Horse Passports

With very few exceptions horses at or on their way to Appleby must be accompanied by their passport. New rules introduced from 1 July 2009 mean that all horses born after that date must have a passport and microchip by 31 December in the year in which they are born, or 6 months after birth, whichever is the latest.

All horses not previously issued with a passport prior to 1 July 2009, must now have a microchip and passport. Foals must have a passport and microchip by 31 December in the year in which they are born or 6 months after birth, whichever is the latest. Un-weaned foals at foot of their dam do not require a passport or microchip but if they are being offered for sale they must be accompanied with a valid passport.

These rules apply to horses travelling from Northern Ireland, Eire or any other EU country.

If you sell a horse you must give the passport to the new owner at the time of sale. Any horse found straying at the Fair, or taken into possession by the police, may be difficult to return to its owner if they are unable to produce a passport or other document that may help to establish rightful possession.

For information or advice contact Westmorland & Furness Council’s Animal Movement Section, call 01539 713594, or email: animalmovements@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

Please remember it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. Anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to make sure that its needs are met. This means that a person has to look after an animal’s welfare as well as ensure that it does not suffer. Animals can only be transported if they are fit for their intended journey, and the vehicle used is constructed in a way that will not cause injury or suffering.

Anyone intending to export horses from Great Britain following the Fair should familiarise themselves with the content of these guidance notes and, if further advice is needed, contact the appropriate office depending whether the departure port is in England, Scotland, or Wales, using the numbers listed in the guidance notes.

Application forms can be dowloaded via the following links:

Application for veterinary examination etc:

Defra guidance notes for export: