kentucky, Veterinary Science Department, 101 Animal Pathology Building, Lexington, KY 40546-0076.

      For the GVHS, you will not fill out a DNA form until after your horse has been approved for registration. For the GCDHA, applicants must fill in the application and a DNA testing form.

    • 5

      Submit the required number of photos for each registry. The GHRA requires two photos taken from each side with the horse's head facing the camera and the forelock moved off the face to make all facial markings visible. You can email the photos to the GHRA registrar.

      The GHA, GCDHA and GVHS require four full-body photos, front, rear, and both sides. Move the tail to the side or braid it to make the horse's hocks clearly visible.

    • 6

      Add the fees, if you are registering with the GHRA, on the work order form to determine what you owe. The GHRA accepts Paypal, check or money order payments. Do not send cash.

      The GHA accepts checks for mailed-in submissions and Paypal for online submissions. The GVHS accepts check, credit card or Paypal. The GCDHA accepts only checks.

    • 7

      Send in finished applications, photos and any other forms requested by your association by mail or submit your forms online, again depending on each registry's requirements.

      The GCDHA also requires that you send in a DNA sample of your horse (at least 35 tail or mane hairs with root bulbs attached) with your application.