GHA Registration Rules

Purebred Gypsy Horses

1. Horses currently registered with GVHS, GCDHA, and GHRA purebred sections are eligible for automatic registration with the Gypsy Horse Association. A copy of the DNA report for parentage must be provided to the GHA Registrar. A photo of the left and right side of the horse must also be provided.

2. Previously un-registered horses must go before the GHA Registration Review Committee for approval. The exception is in the case of a horse that is the offspring of two purebred horses registered with the GHA, GCHDA, GVHS or GHRA. In these cases those horses are automatically eligible for registration and need not go through the GHA Review Committee process. DNA Testing for proof of parentage is still required.

3. For submission to the GHA Registration Review Committee photos of the left, right, front and rear of the horse are required. Use the following guidelines: The horse should be standing upright, on level ground. The photos should be full body shots, with the horse’s head, tail, lower leg and feather visible. Whenever possible the tail should be pulled to one side on the rear photo, so the committee can see the hock set of the horse.

4. Occasionally the RRC will accept non-conforming photos for review at their discretion. If you choose to submit action photos or show photos you risk possible rejection if the horse’s conformation is not apparent to the committee. We recommend submitting conformation photos whenever possible.

5. A Bill of Sale or other proof of ownership (such as import paperwork when available) is required on all previously unregistered horses. Website or other verification on well documented stock may be used at the discretion of the Registrar and GHA Registration Review Committee.

6. A completed registration form must be submitted to Registrar along with the appropriate fees for all registrations. 

7. Submission of DNA to the University of Kentucky to record genetic markers and verify parentage is required. The DNA sample must be submitted using the GHA DNA submission form available on the GHA website. DNA reports from other labs are acceptable at the discretion of the Registrar and the GHA Registration Review Committee. 

8. Please be aware that registration documents are not proof of ownership. The GHA makes every possible effort to provide and maintain accurate information regarding the horses listed in our registry. In cases where the owner(s) have failed to provide the correct information concerning registration, breeding and transfer records, the GHA will not assume responsibility or liability for any resulting disputes. Please protect yourself and request the appropriate documentation from anyone with whom you enter into a breeding or ownership contract.


Gypsy Heritage Division 

(Includes Drum Horses & Horses of at least 50% Gypsy Heritage)

Gypsy Crosses

1. A Gypsy Cross is any horse that has at least one registered purebred Gypsy parent, registered with GHA, GVHS, GCDHA, or GHRA/GCSA and with DNA Proof of the Gypsy Parentage, a Gypsy Cross is automatically eligible for registration in the GHA Gypsy Heritage Division.

2. A Bill of Sale or other proof of ownership is required on all previously unregistered horses. Website or other verification on well documented stock may be used at the discretion of the Registrar and GHA Registration Review Committee.

3. A completed registration form must be submitted to Registrar along with the appropriate fees for all registrations.

4. Submission of DNA to the University of Kentucky to record genetic markers and verify parentage is required. The DNA sample must be submitted using the GHA DNA submission form available on the GHA website. DNA reports from other labs are acceptable at the discretion of the Registrar and the GHA Registration Review Committee. 

Drum Horses

1. The horse known or referred to as a Drum Horse  is any horse having Gypsy Parentage no less than 25% and no more than 75%, and with Shire, Clydesdale, and Friesian Parentage or the combination thereof being no less than 25% Gypsy and no more than 75% Gypsy. Any Drum Horse will be eligible for registration in the GHA Gypsy Heritage Division as specified below.

2. Drum Horses with Proof of Parentage 
Any horse with DNA proof of Parentage documenting no less than 25% Gypsy blood and no more than 75% Gypsy blood and with DNA verification of the remaining percentage traceable to registered Shire, Clydesdale, or Friesian in any combination is automatically eligible for registration in the GHA Gypsy Heritage Division.

3. Grandfathering of Drum Horses Without Proof of Parentage
Any horse without full proof of parentage having an ADHA or GCDHA Drum Horse Registration Certificate dated prior to January 1, 2010 (regardless of recorded percentages of blood ) will be automatically eligible for registration in the GHA Gypsy Heritage Division.

4. Any other feathered horse thought to be a combination of Gypsy blood and any of the following breeds — Shire, Clydesdale, or Friesian or the combination thereof, either by anecdote or part proof of parentage may apply for registration acceptance through the Registration Committee review process. For those horses approved for registration via the review process, the registration committee will determine the recorded percentage of Gypsy blood to be either 25% or 50%.

5. . A Bill of Sale or other proof of ownership is required on all previously unregistered horses. Website or other verification on well documented stock may be used at the discretion of the Registrar and GHA Registration Review Committee.

6. A completed registration form must be submitted to Registrar along with the appropriate fees for all registrations.

7. Submission of DNA to the University of Kentucky to record genetic markers and verify parentage is required. The DNA sample must be submitted using the GHA DNA submission form available on the GHA website. DNA reports from other labs are acceptable at the discretion of the Registrar and the GHA Registration Review Committee.