Introduction of Equine Premises Numbers

A process of stud premises registration was recently launched, with information on unique Equine Premises Numbers (EPNs) communicated to the owners or managers of breeding establishments by Weatherbys in December. This system is a requirement under EU Law and is already in place in France and Ireland, as well as for British training establishments.     

From January 2021, it will be mandatory to capture these alphanumeric codes against horses when completing routine online General Stud Book (GSB) registrations. If you are the assigned keeper of an establishment where thoroughbred young stock or breeding stock are kept (paddocks, stables or a combination of both) and did not receive an EPN, these are available by request (free of charge) from Weatherbys (tel: 01933 440077 or e-mail [email protected]). 

The digital ePassport, which will be produced for the 2021 foal crop (along with a paper passport), will store location information (EPNs or unclassified addresses) that has been recorded via GSB registrations, or using the Digital Equine Movement System (DEMS). The data strip on the passport smart card will allow access to the ePassport, where information on identification details, ownership history, as well as medication and vaccinations records can be viewed. 

It is hoped that these digital solutions will improve lifetime traceability of thoroughbreds as recommended by the Horse Welfare Board, as well as making some processes more efficient.  The records will also be valuable in case of regional equine contagious disease outbreak.          

A webinar discussing digital technologies, including EPNs, was broadcast live to Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) members on Monday 14 December 2020 and is now available for all to view from the TBA’s YouTube page here. A protocol on the introduction of EPNs is available here, (please note that you will need to sign in to the Member's Area to view this document.)