The NATIONAL QUARTER HORSE REGISTRY was formed in 1956 in Raywood, Texas by Frank  A. Connell.  His goal was to provide an honest registry, and pedigree recording system for the quality ranch and working horses of the area. The response he received was phenomenal. 

  In 1984 Mr. Connell purchased and absorbed the INTERNATIONAL QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION of Nashville Tennessee, and the CAPITAL QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION inc. of South Bend Indiana into the files of N.Q.H.R.

By 1985 the N.Q.H.R. was able to boast of members all over the world, including but not limited to South Africa, Australia, and large numbers from Canada and Europe.

Unfortunately by the end of 1984 due to failing health F.A. Connell was unable to continue overseeing the large membership.

  The registry was then taken over by Sharon Cleo Meadows in 1985. She had the daunting task of transporting the numerous records from Texas to California where she carried on the work. In 1992 Ms. Meadows moved to Utah were she planned to eventually retire.

In 2002 once again the registry received new management.  Tamara Holdaway became the new director and vowed to update the registry and continue to provide an honest, quality service for its members.

2003-2004 was a busy time for the registry and its staff. Processing times were cut in half by advancing the registry into the computer age, and opening its first website.

2005 was a year of new ideas for the N.Q.H.R., with regions introduced throughout the World. Other updates and improvements for the whole registry included an improved Stallion Report system, and restructure of the sections to incorporate the large influx of Paint Type horses being received.

The N.Q.H.R also welcomed the members and horses of the former American Equine Registration Service into its records, bringing with it many quality horses which will continue to provide open bloodlines for N.Q.H.R bred horses.

In 2006 the National Quarter Horse Registry celebrated its 50^th year anniversary! Leading the quarter horse world, as the only COMPLETE quarter horse registry.

While continuing to expand services available to members 2007 will offer NQHR members and patrons even more online advancements including instant pedigree searches, forms, chat forums and of course prompt, friendly process times for applications and customer service.