The fine art of registration

Shoot & Sketch

While the markings of this beautiful 3 year old mare are easily distinguishable, most horses are registered as a fuzzy yearling. The American Shire Horse Association makes every effort to properly register each Shire with distinguishing markings through drawings, written description and photos. 

Shoot

How to Photograph

Photo 1 – Full frontal head & legs

Photo 2 – Full left side

Photo 3 – Full right side

Photo 4 – Full rear view

Other photos: under throat, barrel

 

Sketch

How to draw 

Everything not white on the horse is drawn in black ink. Whorls are indicated by a “x”, use an arrow to point to scars, brands are drawn in black ink, All white markings are drawn in red. Unpigmented areas are colored-in red (around muzzel, hooves, etc).

Describe

How to describe

Describe each part of the horse: Head, left foreleg, right foreleg, left hind leg, right hindleg, body markings, and distinct marks. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Identification of Horses with the narrative and the diagram is a great resource for how to describe equine markings.

Example Photos

Tips for taking registration photos

  • Wash the horse before taking photos, wet hair clearly show the delination of markings.
  • Submit color photos, preferably by email, but mail in photos are acceptableable (photos will not be returned).
  • Stand the horse on a hard surface (prevents obsuration of hoof and pastern).
  • Pull the forelock and tail out of the way to expose full face and rear markings.
  • Show photos can be used, if you can see all four legs separately.

Special Membership Price

Register before June 1st of yearling year

$100

Registration includes DNA verification, registrar fees, full color registration certificate, and addition to the American Shire Horse Association Registry

Helpful Tips from the Registrar

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