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SPORTS PONY STUDBOOK SOCIETY A DEFRA approved Passport Issuing Organisation Studbook Office: The Last House, Keysoe Row West, Keysoe, Bedfordshire MK44 2JJ Tel: 07703 566066 Email: |
| Note that the SPSS Office relocated in April 2014 and the contact details at the top of the page should now be used for all contact with the SPSS | ||||
| Home | Information & FAQ | Membership | Passports | Registration |
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Successful British-bred SPSS passported/graded ponies From top left: SPSS ELITE Graded Mare Falaza (Libro x Embla George) & Beth Vernon 2011 Pony European Championships Jumping Team and Individual Gold British-bred by Jane Fowles. Photo by Hannah Owen SPSS Passported Gelding Cruz (Caesar 171 x Don Larino) & Phoebe Peters 2014 BD Novice Open National Champions British-bred by Rachel Silk. Photo by Kevin Sparrow SPSS ELITE Graded & Passported Stallion LE Chiffre (Caesar 171 x Donnerwetter) & Lara Kuropatwa 2014 Pony European Championships Dressage Team Reserve. British-bred by Bev & Sam Brown SPSS Passported Gelding Bathleyhills Sea Wurzel (Caesar 171 x Gigman Jacana) & Grace Johnston 2015 BD Novice Restricted Music Freestyle Champions British-bred by Bathleyhills Stud. Photo by Kevin Sparrow SPSS ELITE Graded Mare Catherston Nutsafe (Catherston Nightsafe x Dutch Courage) & Chelsea Pearce 2014 Pony European Championships Eventing Team Silver medallists. British-bred by Lizzie Murray |
General Questions |
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A "sports pony" is an equine athlete capable of (or bred with the aspiration of) competing at FEI level in one of the FEI disciplines. Selectively bred for their paces, performance talent, soundness and temperament, rather than for breed type or show ring potential, and tested in top level competition, the sports pony is more like a small warmblood competition horse than a cross-bred pony although many In fact, many of these sports ponies can trace a significant number of their ancestors to one or other of our native pony or riding pony studbooks. and their proven record of wins at top level is increasingly making them the first choice for keen children, parents, trainers and sponsors.
The essential characteristics and traits of the British Sports Pony are good conformation, movement and temperament required in order to be an athletic and sound sports pony.
As the nine indigenous Mountain and Moorland pony breeds of Great Britain, which are amongst the national treasures of these islands, the British Riding Pony, imported sports ponies bred in mainland Europe as well as small Throughbreds, Arabs and warmbloods, plus hybrid crosses of all of these and even competition ponies with no pedigree, are also very capable performance ponies the SPSS will assess them via youngstock evaluation, pedigree or performance record and overstamp where appropriate into one of the SPSS Registration Sections thus then allowing mares and stallions to be brought forward for grading/licencing when mature enough. |
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Why do we need a Sports Pony Studbook?
In the late 1990s, as interest in sports ponies grew, not only schoolmaster geldings but also graded stallions, approved mares and younger ungraded colts and fillies were imported to the UK and a number of enthusiasts began to breed from them. However, before the SPSS formed in 2000, it was impossible to register the vast majority of these ponies or their progeny in the main section of any stud book as no existing organisation graded or approved the ponies as breeding stock in the European manner. The formation of the Sports Pony Studbook Society (SPSS) in 2000 solved this problem and, as the only specialised sports pony studbook recognised by DEFRA, all SPSS registration documents also conform to the EU requirements for universal equine passports. You can read more about the first 10 years of the SPSS in an article written by Founder Director and SPSS Chair from 2000-2014, Celia Clarke, for the Special 10th Anniversary Souvenir Booklet and Stallion Guide - click here to read "Ten Years to the Top". |
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What are the Breeding Aim and Objectives of the SPSS? The Memorandum and Articles of Association and the SPSS Rule Book are the formal documentation that set out the Society's objectives and high level programme including the eligibility and selection criteria
The SPSS's breeding programme aim is to encourage, support and improve the breeding of British competition ponies capable of competing successfully in international/FEI competitions across a wide range of disciplines through the creation and then improvement of the British Sports Pony .
