Double Registered Market is Strong (AQHA/APHA)

In general, the market for double registered (AQHA/APHA) horses is strong. Demand for DR horses is strong, but quality has to be present. Remember the old adage "You don't ride the papers."

Recently a question was posed about the market for a double registered Quarter Horse / Paint Horse weanling colt. The qualifying white was his facial marking, and he has Regular Registry papers with APHA. This particular colt has a sire who is no longer of popular blood, and his dam is "well-bred" but unshown. Even if she has a fantastic pedigree, since this is her first foal, few people will be inclined to reach deep into their pocketbooks.

Most novice or new buyers don't know enough to specifically look for a double registered horse as a defining characteristic. (And I am hopeful that most novices are not out looking for a weanling colt anyway). Additionally, many buyers of all levels compete in events not sanctioned by a particular breed association, like rodeo and jumping. In these instances, registration is simply an added bonus, not a requirement.

Double registered riding horses and prospects are often sought out my a more experienced buyer who is interested in showing in either or both breed associations. Often, they have the assistance of a trainer or agent when making a purchase. With that in mind, a double registered horse must be of above average quality to attract this more knowledgeable buyer.

Generally, the market for colts (being sold as stallion prospects) is a different group of buyers than the market for geldings (being sold as show prospects). Without a powerful pedigree behind him, it's my opinion that this colt should be gelded.

In this past year, under pedigree and conditions similar to this colt's, I have seen average double registered prospects sell for $3,500 to $6,500. I have seen DRs that are started under saddle sell for up to $15k. And, I know of a young DR who is showing successfully in both associations that just changed hands for $30k. Proven or exceptional horses naturally have sold for more.

Breeders might want to consider the amount of money it takes to keep, maintain, train, and eventually show one, to get to the various price points. And, they should also consider what they think the market will do (remain, fall farther, rise) before setting a price and determining when they will sell.

Breeders will continue to demand DRs backed by excellent pedigrees to expand the marketability of resulting foals within several different market segments. As show prospects, pedigree is less important than the double registered horse's talent, movement and temperment - the same characteristics anyone would look for in a show horse. Once proven successful in competition, the DR can potentially make its own bloodline more relevant and therefore more valuable.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this...

Valuation for Mortality Insurance

You want mortality insurance on your equine partner, but determining value can be tricky. (By Gretchen Ditto)

Every horse has value. In choosing an equine mortality insurance policy you must consider the amount of coverage you actually need. You can insure up to 100 percent of the value of your horse, but obviously, the more expensive the horse, the higher the premiums will be. Rates for equine mortality insurance depend on several factors, including the horse's current value, age, sex, breed and discipline.

For most owners, value is the one variable that is the most difficult to determine. Basically the question you want to answer is "How much would it cost to buy another horse similar to mine?"

Insurers suggest that you factor in several considerations to arrive at a figure:

- Purchase price. The price you paid is a good starting point for gauging value. However, your horse's worth is likely to change over time, so there are other factors to consider as well.
- Training. The more training you've put into your horse, from ground manners to skills in your discipline, the more his value will have increased above his purchase price.
- Competition records. Your horse's showring successes are a good way to substantiate his current training levels.
- Breeding record. Successful offspring demonstrate the worth of mares and stallions. Higher values can be justified by the selling prices and performances of progeny as well as other measures of success, such as a stallion's fertility or a mare's ability to carry foals to term.
- Appraisals. Another way to determine value is an evaluation by an equine appraiser. Many are breed-specific. To ensure an accurate appraisal, find a professional with a thorough working knowledge of your breed and/or discipline. Some insurers also accept evaluations conducted by veterinarians.
- Market comparison. Even clippings from classified ads can help substantiate your horse's current value. Some insurers recommend keeping a file that shows the asking prices of horses similar to yours, especially if you don't have other documents to support an increase in value.

If you decide to insure your horse for more than his purchase price, your insurer is likely to ask you to complete a value-substantiation form to justify your figure. Sometimes no additional documentation is required; however, if you file a claim you may find that the burden of proof is on you.

Most agents recommend that you keep an ongoing file of relevant information, such as your horse's show record, training fees and breeding record. That little bit of planning can alleviate the frustration of having to scramble for the information later, during a time that's already emotionally difficult.