To register your European Brabant horse with EBRA, you need to provide the horse's pedigree information, DNA test results, and complete the registration form available on our website. Once submitted, our team will review the application and notify you of the registration status.

The European Brabant Studbook designation is reserved for approved, >93.75% (15/16) purebred horses. These may be imported horses from the EBRA’s list of approved European studbooks, offspring of purebred EBRA registered parents, >93.75% horses registered with the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America, Canadian Belgian Horse Association, or American Brabant Association who have passed a Breed Standard Evaluation, and offspring from approved Qualified Mares and purebred registered stallion pairings.

The European Brabant Studbook designation is reserved for approved, >93.75% (15/16) purebred horses. These may be imported horses from the EBRA’s list of approved European studbooks, offspring of purebred EBRA registered parents, >93.75% horses registered with the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America, Canadian Belgian Horse Association, or American Brabant Association who have passed a Breed Standard Evaluation, and offspring from approved Qualified Mares and purebred registered stallion pairings.

DNA testing involves collecting a horse hair sample and sending it to our approved laboratory at UC Davis. The results will be used to verify the horse's lineage and ensure accurate record-keeping.

At this time, there is no DNA test that can definitively identify a horse as a European Brabant breed in the same way that a breed-specific test can identify certain dog breeds. DNA testing can be used to: Verify parentage (sire and dam) Confirm genetic relationships Identify certain genetic traits or disorders Support pedigree documentation However, DNA testing alone cannot currently prove that a horse is a European Brabant unless the results can be matched to known registered ancestors and pedigree records.

Because the European Brabant is a rare breed with limited numbers worldwide, the EBRA is committed to both preserving the traditional breed standard and expanding genetic diversity. To support these goals, the EBRA offers a Breed Up Program that allows quality draft horses with European Brabant ancestry to gradually increase their percentage of European Brabant blood through selective breeding. ​ The EBRA maintains two studbooks: the European Brabant Studbook for horses with 93.75%–100% European Brabant heritage, and the European Brabant Stock Studbook for horses with 47% or greater European Brabant heritage. Through the Breed Up Program, breeders can use purebred European Brabant stallions to steadily increase European Brabant bloodlines over multiple generations. Once a horse reaches 93.75% European Brabant heritage and passes required coat color testing and Breed Standard Evaluations, it may be recognized as a purebred European Brabant. ​ This process helps protect breed quality, reduce inbreeding risks, and strengthen the future of the European Brabant in the Americas while preserving the traits that make these horses so special. Owners of European Brabant Stock mares who are >24 months and >87.5% verifiable European Brabant heritage may request a special European Brabant assessment by the EBRA Evaluation Committee at the owner’s expense. Mares will be judged for purebred European Brabant standards and, if they pass the Breed Standard Evaluation, will be identified and labelled within the EBRA database as European Brabant Qualifying Mares (QM).  ​ NOTE: QM status does not change a mare’s registration designation from European Brabant Stock to purebred European Brabant.  ​ All European Brabant Studbook eligible offspring of QM status European Brabant Stock mares and European Brabant registered stallions will not be subjected to the mandatory evaluation needed to achieve purebred European Brabant status. If a mare does not meet purebred European Brabant standards, her eligible offspring may still apply for European Brabant status and be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The Appendix Brabant Record is designed to track and record draft crosses and mules with European Brabant heritage that do not meet purebred European Brabant Registry standards and light horse crosses with European Brabant Heritage. Within this category, there is no limitation on progenitor draft breeds, conformation or color. The only requirement is the horse be a minimum of 23.5% verifiable European Brabant heritage. Horses that meet the qualifications for the European Brabant or European Brabant Stock Studbooks will be given the option for inclusion during the application process however, horse owners reserve the right to remain in the Appendix Brabant Record.