(Please note the reference for Miniature Horse Federation Inc. used below is Federation)
Miniature Horse Federation Inc. shows are open to all miniature horses that fall within MHF height guidleines and registered with a miniature horse association or registry.
1. At what time of the year is membership due with the Federation?
Membership with the Federation is due at the end of each financial year being the 30 June.
2. What is the difference between the Regular Memberships and Full Membership?
There are four types of membership:
Single Regular Membership: This is for one person entitled to vote, with full Federation benefits, but not eligible to nominate for a Committee of Management position. They can hold a sub committee position e.g. State Representative.
Joint Regular Membership: This is for joint ownership of horses, when two people are in a partnership in the horses. Both parties need to sign all horse related forms. This membership type allows for one person entitled to vote, full Federation benefits, but not eligible to nominate for a Committee of Management Position. They can hold a sub committee position, e.g. State Representative.
Single Full Membership: This is no different to the Single Regular Memberships in any way apart from this membership allows the member to be eligible to nominate for a Committee of Management position. This membership is specifically for people who are enthusiastic about the Federation Objects, Constitution and Registry and feel they would be a benefit to the Federation and have the necessary abilities to fill the position they would be interested in.
Family Membership: Is for one or two adults entitled to vote, entitled to all Federation benefits, but not entitled to nominate for a Committee of Management position. It includes all bona fide children of the family under 18 years of age.
3. What does the B and O after the membership number on the membership cards stand for?
The B stands for Breeder, this is for those members who wish to breed horses and have applied for a registered prefix and brand with the Federation.
The O is for Owner which is for members who own horses but do not wish to breed them and who have not applied for a prefix and brand.
4. Will I be sent my membership card as soon as membership is approved by the Federation Committee?
The Federation will not be able to produce membership cards with B on them until the breeders test has been successfully completed and returned to the Federation, so it is important that the test is returned as soon as possible so the member can be sent their membership card and package.
5. What does it mean on the membership form where it states that Joining fee is not applicable if one has already paid for the Constitution booklet?
The Joining fee is a once only fee. If a person is interested to find out about the Federation before joining and has ordered and paid for the MHF Constitution booklet and then wish to join the Federation, they DO NOT have to pay the joining fee as long as they record the receipt number on the Federation membership application form.
6. What if I don't know two full members to nominate me for membership?
The membership form requests two full members to nominate you for membership, this is not necessary if you don't know anyone, the committee is happy to consider your nomination so just leave that part blank.
7. What are the requested Owner/Breeder details on Membership form used for?
Your details could be used to supply to someone who wants to contact you regarding your stud or horse, this allows the Federation to give them your phone or email address.Also if you are a breeder and want your stud details put on the Federation website breeders list, which is a free service for members, you need to indicate this.
8. What is the Brand, Prefix and Breeders Test all about?
- Those who wish to breed horses must register their prefix and if they have ever owned and used a brand on a miniature horse or pony at any time it must also be registered with us.
- By registering a prefix and brand (if applicable) it indicates the applicant wishes to be a breeder.
- To be able to register foals they have bred with the Federation a breeder must successfully complete our Breeders Test and information booklet. This will be sent out to those who register their prefix and brand (if applicable) with the Federation immediately after their membership has been accepted.
- The Breeders Test is not difficult and the information booklet sent with it has all the answers within its contents. This test is to ensure people have minimum adequate knowledge of breeding horses.
9. Should I wait until I get my membership approved before I send registration applications in?
Yes. Membership has to be accepted by the Federation committee as per constitution rules before horses can be registered.
10. Why do I have to supply a copy of the brands registration papers from the relevant government department?
This is to make sure the brand is currently registered in the name of the person using it, with the relevant government department. This will ensure the same brand is not being used by more than one breeder.
11. How long will the Amnesty on fees last and what does it include?
Up to 1st August 2009 the Federation will have an amnesty on horse registration fees.
These have been structured to make it easier for people who wish to be a part of the vision that the Federation has for the future of the Miniature Horse as a Breed in it's own right.
Amnesty prices are:
All Young Stock, fillies and colts up to 36 months of age...$11.00
Adult Mares 36 months and older.....................................$22.00
Adult Stallion 36 months and older (DNA paid by MHF).....$132.00
Geldings any age........................................................... $11.00
12. On the Federation website there are other fees below the amnesty fees what are these?
These are the normal fees that will apply after the amnesty period ends which is 1st August 2009 in the Open Registry.
