Import from Ireland (IHRA)

If you are importing a horse from Ireland that is currently registered with the IHRA you will then need to register the horse with STAGBI (even if its original passport was issued by STAGBI)

Request application to import form from STAGBI or download on line

Return completed form to STAGBI with Passport & fees within 30 days of import

Contact IHRA office (info@irishharnessracing.com or 00353 15310365) to request application form to Export horse from IHRA.

i) REGISTRATION OF HORSES IMPORTED FROM IRELAND

Since January 2016, when the Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) took the decision to become independent of STAGBI, the IHRA have created their own studbook and database. Therefore horses imported from Ireland may have a STAGBI passport which has been over-stamped by the IHRA or they may be registered with the IHRA and have an IHRA Passport .

Please note if a horse from Ireland is purchased and holds a STAGBI passport that has NOT been over-stamped by the IHRA (i.e. not transferred onto the IHRA database & Stud book) then this may be processed as a transfer of ownership

G1     As an authorised and Approved Passport Issuing Organisation for Standardbreds in Great Britain and Ireland STAGBI will process the registration of a permanently imported horse in accordance to the regulations as specified in the Commission Regulation EC 2015/262 (the “2016 EU Regulation”); 2018 No 761 The Equine Identification (England) Regulations 2018; 2019 No 57 (W.20) The Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2019 and 2019 No 30 The Equine Animal (Identification) (Scotland) Regulations 2019.

The process involves the registration of the horse onto the STAGBI Database / Stud Book and the validation and over-stamping of the current EU compliant Equine passport.

The Regulations require that the existing identification document (passport) is registered with the appropriate registration body (STAGBI) within 30 days of the date of completion of the customs procedures and that ownership details are update within 30 days of a change of ownership.

G2     New owner should obtain an Application to Register EU Imported Horse form  from STAGBI or down load from website.  It is required that all parts of the application be completed in full.

i) Application for Registration and Over stamping of Passport. First section to be completed by owner.  In the case of joint ownership, all persons must sign and all persons must be current members of STAGBI.

ii) PART A: Requires conformation that the description (silhouette and text) recorded in the horse’s passport is a full and true description of the horse.  It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that this is done.  In the event of any discrepancy, PART B of this application should be completed by a Vet or STAGBI Authorised Person

It is the recommendation of STAGBI that the horse is scanned to ascertain that the microchip implanted in the horse matches the microchip (or transponder) number as recorded in the horse’s passport.

iii) PART B Equine Identification: Completion of Part B is ONLY required if any discrepancy has been noted whilst completing Part A i.e. that the description (silhouette and text) or microchip number recorded in the horse’s passport does not match the horse. 

Silhouette and written description to be completed, signed and stamped by a Veterinary Surgeon or STAGBI Authorised Person (Using Wetherby’s Guidelines).  NB Where possible a minimum of 5 markings should be recorded and all white markings to be completed in red.

G3     Completed forms should be returned to STAGBI and must be accompanied by an Existing Passport and appropriate fees (contact STAGBI or see website for current fees).  Hair Samples for DNA analysis also required if Part B has been completed. 

G4     It is the recommendation of STAGBI that passports are posted by ‘Signed for Delivery’ or  ‘Guaranteed Delivery’.  STAGBI accepts no responsibility for passports that may be lost in the post.

G5     It is a requirement that either the seller or buyer applies to the IHRA for an Export Certificate.  A Definitive Export Certificate must be issued by the IHRA and should be submitted directly to STAGBI.

G6     Once the registration is complete, the original Passport will be over-stamped by STAGBI and returned to the registered owner with a Certificate of Ownership by Royal Mail “Signed for Delivery” or “Guaranteed Delivery”  if requested (see additional fees. STAGBI accepts no responsibility for passports that may be lost in the post.

G7     In order to provide you with STAGBI services and comply with the law and regulations by which STAGBI is bound, we will need to collect some personal data in accordance to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Regulation (DPA 2018).

As an Owner,  your name and address will be permanently recorded in the Statutory Section of the Equine Passport, STAGBI Database and forwarded to the UK Governments Central Equine Database as required by Regulation mentioned in G1.            STAGBI may also be required to provide your personal information to comply with a specific request from Local Authorities, Police or Government. As an owner your details may also be shared with a racing organisation /other Standardbred Stud as requested.

If you do not provide the information it may delay or prevent us from meeting our obligations and may mean that unfortunately we will not be able to provide our services to you.  For further details please refer to Privacy Policy  Appendix 3 of this document, on website www.standardbred.org or you can request a copy by post.

G8     STAGBI will enter into the breeding book, animals of the same breed, line or cross that are eligible for entry under the Society’s breed criteria, without discrimination on account of their country of origin.