I’m currently looking at purchasing an unregistered Thoroughbred. I plan to event her. Does anyone know of any limitations in USEF for unregistered/unpapered horses? Thanks so much.
None whatsoever. As long as it’s a horse, you’re good. Heck, I think donkeys and mules are ok but wouldn’t swear to it.
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No restrictions, but you won’t be eligible for the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) awards at events. That’s the only thing that comes to mind.
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Any horse can be registered with USEF, and can compete in any divisions that are not breed-restricted.
Mules and donkeys can be registered,but can only compete in some divisions. IIRC they can compete in Driving and Endurance, and some Dressage classes.
One thing to love about eventing … as long as it looks something like a horse, it can compete. Not only does it not have to be registered, it doesn’t have to be pretty, or be fancy, or be of good conformation, or anything like that. It just has to be sound. 
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Also if it’s from registered parents you could do the DNA test with jockey club and see if they can pinpoint it’s breeding.
That would get you your TIP eligibility if it can be determined.
More info here:
https://tjctip.com/About/TBHSI
Em
It says unregistered horses are ineligible in the first paragraph of that link.
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Ok but you can still do the DNA test.
Em
As others have pointed out, there are no USEF or USEA requirements regarding breed registration for eventing (or hunters, jumpers or dressage, for that matter).
If you want to try to get Jockey Club papers for your horse, a lot depends on WHY it doesn’t have papers.
If both parents are registered and the mare owner just didn’t bother to do the paperwork, you might be able to get papers if you can prove parentage (DNA test), and jump through some bureaucratic hoops.
If one or both parents are not registered, or if the horse was conceived via AI, you will not be able to get Jockey Club papers.
If you plan to breed her in the future, you could also look into getting her approved by one of the warmblood registries. Several accept TB mares that achieve high enough scores at breed inspections.
No papers will have absolutely no effect on her eligability to compete at any level of eventing
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It’s very expensive to get Jockey Club papers on adult horse that is not registered even if it is eligible (I forget the exact amount but in the $2000 range).
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Yep, once the horse is over 4, $2K last I’d checked. I had all info on my mare, and contacted the stallion owner who was willing to send a breeders certificate to JC, but it wasn’t worth if for me. This was years ago, but I’d only do it if wanting to breed (TB or WB), or if the TIP or other TB incentives are a goal in your planned competitive future.
