IRISH FEI riders travelling to competitions across Europe are set to benefit from new guidance issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) on the use of 30-day health certification for eligible competition horses.

Under standard EU animal health rules, health certificates for horses moving between Member States are generally valid for 10 days. However, Article 92 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688 provides a derogation for certain FEI-registered competition horses, allowing certificates to remain valid for up to 30 days where specific veterinary, identification and competition requirements are met.

The derogation recognises that FEI horses are already subject to extensive veterinary oversight, strict vaccination protocols and regular identity verification. As a result, eligible horses competing internationally can travel under a single certificate for a longer period, while maintaining the same high standards of animal health, traceability and welfare.

Advocate

The issue was first raised by Deirdre Seale of Seale Transport, who became aware of the provision within EU legislation while working with Irish riders travelling regularly to FEI competitions throughout Europe.

Seale Transport handles the transport and logistics for many of Ireland’s leading young riders and senior international athletes and, through that work, became increasingly aware of the financial and administrative burden placed on competitors by repeated veterinary certification requirements.

After discussing the issue with MEP Nina Carberry, she agreed to bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture and seek a review of the position.

Following that review, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has now issued formal guidance for Official Veterinarians on the use of the 30-day certification option for eligible FEI horses.

Welcoming the announcement, Deirdre Seale of Seale Transport said: “We are seeing the same high-level FEI horses and athletes travelling throughout Europe under some of the strictest veterinary, identification and welfare protocols in the world, so we are delighted to see this development.

“Seale Transport is privileged to handle the transport and logistics for many of Ireland’s leading young riders and senior international athletes. Over the years, many of these riders, owners and families have become friends, so I know first-hand the commitment, expense and sacrifice involved in competing abroad.

“I’d particularly like to thank MEP Nina Carberry for listening to the concerns raised by riders and for championing the issue with the Minister for Agriculture. We would also like to thank the Department of Agriculture, together with the Regional Veterinary Offices and Official Veterinarians, for their support and input in bringing this into operation.

“This means a great deal to Irish riders and their families. Anything that reduces unnecessary costs and administration, while maintaining the highest standards of animal health and welfare, is a positive step for Irish equestrian sport.”

The new guidance applies specifically to FEI-registered horses competing at recognised FEI events and sets out the documentary and veterinary requirements necessary to obtain an extended-validity certificate.

For Irish riders competing under FEI-run competition in Europe, the move is expected to provide greater flexibility, while reducing the cost of repeated veterinary certification for short-term competition trips.

Mullingar welcome

The move has also been welcomed by Robert Fagan of Mullingar Equestrian Centre, whose children Alanna and Ted Fagan have represented Ireland extensively at Nations Cup competitions and European Championships.

Commenting on the announcement, Fagan said: “Anyone involved in international competition knows how much organisation, paperwork and expense goes into getting horses to and from shows across Europe.

“This is a very positive and practical development for Irish riders. FEI horses already operate under extensive veterinary supervision and strict identification and vaccination requirements, so having a pathway for eligible horses to travel under a 30-day certificate, simply makes sense.

“On behalf of the riders and families who compete internationally, I would like to thank MEP Nina Carberry, the Department of Agriculture and everyone involved in reviewing and implementing the change. I would also like to acknowledge Deirdre Seale and the team at Seale Transport for bringing the issue to light and for their persistence in pursuing a solution that will make a real difference to riders travelling to Nations Cups, European Championships and FEI competitions throughout Europe.”