---
title: What rules are there for naming a foal?
description: Make sure your hopeful names meet the rules and standards of naming an American Quarter Horse.
---

[Skip to content](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/what-rules-are-there-for-naming-a-foal#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

![AQHA-Logo-TopNav black.png\]](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AQHA-Logo-TopNav%20black.png?height=40&name=AQHA-Logo-TopNav%20black.png)

- [Default HubSpot Blog](https://aqha-5002023.hs-sites.com/blog)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Default HubSpot Blog](https://aqha-5002023.hs-sites.com/blog)
- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [Go to AQHA.com](https://aqha.com/)

[Go to AQHA.com](https://aqha.com/?hsLang=en)

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Help Center](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge?hsLang=en)
2. [Registration](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en)
3. [Most-Asked Questions](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en#most-asked-questions)

# What rules are there for naming a foal?

## Make sure your hopeful names meet the rules and standards of naming an American Quarter Horse.

The rules and standards are:

- The name cannot be longer than 20 characters (this includes blank spaces and numbers and is simply because AQHA computer systems are not programmed to allow more)
- Arabic numerals (1234… and so on) are permitted at the end of a name.
- Punctuation marks are not permitted (so if you are looking at DASHS DIGIT, there is no apostrophe in the word “DASHS” because it is not allowed per AQHA rules).
- Keep the name clean. (We do attempt to red flag anything that seems inappropriate.)
- You have to have written permission from John Wayne to name your horse John Wayne. (The same goes for every celebrity.)
- The horse can be named anything you like. Although many people prefer to, you are not required to name your AQHA foal according to pedigree.

Check out the [AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations](https://aqha.com/rulebook?hsLang=en) for a complete look naming rules.

Once you have checked to see if the names you have dreamt up fit these guidelines, you can check them using the Research Foal Name tool! [Here’s how to use the tool.](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/how-do-i-research-foal-names?hsLang=en)

For more information or for questions on foal names, give us a call at 806-376-4811, option 1, extension 1 or send us a message at [*www.aqha.com/registration-questions-form*](https://www.aqha.com/registration-questions-form?hsLang=en).

- [Registration](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en#main-content)
  
  
  
  
  
    - [Stallion Breeding Reports](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en#stallion-breeding-reports)
    - [New Registration](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en#new-registration)
    - [Corrections](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en#corrections)
    - [Racing](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en#racing)
    - [Microchipping](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en#microchipping)
    - [Most-Asked Questions](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/registration?hsLang=en#most-asked-questions)
- [Stallion Breeding Reports](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/stallion-breeding-reports?hsLang=en)
- [DNA Kits and Genetic Testing](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/dna-kits-and-genetic-testing?hsLang=en)
- [Transfers](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/transfers?hsLang=en)
- [Rush Processing](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/rush-processing?hsLang=en)
- [Online Help](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/online-help?hsLang=en#main-content)
  
  
  
  
  
    - [Account access](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/online-help?hsLang=en#account-access)
- [Records Research](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/records-research?hsLang=en)
- [Membership](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/membership?hsLang=en#main-content)
  
  
  
  
  
    - [Resources](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/membership?hsLang=en#resources)
    - [About AQHA](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/membership?hsLang=en#about-aqha)
- [Showing](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/showing?hsLang=en#main-content)
  
  
  
  
  
    - [Performance Halter](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/showing?hsLang=en#performance-halter)
    - [Register of Merit (ROM)](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/showing?hsLang=en#register-of-merit-rom)
    - [Level 1 Eligibility](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/showing?hsLang=en#level-1-eligibility)
- [Publications](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/publications?hsLang=en)
- [Training](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/training?hsLang=en)
- [Service Centers](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/service-centers?hsLang=en)
- [Accounting](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/accounting?hsLang=en#main-content)
  
  
  
  
  
    - [Invoicing](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/accounting?hsLang=en#invoicing)
    - [Fees](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/accounting?hsLang=en#fees)
    - [Credit Cards](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/accounting?hsLang=en#credit-cards)
- [Careers](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/careers?hsLang=en#main-content)
  
  
  
  
  
    - [Careers](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/careers?hsLang=en#careers)
- [AQHLearn](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/knowledge/aqhlearn?hsLang=en)

- [Default HubSpot Blog](https://aqha-5002023.hs-sites.com/blog)

[![vast.png](https://helpcenter.aqha.com/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4087/img/vast.png "vast.png")](http://aqha.com?hsLang=en)

AQHA Help Center

Copyright © 2026, American Quarter Horse Association