13. Why is the cost of stallion registration higher than all other registrations?
The overall price of all the instalment payments from a colt to a stallion is to make a stallions registration fee slightly higher than the cost to geld.
14. What are colt instalment payments and why?
These are three payments made up to the age of 36 months (3 years of age) with the 1st payment at 12 months then 2nd payment at 24 months 2 years old) and third and final payment at 36 months (3 years old)
The break up of this into instalment payments is to spread the full cost of the overall stallion payments and to allow breeders time to decide if the colt is developing into being stallion quality.
15. After the Amnesty what would an older colt that is coming into the registry have to pay?
After the Amnesty period any colt or stallion coming from another registry into the Federation registry, which is older & has missed instalment payments, will have to pay the full amount of all back payments missed at the time they are registered with the Federation.
16. Which horses have to have a DNA profile to start registering their foals in the Federation?
All Stallions registering with the Federation must have on DNA file with the Federation or accessible to the Federation before any foals by them will be registered with the Federation.
17. Do I have to pay on top of my registration to have my stallion DNA on file?
The cost to DNA stallions is not additional the Federation absorbs the cost.
18. When is my stallion due to have it's DNA taken?
Usually when a stallion turns 36 months of age (3 years old) or on entry into the Association from another registry.
19. What if I want to sell my colt prior to 36 months of age?
You will have to have it's DNA taken and put on file with the Federation before it is transferred.
20. Who pays for the DNA test if the colt is sold before 36 months of age?
The breeder is responsible for the cost of the DNA test, or the breeder may if they wish pay up front for his full stallion payment which will automatically get his DNA kit sent out to the breeder
This payment will be recorded with MHF and when the new owner is upgrading him for Young Adult registration they must send in a copy of the Federation receipt showing that this payment was made and they will not have to pay the adult stallion fee.
PLEASE NOTE: The Federation will not be held responsible for a refund of this money if the said colt is refused Young Adult stallion registration if the case arises that he does not pass his Veterinarian Soundness Certificate at 36 months of age.
21. What are the different age groups of registration and what are their requirements?
- Young Stock: This is from birth to 36 months of age.Young colts that are going to continue on entire will need to have instalment payments at 12 months of age, 24 months of age and a final payment at adult 36 months of age. All Young Stock, fillies and colts, born from 1st August 2008 must have DNA on file before they are sold, or at the time of adult registration and being bred with. Geldings do not have to be DNA tested. Colts and fillies will not be transferred if sold without DNA on file and in the case of an adult born from 1st August 2008 not having on DNA file, it's progeny will not be registered with the Federation.The Federation does not allow the breeding of horses, male or female under the age of 36 months and therefore will not register any foals born from mares and by stallions that are mated under 36 months of age.
- Young Adult: This is a horse at 36 months of age and under 5 years of age.Stallions must have the Federation Veterinary Soundness Certificate presented with their Young Adult application for registration. Or have proof of this being carried out through another Federation approved registry by producing a copy of their Permanent Stallion papers or a copy of the Veterinary Soundness Certificate done with another Federation approved registry.
Young Stock papers (if applicable) must be returned with the application to the Federation.
Stallions and mares are to be adult registered at this age so they can be bred with. All Young Adult Stallions no matter when they were born applying for registration with the Federation must apply for DNA with the Federation or if they already have DNA on file this must be accessible to the Federation. All mares and stallions born after 1st August 2008 must have on DNA file.
Mares and Stallions are able to be mated in the Federation rules from 36 months of age (3 years old) and onwards, no foals out of fillies or colts mated less than 36 months of age will be registered with the Federation.
- Mature Adult: This is a horse at 5 years of age or over. At this age it is required that they have their height updated with the Federation before they can have their Mature Adult papers. Young Adult MHF registration papers (if currently holding Federation registration papers) must be returned with measurement form and a $5.50 fee. All stallions applying for registration with the Federation from Young Adults and onwards must have DNA on file or accessible to the Association before their foals will be registered with the Federation.
22. What age can I breed with my mare or stallion with the Federation?
The Federation does not allow the mating of horses, male or female under the age of 36 months & therefore will not register any foals born from mares and by stallions that are mated under 36 months of age.
23. What do the letters in front of the Registration numbers represent?
Registration numbers will be preceded with the sex of the horse.
