The Kentucky Accredited Bred Program offers incentives for stallion owners, breeders, and horse owners, with a one-time late-registration period for stallions remaining open through July 1.

© SES AD CREATIONS

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

ASHLAND, KY–JUNE 20, 2026–Stallion owners still have time to participate in the Kentucky Accredited Bred Program, as a one-time late-registration period remains open through July 1.

Under normal program rules, stallions must be registered with the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association (KyQHRA) by Dec. 31 prior to the breeding year. For 2026, however, Kentucky has provided an additional registration window, allowing stallion owners who missed the original deadline an opportunity to enroll and become eligible for the program's incentives.

The Kentucky Accredited Bred Program is supported through the Kentucky Quarter Horse Development Fund, which provides purse supplements, breeder incentives, and accreditation programs designed to strengthen the state's Quarter Horse racing industry. Administered by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and funded through pari-mutuel tax revenue, the program rewards breeders, owners, and stallion owners who invest in Kentucky-bred Quarter Horses.

One of the program's most significant incentives is the annual Sire of the Year award. KYQHRA awards $10,000 to the Kentucky-accredited stallion whose offspring earn the most money in U.S. races during the calendar year, based on Equibase statistics. Unlike many state incentive programs, participating stallions are not required to stand in Kentucky, and artificial insemination is permitted.

The program also rewards horse owners through its Best of the Best awards. At the end of each year, $5,000 is awarded to the highest-earning Kentucky-bred 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and aged horse based on annual U.S. race earnings.

Breeders are eligible for additional incentives when Kentucky-bred horses win qualifying races. A $5,000 award is available for Kentucky-breds that capture AQHA Grade I, II, or III stakes, AQHA-recognized non-graded stakes, or allowance and maiden races carrying purses of at least $15,000. Claiming races are excluded from the program.

To qualify as a Kentucky-bred, a horse must be registered with both AQHA and KYQHRA, be out of a mare and stallion properly enrolled in the program, and be foaled in Kentucky while meeting all residency and breeding requirements.

With the July 1 late-registration deadline approaching, stallion owners who have not yet enrolled still have a limited opportunity to gain access to one of the nation's most flexible Quarter Horse incentive programs.

For additional information, contact kyqhtafund@gmail.com or visit KyQHRA.org.

ABOUT THE KyQHRA
The Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association represents horsemen and women throughout the Commonwealth and works closely with racetrack partners to expand racing opportunities, promote Kentucky-bred horses and strengthen the future of the sport. The association supports breeders, owners, and trainers while helping participants take advantage of Kentucky’s incentive programs.