Horses have been used for centuries in a variety of roles, from transportation to recreation. But when you’re looking at a horse’s pedigree, you may have noticed the letters AA after its name. So what does AA mean after a horse’s name?
What Does AA Stand For?
AA stands for “Approved Ancestor.” It’s a designation used by many horse registries to indicate that a horse has an approved pedigree going back a certain number of generations. AA is usually followed by a number, such as AA-7 or AA-10, which indicates how many generations the horse’s pedigree has been approved for.
Why Is This Important?
Having an approved pedigree is important for a few reasons. The most obvious is that it helps to ensure the purity of a horse’s bloodline. An approved pedigree can also help to determine which horses are eligible for certain competitions and awards.
How Does a Horse Get Approved?
In order for a horse to receive an AA designation, its pedigree must be verified by the relevant registry. This verification process is usually done by researching the horse’s lineage and ensuring that all of its ancestors meet the registry’s standards.
The process can be time-consuming and costly, so most breeders and owners don’t bother with it unless they’re breeding horses for competition or showing.
What Are the Benefits of an AA Horse?
Having an AA-approved pedigree can be beneficial for a few different reasons. For one, it can help to ensure that a horse is purebred and not a hybrid. This can be important for breeders who are looking to preserve the characteristics of a particular breed.
An AA-approved pedigree can also be beneficial for horses that are competing in shows or other events. Judges and other officials may take a horse’s pedigree into account when considering its eligibility for awards or other honors.
What Are the Different Types of AA Ratings?
There are a few different types of AA ratings. The most common are AA-7 and AA-10, which indicate that a horse’s pedigree has been approved for seven or ten generations, respectively.
There is also AA-L, which stands for “Lifetime Approved Ancestor.” This designation indicates that a horse’s pedigree has been approved for the entire length of its life.
Are AA Ratings Required?
No, AA ratings are not required for all horses. They are typically only required for horses that are competing or being shown in competitions. For most owners, having an AA rating is not necessary, and it is up to them to decide if the cost and effort of obtaining one is worth it.
What Are Some Other Abbreviations Used in Horse Pedigrees?
In addition to AA, there are a few other abbreviations that are commonly used in horse pedigrees. These include:
- RB – Registered Breed
- G – Grand Champion
- R – Reserve Champion
- P – Performance Horse
- A – Award Winner
- S – Show Horse
What Is the Difference Between AA and AQHA?
AA and AQHA are two different things. AA stands for “Approved Ancestor,” and it is a designation used by many horse registries to indicate that a horse has an approved pedigree going back a certain number of generations.
Meanwhile, AQHA stands for “American Quarter Horse Association,” and it is a breed registry for the American Quarter Horse. The AQHA is responsible for registering and maintaining records on all Quarter Horses in the United States.
Are There Other Registries That Use AA?
Yes, there are several other horse registries that use the AA designation. These include the American Paint Horse Association, the American Morgan Horse Association, and the American Saddlebred Horse Association, among others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the letters AA after a horse’s name indicate that the horse has an approved pedigree going back a certain number of generations. This designation is typically only used for horses that are competing in shows or other events, as it can help to ensure that the horse is purebred and eligible for awards and honors. There are a few different types of AA ratings, and they are used by several different horse registries.
Having an AA-approved pedigree can be beneficial for breeders and owners, but it is not always necessary. Ultimately, it is up to them to decide if the cost and effort of obtaining an AA rating is worth it.