Since it's formation, the SPSS has focussed on creating, then improving the British Sports Pony in order to fulfil it's breeding objectives of encouraging the development, well-being and prestige of sports ponies in Great Britain. The SPSS encourages the use of graded stallions and mares as breeding animals by promoting SPSS graded stallions; offering stallion & mare gradings across the country; making the Registration Section dependant on the graded status of the sire/dam and indicating this by using a different colour paper for Section V of the passport and discounting the price of an SPSS passport when one or both parents are SPSS graded. All SPSS graded stallions have to have had a veterinary assessment for hereditary disease or defects and a DNA profile.
In addition, the SPSS facilitates the evaluation of youngstock (foals to 3 year olds) either through it’s own evaluation events or by supporting other organisations, such as the British Breeding Futurity series and the Elite Foals Tour, which also offer youngstock evaluations as these provide detailed and independent feedback to breeders thus allowing them to make improved breeding decisions in the future. |
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As the breeding programme aim is to facilitate the breeding of successful competition ponies, the success of the programme is assessed by review of competition results (where possible) for SPSS passported ponies and horses, British-bred ponies and horses with an SPSS graded sire and/or dam and SPSS graded mares and stallions.
For example, in 2019, the only British Gold medal at the combined FEI Jumping, Dressage & Para-dressage European Championships was won by Georgia Wilson riding SPSS passported Midnight (Hilkens Black Delight x Cassander). Midnight’s sire and dam were both SPSS graded and as well as the Para Freestyle Gold, she and Georgia also won Team & Individual Silver, making them the most successful British pair at the event. |
SPSS passported Midnight & Georgia Wilson Team Silver; Individual Silver and Kur GOLD at the 2019 Longines FEI Para Dressage European Championship Photo by kind permission of Kevin Sparrow |
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How can I find out how SPSS is structured and how it is governed?
The SPSS was formed in 2000 as "The Sports Pony Studbook Society", a Private Limited Company and is registered at Companies House (Cardiff) with Registration No. 4106148. The Registered Office is The Stables, Higher Farm, Limington, Yeovil Somerset. BA22 8EG. The routine business of the studbook is done from the Studbook Office (see top of page for the address and contact details)
The SPSS currently has 4 directors, Jacke Mathieson (Chairman), Jacqueline Vincent (Treasurer and Company Secretary), Lucy Sheldrake (Studbook Manager) & Eva Broomer and they form the Governing Committee and are responsible for the day to day operation of the Studbook, supported by the Studbook Secretary, Phil Cole, and the other members of the SPSS Committee (see below).
The operation of SPSS is governed by the formal Memorandum and Articles of Association and by the Rule Book and these may only be amended by resolutions at a General Meeting of SPSS Members. The minutes of past AGMs (including associated documents) may be viewed/downloaded:
2014 here; 2015 here; 2016 here; 2017 here; 2018 here; 2019 & 2021 will be available soon (there was no AGM in 202 due to COVID) |
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If you would like to passport, register or grade your pony
with the SPSS then there is more information on the specific pages of
this site or you can call the Studbook Office and talk to our Studbook
Secretary, Phil Cole, on 07703 566066
As the Studbook Secretary, Phil is responsible for the routine administration of the Studbook including issuing and updating passports, registering ponies with passports from other Studbooks, maintaining the studbook database and as the initial point of contact for questions and enquiries. Phil also acts as webmaster and administrator of the Facebook page.
For queries, news or other information concerning the Web Site please
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The SPSS Committee consists of: |
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Jacke Mathieson (Chairman) Jacqueline Vincent (Treasurer and Company Secretary); Lucy Sheldrake (Studbook Manager) Phil Cole (Studbook Secretary) Kerstin Coward Abigail Owens Penny Walster Kate Shone Eva Broomer Anna Jerbo |
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Contact details for the Committee are at the start of our rules - click here to view/download. |
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In addition, Phil Cole is the Studbook Secretary and (from 1st April 2014) is responsible for the routine administration of the Studbook including issuing and updating passports, registering ponies with passports form other Studbooks, maintaining the studbook database and as the initial point of contact for questions and enquiries. Phil can be contacted on 07703 566066. |
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How do I get a copy of the SPSS Rule Book?
