Ireland: Registrations


How to register a horse in Ireland


Ireland: Registrations

How to register a horse in Ireland

Horse Passport Legislation 

The current legislation relating to horse passports means it is a legal requirement for equidae in Ireland to be issued with a passport by an authorised Passport Issuing Organisation. 


REGISTRATIONS REMINDER

Please click here to view an important reminder about registrations.


IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please note that the Legislative requirements on Equine Identification (passports etc) are actively enforced by the official authorities (DAFM)
 

Please click here to view  the legal requirements for Horse Owners.

Please click here to view the guide to buying and selling


 

Stallion registration

Initial Stallion Registration

An Initial Stallion Registration must be completed before covering certificates can be issued. 
 
Discounted fees apply for registrations completed online at www.weatherbysgsb.ie.
 
Alternatively, please download, complete and return the form below, together with the stallion’s passport and the indicated fee.

 - Initial Stallion Registration Form (PDF)

Annual Stallion Registration

Apply for covering certificates online at www.weatherbysgsb.ie. Alternatively, an Annual Stallion Registration form will need to be completed and returned with the relevant fee.  
 
For all stallion queries please email Annette Doyle or call +353 (0)45 879979.

Internet Covering Service

Coverings may be recorded online and lodged electronically by using the Internet Covering Service. If this service is chosen, login details will be provided once the form has been returned with the relevant fee.

Change of Ownership

To change the ownership of a registered stallion please visit www.weatherbysgsb.ie.  Alternatively, please download, complete and return the form below with the stallion’s passport and the indicated fee.

Stallion Change of Ownership (PDF)

Useful Links

Internet Covering Service
Stallion Book Online
GSB Online

 

Broodmare Registration

A broodmare registration must be completed for any mare which will produce a foal in Great Britain or Ireland to be registered in the General Stud Book or Non-Thoroughbred Register.
 
Discounted fees apply for registrations completed online at www.weatherbysgsb.ie.

Alternatively, please download, complete and return the form below with the mare’s passport and the indicated fee.

Broodmare Registration Form (PDF) 

Broodmare Change of Ownership

If you acquire a mare that has already been registered as a broodmare, and wish to continue breeding to Weatherbys registered stallions, please visit www.weatherbysgsb.ie to register ownership.

Alternatively, please download, complete and return the form below with the mare’s passport and the indicated fee.

Broodmare Change of Ownership Form (PDF)

If you have acquired a registered broodmare but do not wish to continue breeding, or do not intend to register progeny with Weatherbys you can also register ownership online or download an application form from the Change of Ownership section.

Notification of Dead, Sold or Retired Broodmares

It is an EU requirement that you advise Weatherbys when your broodmare dies, within 30 days, and return the passport.  The passport will be recorded as "Void".

Broodmare notifications can also be made via email Annette Doyle. 

 

30-Day Foal Notification

The BHA Equine Anti-Doping Rules state that all horses born in Great Britain from 2018 onwards must be notified with the General Stud Book within 30 days of birth. If the horse is not notified within this timeframe then it will not be eligible to race in Great Britain.

This development will enable the BHA to trace the welfare and whereabouts of foals before they arrive in a registered training yard and the information gained will improve transparency and traceability around the care that breeders and owners provide to thoroughbreds at all stages of their lives.

Notification of birth will be managed by breeders and owners through our General Stud Book Online system, which will be operational from 22nd January 2018. This can be completed at the same time as foal registration (which is a separate process) and will be on the same platform, cutting out any need for double entry. 

We have created an instructional video which can be viewed below.

There will be no additional fees for notification of birth if carried out within the 30 day window, though an ascending fee structure will be in place for any notifications made after the 30 days have elapsed.

Foal Registration

Before you can register a foal, ensure your mare is correctly registered as a broodmare. Please see the Mares section above for more information. 

A Weatherbys covering certificate will also need to be obtained from the stallion owner, unless it is lodged electronically.

Once you have received your Foal registration form (usually in March or April each year) from us, you must complete and return it to Weatherbys with the indicated fee and covering certificate. 

Registrations can also be made on the General Stud Book Online Registration System.

DNA Sampling and Microchipping

Once born, a foal should be DNA sampled and microchipped within four weeks. Sampling kits and microchips are sent directly to vets each year. Please contact your vet to make an appointment.
 

Registration Deadlines

The initial foal registration deadline is 31st July within the year of birth. Any applications received after this date will be charged at a higher rate. Please note the HRI Statutory Foal Levy must be paid with the foal registration fee and registration documents in accordance with regulation.

For full details on Foal Registration fees please click here.

For a complete list of key dates click here.

Late Returns

If you would like to register a horse outside its year of foaling, please email Weatherbys Ireland or call +353 (0)45 879979.

Additional information is provided in these guides:
Veterinary Instructions (PDF)
DNA Sampling Guidelines (PDF)
Identification of Horses Booklet (PDF)