Example:
F 1= Female (registration number) 1
S 10 = Stallion (registration number) 10
G 3 = Gelding (registration number) 3
24. Does the five year old height require a new registration application form to be filled out?
No you only need to fill in and return a Five year old Height Upgrade form and make sure you send the horses current Federation registration certificate in along with the form and fee so we can update the registration certificate with the new information.
25. Horses from other Federation approved registries coming into the Federation.
Must fill in an Federation application form and send this with a copy of the horses other registries registration certificate.
26. Who decides what category the horse will be?
The registration form requires the height category that the horse will be registered under.
For a young growing horse you will need to refer to our height for age to select which one suits your horse's current height.
There are two height break ups:
Miniature Horse: which is for horses 34" - 8.3h and under and Category A: which is for horses over 34" - 8.3h and up to 39" - 9.3h.
27. What are horses measured in and why?
Federation Miniature Horses are measured in hands as we are following the traditional horse measurements and in inches for the existing Miniature Horse industry to identify with.
28. What if my horse is shod, do I have to take the shoes off each time I have it measured and show it?
No you do not have to take shoes off to have a horse measured. A shod horse is to have the thickness of the shoes measured and deducted from the overall height measurement. The Federation allow horses to be shod in halter and performance classes.
29. Who measures my horse?
Federation financial members may measure their own horses unless stipulated otherwise by the Federation. If you are trying for Gold Star Stud status and then you will have to get a person approved by the Federation to measure your horses to fulfil the Gold Star measurement requirements.
30. What happens if my horse goes over height?
- If a Miniature Horse goes over it's maximum height for age at time of upgrade it will changed to Category A.
- If a Category A horse goes over it's maximum height, at any point (9.3h - 39") it will be de-registered, but it may be used for breeding purposes and recorded on the pedigree, up to the closed registry stage, please refer to registry rules.
31. What if my horse measures into another category at a show?
At shows horses will be put into classes according to their current height of measurement.
32. Will the horses papers have to change in-between age periods if when it is measured at a show it's measurement doesn't go with the category on it's papers?
No it will stay with those registration certificate until the time of upgrade is due. Unless it is a Mature Adult horse that is measuring over and then it will be recorded and reported to the Federation in which case the registration certificate will be changed accordingly. In the case of a Category A horse going over Mature Adult height at any stage of development it will be de-registered but the owner will be able to still breed with the horse as a reference sire or dam, with the pedigree being recorded on it's foals papers.
33. What kind of shows will horses be required to be measured?
Measurements will be checked at all Federation official shows, e.g. State and National shows.
Apart from shows when will the horses owner be required to measure horses for the Federation? Horses are to be measured as correctly as possible at birth, or at time ofregistration application; and at 36 months of age, and again at 60 months of age.
34. What are the Height For Age Requirements and why were they done with so many break-ups?
The Federation have broken the heights up so the 'height for age' requirements make allowances for growth, which naturally takes place in between the different ages.
Miniature Horse:
- to and not exceeding 6 months of age a maximum height of 7.2 hands (30")
- over 6 months and not exceeding 9 months of age a maximum height of 7.3 hands (31")
- over 9 months and not exceeding 12 months of age a maximum height of 8.0 hands (32")
- over 12 months and not exceeding 18 months of age a maximum height of 8.0 hands and 1/2" (32 1/2")
- over 18 months and not exceeding 24 month of age a maximum height of 8.1 hands (33")
- over 24 months and not exceeding 36 months of age a maximum height of 8.1 hands and 1/2 " (33 1/2")
- over 36 months a maximum height of 8.2 hands (34")
Category A Horse:
- to and not exceeding 6 months of age a maximum height of 8.3 hands (35")
- over 6 months and not exceeding 9 months of age a maximum height of 9 hands (36")
- over 9 months and not exceeding 12 months of age a maximum height of 9.1 hands (37")
- over 12 months and not exceeding 18 months of age a maximum height of 9.1 hands and 1/2" (37 1/2")
- over 18 months and not exceeding 24 months of age a maximum height of 9.2 hands (38")
- over 24 month and not exceeding 36 months of age a maximum height of 9.2 hands and 1/2" (38 1/2")
- over 36 months of age a maximum height of 9.3 hands (39")
35. What do Federation Registration Certificates look like?
Registration Certificates come in Metallic paper:
Peppermint for Young Stock,
Silver Shadow for Young Adults
Amethyst for Mature Adult.