The current (2020) SPSS Rule Book can be downloaded by clicking here or can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the SPSS Studbook Office (address at top of page) - please make sure you include a note to say what you want!! |
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How do I make a complaint or appeal against a decision?
Customer Service is important to the SPSS and we endeavour to provide a high quality service at all times. If you have an issue, please contact us to discuss it as soon as possible and we will try to resolve it informally. However, if you would like to register a formal complaint or if you want to appeal against a decision we have made, please follow the procedure below and we will then investigate formally.
Informal Contact Details: To contact us informally,
Formal Process: Please make your complaint or appeal in writing to the SPSS Studbook Office either by post or email clearly indicating that it is a complaint or appeal and providing as much detail about the issue as possible. We will then:
Formal Contact Details: To contact us formally with a complaint or appeal, please ; or write to us at: SPSS Studbook Office, The Last House, Keysoe Row West, Keysoe, Bedfordshire MK44 2JJ.
Click here to download the above information as a PDF file. |
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The SPSS, along with most other studbooks, uses social media to promote the Society and associated ponies with participation by both SPSS members and non-members being encouraged. |
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However, it is important that all social media is used responsibly, accurately and legally. The SPSS will monitor content, both on official SPSS social media pages and elsewhere on the internet, to identify any postings that refer to the SPSS and it’s officials. If content is found that is derogatory, defamatory and/or could damage the reputation of the SPSS and/or it’s officials then appropriate action will be taken both to have the content removed and seek redress from the originator and any others who have participated. In addition, overt promotion and/or advertising is not permitted on the SPSS social media pages by anyone other than the SPSS page administrator(s). |
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Principles The following principles apply to your online participation in the context of being a member of the SPSS and set out the standard of behaviour expected in representing the society. We encourage positive representation and promotion of the Society and therefore welcome members building upon this through use of social networking websites. You are representing our society and we trust you to act accordingly. Therefore:
Always remember that participation online results in your comments being permanently available and open to being republished in other media. Social media encourages conversations and collaborations as its core, however never give out personal details like home address and phone numbers unless totally satisfied who the recipient is. Also be aware that you may attract media interest in you as an individual, so proceed with care whether you are participating in an organisational or a personal capacity. As well as protecting your own privacy, it's important to respect the privacy of others, so don't copy and share things which aren't yours, without getting prior permission and make sure that your postings comply with the requirements of copyright legislation.
Abide by the rules of the social media site(s) you use. Stay within legal frameworks and be aware that libel, defamation, copyright & data protection laws apply. False statements, unsubstantiated claims, offensive, defamatory and/or threatening comments could lead to suspension or removal from SPSS membership and/or to other appropriate action (including legal).
You can download the Policy here Derived primarily from “Social Media Planning Guide for Voluntary Sector Organisations” by Simon Duncan, Regional ICT Champion – Yorkshire and The Humber (used under Creative Commons License: Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alik; Wales) with additional information from the CMI’s “Using Social Media Effectively - Checklist 267” |
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The SPSS is a registered organisation under the Data Protection Act 1988 and acts in accordance with the Data Protection Principles contained in the Act. In addition, the SPSS will only release data of any sort (including but not limited to membership and ownership information, pedigree information, copies of applications etc) under the following circumstances:
You can download the Policy here |
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Article 3 of the formal Memorandum and Articles of Association states that there will be no discrimination between members. The SPSS does not collect any data on race, colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability or religion. The SPSS operates on the basis of non-discrimination and equal opportunities for all members with none receiving favourable (or less favourable) treatment on the basis of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or religion. Full/Life Membership is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Family membership is open to any group of two or more persons, one of whom must be 18 years old or above, at the same address.
