The AIHR

The American Indian Horse Registry was formed in 1961 to preserve and promote the horses of the American Indians and to recognize the modern breeds that trace their lineages back to them, such as the Appaloosas and Paints. As such, it has a very broad mission. The AIHR recognizes several classes of horses ranging from the "O" (pure Spanish Colonial Horses) to the "M" (modern breeds with Indian roots).

The AIHR serves a vital role for horses like Half Yellow Face, who appears as a yearling in the picture above. This young stallion carries the curly gene and it really comes out on him in the winter. He has primitive stripes and bars, is short backed, strong, smart and very gentle. He has strong Spanish movement at the trot and perhaps has the most comfortable canter of any non-Corolla horse that I have ever seen.

In short, he would have been the pride of many Indian herds in the 1870's. However, he cannot be registered in either the SMR or HOA because his lineage is outside their preservation goals. Their preservation goals are entirely appropriate and were it not for these two organizations the Spanish Mustang would likely not exist today.

Half Yellow Face is of Chincoteague and BLM origin and as such he is eligible for membership in the AIHR. The AIHR recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting super horses like him. Their shows and awards programs encourage the breeding of more spectacular horses like this little stallion.

While members of the established horse world might scoff at such a goal,the AIHR is a vital incubator of preservation and innovation. Half Yellow Face's half brother, Young Joseph, is likely to be a future member of the AIHR Hall of Fame. He is the result of the same BLM/Chincoteague program with which we have had so much success.

The AIHR promotes versatility, affordable horses, history, solid horsemanship, and fun. That is the prescription to revitalize the horse industry. It is a shame that more of the the established horse world does not recognize that obvious fact.