Why Become a Member?

Unique, US-Based Governance: An American Voice for Breeders

The American Hanoverian Society (AHS) is a community of breeders, trainers, competitors, riders, and enthusiasts who join together to celebrate the Hanoverian horse. Some of the benefits of membership follow but join the community and find out for yourself why our members are so loyal to the Hanoverian and Rhineland horses.

The AHS is directed by its own Board of Directors, elected by its US membership and operating under by-laws voted upon by the membership. This self-governance is unique to US affiliated registries. The AHS office is assisted by the elected Board, as well as by hard-working volunteers who serve on numerous committees. The issues faced by the membership are carefully considered in the daily operations, and in the long-range plans of the Society.  Participation of members is actively encouraged.

The AHS enjoys a strong bond and a mutually beneficial working relationship with the Hannoveraner Verband (HV) in Germany. An affiliate of the HV, AHS enjoys full Studbook reciprocity with the HV for US-approved stallions and mares. In addition, the Verband endorses the AHS by-laws, breeding rules, and the manner in which the AHS conducts bloodstock inspections. The AHS has representation and a vote on the Verband Board through our membership in Hannoveraner International.

Membership Benefits - One Society-Two Registries

• The AHS makes registration and inspection available to breeders in many locations, or when inspection is not feasible:
  • It is easy now for breeders to register their foals entirely online.
  • Breeders have the option to submit a video of their mare for studbook placement in lieu of a physical Mare Inspection. This includes Hanoverian, Rhineland and non-Hanoverian mares.
    • As of 2020, annual mare dues have been eliminated, streamlining and simplifying the registration process.
    • Our annual inspection tour includes as many as 50 public sites nationwide, and includes (offers differ by site):
      • Mare inspections and Foal inspections
      • Futurity Classes
      • The Mare Performance Tests (MPTs)
      • Stallion licensing opportunities
    • For an additional fee, private Inspections may be arranged through the AHS office for members who cannot be accommodated through the traditional, public inspection tour.

Programs for Members To Assist with Marketing and Brand Recognition

• The AHS employs a Social Media Director and a Web Director resulting in comprehensive internet, social media and brand recognition.
• The AHS Awards program is one of the most comprehensive offered to sport horse breeders in America.
• Members may electronically submit to the AHS office their showing successes of their horses. This information is prominently marketed in our bi-monthly Hanoverian Happenings newsletter and on our social media sites. 
• The AHS works hard to give our breeders ways to showcase and differentiate their breeding stock and offspring from the rest of the pack:
  • Recognition/Predicate of AHS mares through performance
  • Annual Futurity awards for AHS yearlings and two-year-olds
  • Recognition of top foals and Gold Medal Foals at each inspection site on social media and in the annual Breeder’s Guide
  • Futurity yearling and two-year-old classes awarding the top 5 scoring horses in each class
  • Special recognition when accepted into the the Jumper Breeding Program (JBP)
  • Star Awards Program for JBP approved mares 

Programs for Members That Educate

• The AHS produces annually two full-color print publications; the AHS Stallion Directory and Awards Magazine. A complimentary copy of each is mailed to every active-level member. Associate-level members receive a copy of the Awards Magazine. A digital flipbook version of both publications is available on hanoverian.org.
• Members may electronically access the English version of Der Hannoveraner on hanoverian.org.
• Members have access to the AHS print media archive, including online copies of The AHS magazine.
• AHS members receive frequent registry and industry updates electronically via Hanoverian Happenings from the AHS office.
• The AHS has a very active Young Breeder’s Program to encourage the next generation.
• The AHS conducts an annual membership meeting that is held at differing locations throughout the US and virtually to allow the greatest number of members to participate.

Integrity Measures for the Hanoverian Horse

• Members may place free photo ads in the Marketplace space on hanoverian.org.
• The AHS sends highly trained and well-qualified American and German judges to each of our many inspection sites who are always happy to discuss your mares and foals with you.
• All horses (studbook mares, approved stallions, and registered foals) are DNA tested.
• All approved stallions undergo rigorous approval processes, including extensive radiograph evaluation during the licensing process.
• AHS requires that stallion owners report Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) and Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) status annually for AHS stallions. This information is printed in the annual Breeder’s Guide.
• AHS makes a WFFS testing for any horses available to members at group rates.