SPSS members are able to exercise free choice in their selection of stallions and broodmares with the resultant progeny entered into the appropriate section of the SPSS Registration Book when either an SPSS passport is produced or, as SPSS breeders are free to choose to passport with another PIO, when SPSS registration (ie "overstamping") is applied for. See the SPSS Rule Book for information about the different registration sections. |
Grading Questions |
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Is my pony eligible for Grading? Stallions: We accept entries to our grading for any breed of stallion provided they:
With all sizes of pony/horse, as well as assessing the conformation, paces and temperament, the judges also look at suitability as a sire of sports ponies and, along with a pass mark of 75%, this does make the assessment quite stringent and not all candidate stallions are accepted but each one is judged on his own merits. If he has 3 full generations, is accepted at our grading and complies with the post grading procedures (see rule 4.2 in the Rule Book), then he can stand as a SPSS stallion from the following year and we would also issue passports to any progeny born in in the following year too (ie if accepted in 2017, we would issue passports to progeny born in 2018).
Click here to download an information sheet about SPSS Stallion Grading
Mares: We accept entries to our grading from any breed of mare including those of unknown breeding. Mares must also be at lest 2.5 years old and no more (and don't mature above) 158cm.
Mares are also have their confirmation, paces and temperament assessed, along with their suitability as a dam of sports ponies. The mark achieved by a mare and the completeness of her pedigree determine the studbook she will be placed in as follows:
If at any point you have any questions about eligibility or anything else, please call or email the Studbook Office (details at top of page) |
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How do I enter my pony for Grading?
Stage 1: Check that your pony is no more than 158cms in height. Note that stallions close to the height limit will have to produce proof of height; at the point of entry this can be a letter from a vet or JMB certificate. Successful stallions on or near the height limit will need a JMB height certificate before permanent approval is granted.
Stage 2: If not already a member, join the SPSS - click here for membership fees and application form. Note that your membership application can be sent to the Studbook Office at the same time as your pony's registration and grading forms.
Stage 3: If you pony is not already registered with the SPSS - ie does not have an SPSS passport or their non-SPSS passport overstamped by the SPSS - then complete the relevant Registration Form - fees and forms are available on the Registrations page (click here) or if you're foing ast the same time as entering for a grading, you can just send the grading entry form (remember to pay the higher fee though as this includes the one-off registration fee).
Stage 4: If entries have opened for grading days then you can download entry forms and enter at the same time as returning your pony's registration form. If the date has not yet been announced, entries have not yet opened or entries have closed but you have registered your pony and expressed an interesting in grading him/her, then the Studbook Office will notify you as soon as the next Grading dates are announced. Details of the next Gradings are here
If at any point you have any questions on any part of the process, please call or email the Studbook Office (details at top of page) |
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The ponies will be individually inspected for conformation, in hand and loose movement including loose jumping down a grid (normally 2 fences). Three year old and older ponies can also be shown under saddle (see below for more detail), either just on the flat or to jump as well. Mares in foal or with a foal at foot are not excepted to loose jump or be ridden – but can be if the owner wants. Mares are not disadvantaged by not doing these stages. For mares with a foal at foot, if the owner is concerned that letting the mare loose may risk the safety of the foal, then that stage too may be omitted – however, it does limit the mare’s opportunity to show her paces.
Competition and progeny results are taken into account as well as performance on the day – details should be submitted with the Grading Entry Form. Note that young ponies are not disadvantaged by not having a competition or progeny record. |
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Penny Walster presents 2010 Mare Champion, Bathleyhills Seaspray to the Judges Photo by kind permission of Julia Shearwood Photography |
Firstly, all the ponies will be shown individually, 'on the triangle', so that they can be assessed for conformation and movement. Enter the arena at walk and go over to the judges. Stand your pony up in front of them – there may well be two parallel poles to indicate the spot. It is generally advised to stand in front of your pony so that the judges get a clear view and it is best if the pony stands with the front leg nearest to the judge slightly forward and the back leg nearest to the judge slightly back. When the judges move to look at the other side of your pony then push him/her back a step so that he/she stands nicely again.
Once the judges have done the visual assessment, they will then direct you how to proceed. This can be to walk directly away from them, then to turn and come straight back or it may be to walk around a marked out "triangle" (generally on the right rein so the handler is not between the judges and the pony). Sometimes the judges will ask for both to be done. |
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After the walk has been shown, the judges will normally then ask for a trot around the triangle. The key points are to go straight away from the judges and straight again on the way back; extend the trot when side on to the judges. Note that being straight is more important than following the exact triangle – the poles or corner markers are for guidance only.
