Horse Passports - Equine Identification Documents

England Horse Passports Regulations require that all equines are issued an identification passport once they reach 6 months of age. It is illegal to sell, export, compete, or breed from a horse that does not have a passport. Did you know that you could be fined up to £5000 if you do not have one for your horse.

The reason for a horse passport is to provide an identification document for your horse. A horse passport is a way to identify your horse in case it is stolen. This type of documentation includes a detailed description and location of whorls and markings on the horse. You want to make sure that any additional identification measures are included on the horse passport, such as freeze marks, and microchip numbers.

A horse passport is a small booklet that contains details about your horse, such as appearance, age, type, or breed. You should also take colour photographs of your horse in the summer and in the winter. You have to make sure your horse is standing in the proper position, the same as on the horse passport. You will need to take photos from the side as well as the front and behind. Make sure you document any peculiar mark or scar with a photograph and know where the mark or scar is located on the animal.

Horse passports are not proof of ownership but are just for identification purposes. Sometimes a horse passport is needed for certain veterinary treatments and should be kept by the person who is responsible for the day to day care of the horse. You should be aware that anyone selling a horse is required by law to give the horse passport to the new owner. They are needed when a horse is to be transported. You should make sure you always keep it in a safe and secure place.

As of July 1st there have been some changes in the laws on horse passports. The passport should be available at all times for inspection except when the horse is in its stable or grazing in a field and being moved by foot. If you are asked for the passport you will have three hours to show it to the inspector.

Your foals will need to be microchipped with a unique number that is matched to your contact details as well as getting a passport. From July 1st, 2009 your horse will have to be microchipped along with getting a passport. You don’t have to get your horse microchipped if you already have a valid horse passport. Just bear in mind that if you do not have your horse microchipped, you should consider other ways of protecting your horse such as freeze-marking or hoof-branding. In addition, if you fail to keep your horse's passport details up to date, you will not be able to prove ownership of your horse, and therefore not be able to take out an equine insurance policy either.