SIX weeks on from Brexit, the British Equestrian Federation has issued an update on what it is doing to try and improve the contentious area of equine travel.

With the UK now a third country in terms of trade and movement, the industry on both sides of the Irish Sea is grappling to get to grips with the new requirements when shipping horses.

If moving horses from the UK to the EU, even if only on a temporary basis, the BEF reminded people that they now need to make sure that horses have:

  • Pre-travel residency or isolation
  • Blood tests and export health certificates
  • Customs declarations or carnets

    • The British Equestrian pre-travel checklist lists all the steps needed to take in the build-up to departure in a bid to make the process as clear as possible.

    Professional riders in the UK travelling to a competition have to have legal status in the EU, which includes an inspection certificate for vehicles carried out in the EU, transporter and handler authorisations, and certificates of professional competency issued in the EU, in addition to the UK equivalents that were in place pre-Brexit.

    Steep rise in costs

    As a result of Brexit, the BEF estimated that overall travel costs have increased by between 220% and 320%, depending on if people use a ferry or the Eurotunnel.

    The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) also reported that there have been issues for those carrying their own feed and bedding on the crossing to Europe, either on the lorry with horses or in a separate shipment.

    From a trade perspective, BETA members are reporting an uneasy transition for the import and export of goods with increased paperwork, complexity, time and cost.

    British Equestrian CEO, Iain Graham, commented: “The equine industry is a major contributor to the UK economy, over £4 billion, and we will do what’s possible to safeguard the livelihoods of those who contribute. Competitors, breeders, producers, show organisers and trade companies are all feeling the impact, and we will make our representation to government to help find a way forward. We have to accept the legislation in place at present but, working with our stakeholders, we can find ways to improve, streamline and digitalise the processes involved.”

    The BEF said it was working closely with the British Horse Council and the International Horse Sport Confederation, lobbying for friction and delays to be reduced to the lowest possible level.