There are many legends and theories about the origin of the Arabian horse. Century after century, history reveals that the fountainhead of beauty, elegance, stamina and endurance found in what is perhaps a species in equine ancestry, became a commodity for nations at war, a splendid gift for royalty and worldwide leaders and finally a necessary additive for animal husbanders, as they enhanced the quality of all horse breeds. the prepotency of the remarkable Arabian horse left a trail of recognizable characteristics, as well as an extensive paper trail of studies and documentation.

         History also tell us that the purebred Arabian or its Partbred progeny, the Andalusian and Barb, came to the western hemisphere with the Spanish conquistadors as early as 1519. The compulsive drive to discover and take over other nations, if necessary, demanded the reliability and speed of the same horse that had already penetrated Europe and Asia, leaving a distinctive mark on other horse breeds. Once exposed to the North American continent the performance was repeated. Some historians believe that the Mustang acquired unquestionable influence from this inimitable structure of horse flesh. Whether fighting battles, or relocating into new frontiers, Indians and Cowboys alike benefited from the blood of the early importations. In years to follow, as the United States developed, presidents Washington, Van Buren and Grant, cabinet members and scores of military personnel acquired purebred or partbred Arabians as pleasure or battlefield mounts. Soon horse breeding establishments and the racing industry continued to appreciate the little horse from the desert and its ability to imporve other breeds.

         Even though the first purebred Arabian importation in 1838 probably didn't survive, subsequent importations did. Over the years, breeders and admirers have continued to tap a wealth of bloodlines from the Arab Nation. Great Britain, Poland, Russia, Spain and Egypt. At the present time import traffic is slowing down and a new trend appears to be evolving, indeed even the Arab nations are calling the fountainhead of bloodlines back home.

           "A friend is one whom you can pour out all the contents of your heart, wheat and chaff together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will sift out what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away..."

         Seeds spring from seeds, beauty breedth beauty. By law of nature thou art bound to breed, that thine may live...in that thy likeness still is left alive.

         It all started about 30 years ago when a relatively small group of Arabian horse breeders felt they had suffered just about enough indifference, indignity, and arrogance at the hands of THE ARABIAN HORSE CLUB REGISTRY, which at that time had been registering horses since 1908. Prior to that time, the JOCKEY CLUB had registered Arabians in their stud books. Since some 20 years of attempts at reforming AHCR had netted no results, this group of Arabian breeders concluded that it was time to establish a new Registry. With the blessing of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in August of 1967, THE INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE REGISTRY OF NORTH AMERICA (IAHRONA) and THE PART ARABIAN REGISTRY OF NORTH AMERICA (PARONA) was founded.

         Since IAHRONA/PARONA has never been actively promoted as an alternative to AHCR (now AHRA and IAHA), it has not realized its potential. For years it was believed that the mere existence of a second Registry would accomplish changes, so IAHRONA fell asleep at the switch. Determined never to be entrapped in such assumptions again, a similar group of Arabian horse breeders has decided to return to the original concept and promote IAHRONA as an alternative record keeping organization.

         As far as we know we are the only international horse Registry in existence. We have members in Mexico, Canada and the Unite States. We encourage all members to actively participate, make suggestions, voice opinions, attend annual meetings and even run for a seat on the Board of Directors. Day to day affairs of the Registry are supervised by a nine member Board which is elected from members present at the annual meeting. They serve until the next annual meeting and no director can serve more than one three year term. The board may make suggestions, however, no changes or alternations can be implemented to the by-laws and rules and regulations without approval by a majority of the voting membership. The president is elected by the nine directors at the annual meeting. All meetings of IAHRONA are open to the membership as well as the general public.

         Registry fees are very affordable because IAHRONA is not for profit organization whose fees are based on the actual expenses of the Registry. We have registration discounts and incentives.

         Under normal circumstances, IAHRONA/PARONA does not mandate blood typing, however, if a situation arises regarding parentage, DNA testing or blood typing may be required from any acceptable laboratory at the owners expense. Exceptions to the rule are artifical insemination, frozen artificial insemination and embryo transplants.

         Upon receipt of proper documentation and scheduled fees, IAHRONA will register any Purebred Arabian. We acknowledge all registries through out the world. PARONA registers Partbreds with at least 25% documented Arabian blood, even if both parents are Partbreds. Registraton certificates include a five generation pedigree, very suitable for framing.

         Even though IAHRONA/PARONA has been acknowledged by the USDA since 1967, THE AMERICAN HORSE SHOW ASSOCIATION does not recognize our Registry. The most recent denial was explained as "too confusing", however, we still believe that hard work and perservance could increase enrollment to a point when the powers to be may reconsider. On the other hand be realistic, Class A shows, sweepstakes, futurities, and the expenses involved, are really out of the average persons league. As we concentrate on this large segment of Arabian horse owners our potential is exciting; if you find IAHRONA/PARONA appealing, or have ever looked for a Registry that gives you a voice and listens, come along with us and join the growing ranks of a Registry that still has a personal touch.