New equine 'Single Lifetime Identification Document': What all horse owners in Northern Ireland must know

Countryside Alliance Ireland has welcomed the recent clarifications from Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) on the new obligations for equine identification and registration. These changes impact all owners of horses, ponies, donkeys, zebras and cross-breeds across Northern Ireland and it is vital that the rural and equine communities stay fully aware.

What’s changing?

From 1 February 2026, any equine establishment in Northern Ireland will require an Equine Establishment Number (EEN) when applying for a horse passport (officially a “Single Lifetime Identification Document” or SLID) or when updating one. In practical terms, this means:

• If you own or operate a holding where equines are kept, you must register the establishment with DAERA and obtain your EEN.
• If you keep equines at a livery yard or another establishment you don’t operate, you should ensure the operator has registered and you have that establishment’s EEN.
• When applying for a new passport, a duplicate or replacement, changing ownership, or moving an equine, the EEN is now mandatory.

Why this matters for the countryside and equine sector

The Countryside Alliance Ireland recognises that these regulations play an important role in traceability, health and welfare, theft and fraud prevention - all of which are key issues for riders, owners, breeders and the wider rural economy. DAERA highlights that registering equine establishments and maintaining accurate passports and database entries helps improve:

• Equine traceability
• Disease control and welfare protection
• Prevention of theft or fraudulent sale of horses

In short, stronger identification safeguards the value of equines, the integrity of the industry and the welfare of the animals.

What every owner should do now

• If you haven’t already, register your establishment (or verify your livery yard’s registration) and request your EEN.
• Check your equines have a valid lifetime identification passport issued by an authorised Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO), and that the details are correct.
• Confirm the equine is entered into the UK Central Equine Database (UK-CED) by using the microchip number or Universal Equine Life Number (UELN) listed in the passport.
• Ensure you update the UK-CED and notify your PIO promptly of any changes, such as ownership, food-chain status, lost passports, or damaged documents. Failure to do so may be a criminal offence, with fines up to £5,000. If a passport is lost or stolen, apply for a replacement; if it’s damaged, apply for a duplicate. Be aware that these may exclude the animal from the food chain.

Countryside Alliance Ireland urges all those involved in equines, from pedigree breeders and competition riders to hobby horse-owners and livery yard operators, to take immediate steps to comply with these changes. Early registration and correct documentation will help avoid complications when moving, buying, selling or exporting horses.

While the new rules may involve an administrative step, they bolster the professionalism of the equine industry and ultimately protect both animals and owners. The countryside is strengthened when our leisure and sporting industries operate with integrity, clarity and care for animal welfare.

Should any members require clarification or support navigating the new registration and documentation requirements, the Countryside Alliance Ireland continues to stand ready to assist and will liaise with relevant authorities to ensure our community’s interests are represented.

Further details can be found here.