Once you have completed a circuit in trot, then at the SPSS Gradings, the next stage is normally (see Note below) to show the pony loose. This enables the judges to see their loose movement and to finalise the marks for temperament. |
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Pictured above (by kind permission of Julia Shearwood) is SPSS graded stallion Sunwillow Jubilee at his grading in 2011.
Mare owners can then decide whether or not to show their pony loose down a pre-built jumping lane (mares in foal and/or with a foal at foot are not expected to loose jump) - note that this is compulsory for stallions. The fences do not have to be high for youngsters and can be built up over 3 or 4 attempts as the judges look at the technique and attitude at this point.
Pictured on the left (by kind permission of Julia Shearwood) is 2014 Champion Stallion, the WPCS Sec D, Taraco Fabrizio. |
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Once all the ponies have been assessed in-hand and loose, then any ponies being ridden return individually to the arena. Ridden ponies are expected to show walk, trot and canter and can jump if they wished. For the flatwork section, the judges want to see the working paces as well as extended trot and canter. Showing walk on a long rein with the pony fully stretched is also considered very important as this shows the correct attitude and suppleness of the pony.
In general:
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4 year old SPSS passported & graded DeLaRoche Brillanz, Reserve Champion at the 2014 grading Photo by kind permission of Julia Shearwood Photography |
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NOTE Mare owners may choose whether or not to present their mare under saddle; mares in foal and/or with a foal at foot are not expected to loose jump or be ridden. No mare will be disadvantaged through not being loose jumped. For mares with a foal at foot, if the owner is concerned that letting the mare loose may risk the safety of the foal, then that stage too may be omitted – however, it does limit the mare’s opportunity to show her paces.
All entrants are seen in-hand/loose before any are seen ridden |
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Ponies should be presented plaited (a running plait or looped long plaits are acceptable for pure-bred Mountain & Moorland ponies). Ponies should be shown in hand in a snaffle bridle with reins or leather lead rein. Ponies who are presented under saddle my may wear their normal bridle and bit for the ridden phase. No boots or bandages are to be worn other than for the loose and ridden jumping (if wished).
Handlers should wear shoes/trainers and clothes (preferably white or light coloured) that are comfortable for running! A Hat (to current safety standards) and riding boots must be worn by all those riding and hats are advised for those showing in-hand.
Note that at SPSS shows and gradings no-one will be disadvantaged by their outfit so please don't use us as an excuse to go shopping (unless you want to that is!)!!
Pictured on the left (by kind permission of Julia Shearwood) is pure-bred Belgium Haflinger mare Berline_K who graded in 2014 showing neat looped plaits. |
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Get your pony used to standing up correctly for the judge and walking and trotting in-hand around a large 'triangle' of white poles as this will make the showing on the triangle part far less stressful. There may also be plant pots for decoration or the triangle may just be marked with a plant pot at each corner.
Teach your pony to turn by raising your outside hand towards its face when trotting on the triangle. This will make your turns tighter and tidier.
When showing on the triangle, note that the poles and/or plant pots are there for guidance only and it is most important to walk/trot (as directed) straight away from the judges and to take the trot forward when the judges have a side view. |
2014 Mare Grading Champion, Ella Photo by kind permission of Julia Shearwood Photography |
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Practise loose schooling/jumping your pony a few times so that it has the basic idea of what it's meant to be doing. In the past, ponies have charged at the judges and then wouldn't be caught again easily. It is not fair to expect a youngster to know what to do with a jumping lane, first time, when the eyes of the world are upon it!
Make sure you can catch your pony when loose schooling it - perhaps have a bucket handy or some treats in your pocket on the day. |
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Where can I
find the Grading Entry Forms?
The
grading entry forms and other information about the Grading dates and
location are available on the Gradings page
- click here to jump to that page. |
Youngstock Evaluation Questions |
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How do I enter my youngster for an SPSS Youngstock Evaluation?
