Why Do Horses Need Passports?
The British Government and equestrian organisations introduced equine passports to:
- Prevent horses treated with veterinary medicines from entering the food chain
- Discourage indiscriminate breeding
- Improve disease monitoring through the National Equine Database (NED)
The NED stores key details about every passported horse in the UK, helping with research, breeding programmes, and outbreak control. All horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys must have an equine passport, even if they never leave the field.
Who Can Apply Through the BHS?
The British Horse Society (BHS) issues equine passports for animals whose breeding is unknown or not eligible for registration with a breed society. Since 1 July 2009, all new passport applications must include a microchip number. Without it, the application will be rejected.
How to Apply for a BHS Equine Passport
Step 1: Request an Application Form
Contact the BHS passport office:
- Phone: 01926 707839
- Email: passports@bhs.org.uk
When emailing, include your full postal address and the number of applications you need.
Step 2: Complete the Application
You have two options:
- Ask your vet to complete the form, ensuring they sign and stamp it.
- Submit a vet-stamped vaccination certificate instead of the standard silhouette drawing.
Important: Do not use a pre-purchase examination form or vetting certificate for identification — it will be rejected.
Step 3: Choose a Name
Each word in your horse’s name is checked against the Central Prefix Register. If a word is registered, you cannot use it. For example, if you’d like to name your horse Prime Happy Lad, the words Prime, Happy, and Lad will each be checked.
Common Mistakes That Will Get Your Application Rejected
- Missing microchip information
- Incomplete applications (e.g. missing height, colour, or date of birth)
- Listing a breed: If your horse is a specific breed, you must apply through the relevant breed society
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Passports
When might I need to show a horse passport?
You must produce your horse’s passport within three hours if requested by enforcement authorities. It may be needed:
- When buying or selling a horse
- When travelling within or outside Great Britain
- For competitions, breeding, or moving the horse to new premises
- At slaughterhouses
Who enforces passport laws?
Penalties include fines up to £5,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
What if my horse loses their passport?
Contact the BHS to request a duplicate. The new passport will be marked as a duplicate and the horse will be excluded from the food chain. If the original is found later, you must return it to the BHS.
What should I do when my horse passes away?
Return the passport to the BHS with a covering letter. You may ask for it back for sentimental reasons. The record will be updated and the passport stamped ‘deceased’.
How much does a BHS passport cost?
- £25 per standard application
- £10 for applications from equine charities
- £16 each for bulk applications (10+)
Can I get a BHS passport if I don’t like my horse’s current passport?
No. If your horse already has a valid EU passport, you cannot apply for another.
I’ve bought a horse with a BHS passport — what next?
You must update the ownership details within 30 days.
What if the previous owner isn’t listed on the passport?
Contact the BHS. They may be able to assist you in locating the registered owner.
My horse has no microchip or passport. What now?
Ask your vet to insert a microchip, then apply for a passport. If your horse is a recognised breed, apply through the relevant breed society. If not, apply through the BHS.
A horse I’m buying doesn’t have a passport — Is that legal?
No. It is an offence to sell a horse without a passport. Do not proceed with the sale unless the passport is provided.
How do I register a horse with a non-UK EU passport?
First, contact the original passport issuer. If that fails, try the relevant UK breed society or the National Equine Database for guidance.
