Free color changes

[Minimor]

I was thinking before that given how many Minis are registered under the wrong color--and I do find Mini foals very deceiving when it comes to color (obviously from hearing of all the misregistered horses I'm not alone on that one!)--wouldn't it be nice if the registries (AMHR particularly since our horses are all R--I don't even know the AMHA charge for a color change?) would allow owners to correct the horse's color free of charge at the time the horse's application for permanent status is sent in?

While foal colors can be so deceiving, by the time the horse is 3 years old the true color is quite obvious (unless the owner is absolutely hopeless at colors). If the color correction was free of charge at that time maybe more people would fix up the color where necessary; the papers are being reissued anyway, so changing the color at the same time shouldn't be a big deal?

 

[Mona]

It used to be free...at least with AMHR. If you had a color correction that was being done at the same time as something else, they would not charge for it. Now I think they charge $5.00?? I think you have always had to pay in AMHA.

 

[Minimor]

Nope, it's now $10 to do it that way at AMHR, same as a plain old color correction done on its own. I know this, because I did one that way (with his permanent application) in December, & got dinged the $10 for it.

 

[Becky]

I got hit with a $10 charge from AMHR, too, when I asked to change a mare they had as 'solid' to 'pinto'. I don't know how her markings got left off of her papers, as she is very loud, but they charged me to change it. I think that should have been no charge. AMHA hasn't charged me for a color correction.

 

[Boinky]

yes i've been saying that as well (in another post on here i mentioned that). Honestly it kind of ruins the integrity of a registry to not try to maintain accurate records in my oppinion. don't get me wrong..i prefere to R registry to A...but that is one thing that REALLY bothers me about it... whats to say there aren't other blantant mistakes that are being overlooked beceause people have to pay to update or correct? I do see that perhaps maybe a fee after they turn three could be appropriate..but at 3 years old they are quite matured and should be the color they are going to be..and should be much easier to tell.....

 

[Jean_B]

I'm going to against the grain here a little. Any time you send in any sort of paperwork - staff time is required. And that staff time is not free. Those staffers must be paid. If they stop charging fees for this or other services, someone will probably have to be laid off....and paper turn-around time would GREATLY slow down.

Color corrections are not that common once a breeder gets to know their program and its genetics. I know that my grey mare's black baby will turn grey - so I put grey on the papers, etc.

HOWEVER, if the mistake was on the part of the staff - I do believe that it will be correct for free -- if you can prove it. As in the case of the word "pinto" having been left off. That's why everyone should keep a photo copy of EVERYTHING they submit. For 2 reasons. In case there is an error, or if the package gets lost in the mail (in which case you would have to start over from scratch to assemble the paperwork).

 

[Sandee]

.........Paper turn-around time would GREATLY slow down..........

You mean even slower than NOW? I know they must have a lot of paperwork but even insurance companies that have tons of paperwork turn out the stuff faster than AMHR! I've had stuff in there for months before getting it back.

Oh, and yes I think they should make the color changes as easy and painless as possible so the records stay close to correct.

 

[pepperhill]

I had thought of the cost of manpower hours too, but it occurs to me that if color changes are allowed for free when it is in conjuction with the upgrade from temp to permanent, it shouldn't cost anyone any more time or materials than they would have already put in. The rest of the time, if a color change is sent in all on its own, then the fee would be more acceptable. I think that would be a good compromise on costs, and it would help with accuracy on permanent papers.

 

[VernB]

I have 3 AMHR mares that are all registered the wrong color way off what they really are, Infact one of my mares are registered 30" when in reality she is 36". I don't want to pay a fee for someone else registering a horse wrong. now I can see paying a fee if someone wanted to change the horses name. So when I look at my horses pedigree I wonder if her grandparents and so forth are really what they say they are. I also have an AMHA stallion that was registered the wrong color AMHA didn't charge me a dime to correct that. Anyway seems kinda confusing to me.

 

[Jean_B]

I've never had any issues with turn-around time. I've been getting my papers in a timely manner and have no beef with AMHR on that.

As far as an earlier owner registering the horse with the wrong color...Yes I believe you should pay for the change.

And consider this.... Are you sure you bought the right horse???? If the color isn't right on the papers - are you sure you weren't slipped a "ringer?" If the seller is sure those are the right papers for the horse you are buying -- then why buy a horse with incorrect papers, unless the SELLER is willing to pay for it. After all, you want to be sure you are getting the horse who's name is on the papers, right?

 

[sdmini]

Everybody has issues with any registry but I guess paying for color changes is not one of mine.

AQHA alway use to not charge for color changes until the horse was a year old and than after that time color changes cost you, I believe $5. I assume that rule is still in force but I'm not looking it up to be certain.

I've bought horses that markings matched but colors did not, I simply sent in the correct color, payed the fee and didn't think twice about it. Can you imagine the headache "free" color changes would be. This week so and so told me he was this color so lets put this on his papers, two months later a much more knowledgeable so and so said no he was this so lets put this on his papers. Plus they could be changed a half a dozen times and never once had the "right" color listed anyway.

:

Remember right now AMHR hand draws ALL the markings on EVERY horse EVERY time they get a new certificate (now that I have a problem with).

I would rather see AMHR not charge for changing stallion to gelding. AQHA has a special stamp that puts a black bar over the word stallion and puts gelding next to it, no need for a new certificate hence cutting down turn around time.