The Certificates are Laminated to stop wear and tear.
36. What photographs are required for registration?
The Federation do not require photographs of horses, our registration form is designed for you to place all horse markings where they are applicable.
For example:
With a Pinto you would it's state base colour, e.g. bay, black, chestnut etc. and shad in all white areas.
In Appaloosa markings shade in all white areas, don't bother marking all the spots positions just the larger white areas.
If it is a leopard Appaloosa and is white with spots all over, state it is a Leopard Appaloosa where you are asked for the colour of the horse.In the case of a frosted Appaloosa where it is a roan colour all over, please just state it is a frosted appaloosa. So in the case of a Chestnut that has frosted (roaned out) you would put that it is a Chestnut frosted Appaloosa.
If a horse has white socks or stockings, or blaze, star, snip etc. you only need to draw a line indicating how the marking is shaped and where it is situated and shade all white markings eg. Stockings, blaze, star etc. are to be shaded.
37. Why doesn't the Federation have photographs on Registration Certificates?
Photographs are unreliable for identification as horses will appear totally different from summer coat to winter coat and a clipped from an unclipped horse and colours change as do certain patterns over a horses life.Legible brands and/or microchip are the only reliable means of identifying a horse.
38. If we aren't having photographs of the horses what kind of information will the Certificates have on them?
The Young Stock Certificate will have:
Name of Horse.
Height Type - Miniature Horse or Category A Horse
Young Stock RegistrationUp to 3rd generation Pedigree with available information on parents and grand parents
Adult Upgrade Due Date
Registration Number
Sex
Date of Birth
Colour
Microchip
Brand
DNA profile
Breeder
Owner
Birth Height
Current Height
Young Adult Certificate will have:
Name of Horse
Height Type - Miniature Horse or Category A Horse
Young Adult Registration
Up to 3rd generation Pedigree with available information on parents and grand parents
Mature Upgrade Due Date
Registration Number
Sex
Date of Birth
Colour
Microchip
Brand
DNA Profile
Breeder
Owner
Current Height
Mature Adult Certificate will have:
Name of Horse
Height Type - Miniature Horse or Category A Horse
Mature Adult Registration
Up to 3rd Generation Pedigree with available information on parents and grand parentsRegistration Number
Sex
Date of Birth
Colour
Microchip
Brand
DNA Profile
Breeder
Owner
Vet SC (Veterinary Soundness Certificate)
Mature Adult Height
39. Who is responsible for Transfers?
These can be done either by the vendor or the buyer this is up to the parties involved to decided who is responsible. But the Transferor is responsible to either hand over the horses Federation registration papers and signed transfer to the new owner or send them in with payment to the Federation.The registration papers will then be renewed with the new owners details on them and sent to the new owner.
40. When and why will I need to get a Service Certificate?
- These will be necessary if you have:
Had a registered Federation mare served by a registered Federation stallion owned by another member
Had a registered Federation mare served by a stallion registered with another registry and have a copy of this stallions registration papers from that other registry.
Own a registered Federation stallion that is serving outside registered Federation mares.
41. Who is responsible to supply a Service Certificate?
The Stallion owner must supply a Service Certificate to the mare owner at the conclusion and payment of service.
Both parties are advised to keep copies of this certificate.
The Mare owner should send this certificate into the Federation office at the time they are making application for registration for the resultant foal.
42.What is a Certificate of Sterilisation of Male Horses?
The Federation requires this form to be filled in by the attending Veterinarian when a registered Federation colt/stallion is being gelded.
43.Why is it necessary?
The Federation objects are about the care and well being of Miniature Horses and to ensure this surgical procedure is being performed by a qualified Veterinarian.
44. Why is my vet being asked to put down if he has cut the medial patella ligament for upward fixation, otherwise known as locking stifle?
Because the Federation aim to raise the Ethics in the Miniature Horse industry and because the Federation do not allow the registration of breeding stock, which have had this procedure done, the Federation have made an allowance for geldings as long as it is open and recorded.
45. Does this mean my gelding can't be registered with the Federation?
This procedure will not stop the gelding from being registered with the Federation, but this will be stated on the geldings registration certificate.
46. If I do have foals this season, but don't get everyone registered with the Federation on time to send in an annual stud return, are they still eligible or would I have to make sure they are registered with another society first?
