Information included in a horse passport
What is a horse passport?
A horse passport is a small booklet that has important details about your horse, including:
- How your horse looks (shown in a picture called a "silhouette").
- Micro-chip details.
- Your horse's age.
- Your horse's breed or type.
- All the medicines your horse has taken (if it can be used for human food).
Why would I need one?
- You must have an up-to-date horse passport to identify your horse.
- If you don't have one, you could be fined up to £5000.
- To make sure horses with certain medicines don't enter the human food chain.
- To prevent the sale of stolen horses by proving their identity.
What happens if I don't have a horse passport?
- You cannot move your horse
- Vets might not be able to give your horse certain medicines
- You cannot have your horse slaughtered for human food
Getting your horse passport checked
- You might need to show your horse’s passport to a trading standards inspector
- Or Animal Health Officer.
- This could happen at a horse market or during a roadside check.
- If you are applying for a passport and do not have it yet, tell the inspector.
- They can check your application with the passport-issuing organisation.
Keeping your horse passport up to date
- If you or your vet gives your horse a medicine called bute:
- The passport must be marked as “not intended for the food chain.”
Important things to be aware of
- Do not buy or sell a horse without a horse passport.
- If someone sells you a horse without a passport:
- Contact your local Trading Standards office.
- They may take legal action against the seller.
Contacts
Defra Helpline
- Website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-defra.
- Phone: 03459 335577.
- Email: horse.passports@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Information
If you are having difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open:
- Monday to Friday
- From 10.00am to 4.30pm
- Closed on Bank Holidays
