Amarillo, Texas - As a way to encourage people who have not had their American Quarter Horse ownership papers updated, AQHA is launching a new "Papers To Prove It!" campaign and sweepstakes beginning today.

For the sweepstakes, anyone who submits a transfer of ownership on an already registered American Quarter Horse between November 5 and December 15 will have his name automatically entered into a contest that will award a $500 Quarter Horse Outfitters gift certificate to one person.

"There are many people who have paperwork on American Quarter Horses that need updating," said Bill Brewer AQHA Executive Vice President. "Through this contest and later through a special advertising campaign, we're hopeful these people will send their paperwork to us so that it will be properly recorded."

The fee to transfer a horse is $15 for Members or $45 for non-members and there are countless advantages to having updated ownership paperwork. In some instances, AQHA offers cash and merchandise incentives to people who participate in activities with their American Quarter Horses through its Best of America's Horse Program. In some cases, AQHA's records are used in legal and tax issues, as well as to verify ownership when horses have been stolen. Probably the best reason to keep papers updated comes with the peace of mind of knowing that a person owns an American Quarter Horse and has the papers to prove it.

"People wouldn't think of purchasing a car, motorcycle or boat without registering its ownership," said La Donna Wilkinson, AQHA Director of Registration. "That should be no different when someone purchases a horse. Plus, it increases a horse's value when its paperwork is current."

In the coming weeks, AQHA will be featuring noted people as well as rank in file Members on its Web site and in ads giving testimonials about having papers to prove their ownership.

To be eligible to win the $500 gift certificate, simply complete fully, an AQHA "Transfer of Ownership" form ("entry blank") on an already registered American Quarter Horse, which does not have its ownership papers properly updated and submit the transfer and all appropriate fees to American Quarter Horse Association. During the contest period, all fully-completed Transfer of Ownership applications will be entered into the drawing and one entry will be drawn. The person whose name is drawn will be awarded the $500 gift certificate to Quarter Horse Outfitters.

Complete contest rules are available by writing to AQHA "Papers To Prove It!" Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, TX 79109. Open to U.S. and Canada residents only. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.