If you become a member of the Federation before we send out the annual stud return, which is due August, you fill the stud return in including all horses not registered with the Federation and record all the matings and then when you register the sire and dams with the Federation you will be automatically be able to register the foals with the Federation. As long as this happens within the Open Registry period and the year the foals are born.
47. If I have horses that I have bred out of horses registered with another association, born in previous years, which are not registered with any association and were not put on any associations stallion or stud return, can I register them with the Federation?
No as Federation does not accept unregistered horses.The horses would have to be registered with another association recognised by the Federation before they could be accepted in the Federation registry.
Or if the sires and dams are registered with the Federation and they have their DNA on file with the Federation the resulting foals can then be DNA parent verified and registered with the Federation.
48. If my stallion is already adult registered with another registry and has passed a Veterinary Soundness Certificate with that registry do I have to get another one for the Federationi?
No, as long as the stallion can produce a copy of adult registration papers from a recognised registry that requires a Veterinary Soundness Certificate at the time of adult registration, it then does not have to complete another one for the Federation.
49. If I want to have my horses DNA taken, microchip and certificate of soundness, at the time of registration, should have this things done after the horses have been registered or do them and send the completed forms in with their application for registration".
You are best to register the horses first.After you send the registration applications, copies of their other registry certificates and fees to the Federation Secretary, you will be sent print outs of the registration certificates for the vets.
This is because they are asked to refer to the horses Federation registration details on the Federation forms they are to fill in for DNA, Microchip and Certificates of Soundness.
These print outs will not be your final/original certificates they will only be on white paper with VETERINARIAN USE ONLY printed across them.
Then when you have had all the forms filled in by the Vet you return them to the Federation or as in the case of DNA samples forward them to the Australian Equine Research Centre in the addressed envelopes you will be supplied with.
As soon as we receive the DNA information back from them all the information will be put on each of your horses Registration Certificates and the originals processed and sent out to you.
50. When I apply for a DNA test does it get sent out to the Vet to complete or will the Vet have kits that they will bring with them?
To DNA your Stallions:
3 year old stallions registration fee is DNA inclusive, so when you apply for your stallions registration you will automatically be sent out the DNA kit that the Federation acquires from the Australian Equine Research Centre in Qld.
The kit will come with instructions and you can pull your horses hair yourself.
This is unless you are working towards Gold Star Stud status, if you are going for this you need to do the following:
When you get your kit you print out the Gold Star Stud DNA form (or apply to the secretary if you don't have a computer) and arrange for your Vet to come and pull the hairs from your horses, as is required for DNA Gold Star.
You will need to have the DNA Gold Star form on hand for the Vet to fill in and you send the DNA Gold Star form to the Federation Secretary.
The hair samples are sent, by you directly, to the Australian Equine Research Centre, you will receive as part of the kit envelopes that are addressed to them.
To DNA your Mares:
You will need to print off an application for DNA form (NOT the Gold Star Stud form) from the Federation Website on the forms page (or contact the Secretary to send you forms if you do not have access to a computer or printer).
You put all the mares details on the form that you wish to apply for DNA kits for and send the form with the total fee, $80- per horse gst inclusive, to the Secretary (all forms have the Federation secretaries mailing address).
When you receive the DNA kits you can either pull the horses hair yourself or;If you wish to go for Gold Star Stud you will need to arrange for the Vet to come and pull the hairs and fill in the DNA Gold Star form and send the form back to the Federation secretary.
The hair samples are sent by you directly to the Australian Equine Research Centre, there will be addressed envelopes in the kit.
51. What if my horses are micro-chipped already with another association or were done during EI?
If your horses are already micro-chipped with another association, you will either need proof of this on a copy of the other associations registration certificate or if they were done during EI a copy of the Veterinary micro-chip form would be required.
52. When I had my horses micro-chipped I used their pet names in reference on the vet form. Will this be acceptable to the Federation?
As long as you supply a copy of the veterinarian micro-chip form and make it clear to the Federation as to which pet name belongs to each horses registered name.
53. I want to go for Gold Star Stud status, will my horses be accepted if they have already had micro-chips put in by the vet and if they don't have their registered names on the vet form?
Yes, as long as:
You supply a copy of the veterinarian micro-chip form.
You clarify which pet names belong to each horses registered name
In this instance YOU (not the vet) must fill in the Gold Star Stud Micro-chip Vet form to indicate what each horses micro-chip numbers are.
You must use the Federation registered name and registration number of each horse on this form. |
