Here's the basic Hardship info from the AMHA Rulebook.
193 HARDSHIP
The following procedures outline the steps which must be
completed prior to the registration of a horse through the
Association’s Hardship procedure.
193A Application
An AMHA Application for Registration, along with a letter
requesting Hardship Registration must be submitted
to the AMHA office. This request must be accompanied
by four (4) current color unaltered photographs (effective
on a voluntary basis January 1, 1998 and required
by June 1, 1998) of the horse showing all identifiable
markings and the proper fees for Hardship Registration.
For Hardship registration a horse must be three (3)
years of age or older. All Hardship horses except geldings
must be DNA tested, effective January 1, 1998.
(Amended 12-6-03, effective 01-04)
(Amended 02-09, effective 01-10)
193B Inspection
1. The AMHA office will contact a current or former
AMHA Regional Director nearest the applicant
when possible. This Director will arrange for and
perform an inspection of the animal at a time
mutually agreeable to both parties.
(Amended 02-09, effective 01-10)
2. The Inspector shall inspect the horse, noting in
his/her report:
-the height of the animal
-major conformation faults, if any, using the
AMHA Standard of Perfection as a guide, and
other items that could disqualify a horse from
an AMHA-approved show.
3. Certificates of Registration will be held by the
AMHA office until all expenses are paid in full.
The expenses related to inspection shall constitute
a “non-refundable” fee for inspection and will
be the responsibility of the applicant.
4. Inspection Fees
a. Expenses of the Inspector shall constitute a
“nonrefundable” fee for inspection.
b. Expenses for this inspection shall be submitted
to, and be reimbursed from the AMHA office
upon the submission of an invoice, including all
receipts. A list of applicable inspection fees
may be obtained from the AMHA office.
Here are the fees from the Hardship Form.
Mare $600.00 Stallion $1200.00 Gelding $200.00
DNA Testing $41.00
Inspection Fees - Expenses of the inspector shall constitute a "non-refundable" fee for inspection. Expenses for the inspection shall be submitted to the inspector at the time of inspection or to the AMHA office upon submission of an invoice. The inspector will charge according to the distance he must travel, if it is necessary to remain overnight and if there are meal expenses.
If there is a director close to you, his fees will be minimal. I know when I've had horses hardshipped, the director lived in my area and only charged me for the photos taken. If there is one coming to a show close to you and you can meet there, the fees would be minimal.
My hardship horses have been great additions to my breeding program. Good luck with your decision!
