AQPS
The French Chaser, French: Autre Que Pur-Sang or AQPS, is a French breed of racehorse bred specifically for its jumping ability in steeplechase and cross-country racing. It originates from warmblood horses bred principally for military use in the nineteenth century. It was officially recognised as a breed in 2005, and a stud-book was started in that year or in 2006. Only horses with at least 87.5%, but less than 100%, Thoroughbred blood are eligible for registration. Out-crossing with Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab and Selle Français stock is permitted.
| Life Span | 25-30 years |
| Weight | 380-550 kg |
What to Know Before Buying an AQPS
Finding a responsible AQPS breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells horses commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the AQPS. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding AQPSs appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for an AQPS breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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