Horses
- Published on: 15 December 2020
- Last updated on: 13 April 2026
- All you need to know about Equine Identification and Traceability
- Equine Traceability Improvement Scheme 2025
- Application form and information note for applying for an EPRN
- Equine Census Information
- Equine Registration and Passports
- Link to Equine UELN/Chip Checker
- Plastic Cards, Smart Cards and E-Passport
- PIO Application Form (non studbook)
- Equine health Policy
- Trader Notice – Identification on Equines prior to application for Export Certification
- Wall Report on Equine Traceability
Irish horses are famous around the world for their pedigree and quality.
You can help to continue this tradition by using the support services that are available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Appointments to the Board of the Irish National Stud Company Ltd
All you need to know about Equine Identification and Traceability
Equine Traceability Improvement Scheme 2025
Application form and information note for applying for an EPRN
Equine Census Information
Equine Registration and Passports
Link to Equine UELN/Chip Checker
Plastic Cards, Smart Cards and E-Passport
PIO Application Form (non studbook)
Contact
AIM Division - Equine ID
- Address:
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Block 2, Floor 2, Admin Building, Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 X3PH
- Email:
- Telephone:
-
+353 (0) 1 505 8881
Equine health Policy
Information on Equine health Policy may be found here
Trader Notice – Identification on Equines prior to application for Export Certification
Wall Report on Equine Traceability
Watch June Fanning, CVO, present on the rapid progress being made in relation to Equine Traceability in Ireland
At the National Equine Forum, June Fanning, Chief Veterinary Officer of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, spoke about how the RTE investigates documentary showing horrific treatment of horses became a catalyst for transformation — not just within the Department, but across the entire sector.
Working closely with industry, DAFM have since:
- Strengthened accountability by linking every horse to an identified owner and location
- Introduced proactive, risk-based inspections
- Embedded compliance at key “life events” — registration, movement, export
- Launched a new central equine database to improve traceability
- Placed greater focus on communication, education, and shared responsibility
What has made the difference? Partnership.
This progress has only been possible because of the constructive engagement from across the equine sector — breeders, trainers, owners, and organisations who recognise that protecting horse welfare protects the future of the industry itself.
In June’s presentation she highlights the important lessons we have learned:
- Crisis creates opportunity — but only if you act quickly
- Behaviour changes at key pressure points
- Lasting reform is built on relationships, not just regulation
We are not finished. There is more to do. But today, Ireland is building a more integrated, transparent, and accountable equine system — one designed for a modern, fast-moving, international sector.
Progress rarely begins in comfort.
It begins with the courage to respond.
