About AMBA

Supporting and celebrating mustangs, burros, and their owners by creating inclusive opportunities for connection, education, and recognition—no matter their origin or journey.

At AMBA, we believe every mustang and burro—and every owner—deserves a place to belong. Whether your equine partner came from the range, an adoption event, or a rescue, our community is here to support you. By joining AMBA, you gain access to educational resources, events, recognition programs, and a network of passionate owners who share your love for these iconic animals. Together, we’re preserving their legacy and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

AMBA’s mission is to promote and support adoptions, uphold the integrity of the national registry, as well as advocate, educate and contribute to the health and well-being of wild horses, mules, and burros—living symbols of the pioneer spirit of the American West.

AMBA is an all-volunteer organization. There are no paid officers or employees.

Yearly Membership

Membership must be renewed each year for equestrians and/or owners. Each member receives a membership card, as well as a discount on all equine registrations. The yearly membership fee helps us keep the association up and running and provide as much opportunity and community as possible.

Membership is $20/year per individual adult, with some additional options available. Read more on the registration page.

Lifetime Wild Equine Registration

Your wild equine registration lasts a lifetime. This is vital to ensure all lineage, documentation, and awards are accessible, regardless of the ownership of the equine. You do not have to be a member to register your equine, but you receive a discount on your equine registration if you are a member.

Lifetime equine registration is $15 for members and $40 for non-members.

The Yearly AMBA Scholarship Program

Each year, a scholarship is awarded to a deserving student interested in pursuing a career in equine science related to promotion, education, and preservation of wild horses and burros.

Applicant Criteria:

  • Currently attending or planning to attend a degree program leading towards a career in working with the wild equine or burro (i.e. veterinarian medicine, animal and/or range management).

  • Provide a personal statement answering the questions listed in the application.

  • All finalists undergo an interview with a representative from the scholarship committee.

Student of equine preservation
Working with horses for a career

Our History

The American Mustang and Burro Association was established in 1981 and maintains the largest, most complete, and oldest registry for wild equine in the United States.

AMBA was created in Texas by a group of mustang enthusiasts who sought to provide educational resources for mustang caretakers. 

A registry was set up for mustangs, burros, and mustang or burro crosses—including those bred in the wild, but born domestic. This registration was key in allowing equestrians to show and receive awards with their mustangs and burros.