Stage 1: Entries are open to youngsters bred to be competition ponies or small competition horses (not expected to mature above 158cm unless SPSS passported when there is no height limit) regardless of breed, passport or colour as follows:
Entries expected to mature on or below 148cm will be assessed as potential competition ponies. Entries expected to mature above 148cm will be assess as potential small competition horses
Stage 2: Download the Youngstock Evaluation Schedule & Entry Form (if it has been released) - check this page for availability and a link.
Stage 3: Decide which evaluation you wish to attend, complete and return the entry form. Note that the closing date for entries may be later for entries scanned and sent by email with payment by bank transfer than those sent by post with a cheque. Please make sure that a photocopy/scan of key pages of the pony/horse’s passport (or those pages in the dam’s passport and the covering certificate in the case of foals that do not have their own passport) are be enclosed with the entry form unless the pony/horse is already registered with the SPSS. The pages copied must include the pony/horse’s name, UELN, date of birth, pedigree & ID Diagram.
Note that you don't have to be a member of the SPSS nor does your pony have to have a SPSS passport or have been registered (overstamped) with the SPSS in order to take part.
If at any point you have any questions on any part of the process, please call or email the Studbook Office (details at top of page) |
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After the walk has been shown, the judges will normally then ask for a trot around the triangle. The key points are to go straight away from the judges and straight again on the way back; extend the trot when side on to the judges. Note that being straight is more important than following the exact triangle – the poles or corner markers are for guidance only.
Photos on left, above and below by kind permission of Julia Shearwood Photography
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Once you have completed a circuit in trot, then the next stage is to show the pony loose. This enables the judges to see their loose movement and to finalise the marks for temperament. Note that if a foal is accompanied by it's dam then the dam will normally be led. If you feel your foal would show off better with his/her dam loose then please ask the judges if this is okay. Those presenting 2 & 3 year olds that want to show them loose down a pre-built jumping lane may do this immediately or if the arena is small, they may be asked to come back in later once a jumping lane has been built. The fences do not have to be high for youngsters and can be built up over 3 or 4 attempts as the judges look at the technique and attitude at this point. |
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Foals
It is anticipated that foals will be seen loose first then, if they haven't shown enough trot the owner may be asked to trot the foal in hand behind the mare. If sufficient canter hasn't been seen then then the owner may be asked to hold the foal at one end of the arena while the mare is taken to the other end then the foal is released and allowed to return to the mare. Make sure that you only slip the rein through the headcollar (rather than clip it) and so can release it quickly if necessary.
All Youngstock
After you have caught your youngster, you will then walk around while the judges finalise and add up the marks. They will then call you over, tell you the mark and, if your youngster has achieved an average mark of at least 7.0 (and less than 8.0), present a Premium rosette or if the average score is 8.0 or higher, a Gold Premium rosette.
A copy of the mark sheet will be emailed out as soon as possible after the evaluation - but this is unlikely to be until after all the September evaluations have been completed. |
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If at any point you have any questions on any part of the process, please call or email the Studbook Office (details at top of page) |
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What is the expected 'turn-out' at an SPSS Youngstock Evaluation? |
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Foals Foals must be shown in a leather head collar and should be shown with a plaited mane if the mane is long enough. Foals will be shown in-hand in walk then loose. Weaned foals may attend without their dam. Orphaned foals may attend with an equine companion. Mares (& equine companions) should be shown in a suitable bridle.
Youngstock Yearlings, 2 and 3 year olds will be judged one at a time, in-hand on the triangle then loose. They must be shown plaited (unless pure Mountain & Moorland in which case may be shown unplaited – although a running plait or looped long plaits are preferred). Snaffle bridles are allowed for all and compulsory for 2 year old colts and all 3 year olds.
Handler Turnout It is essential that the handler gives the animal being shown the best possible chance of moving forward as freely as possible. The handler should therefore be someone able to move well enough to show off its movement to the best advantage. To enable this to happen, handlers should be dressed neatly but comfortably in such a way as to be able to show their animals at speed. White tops and trousers are preferred (but not compulsory) and running shoes are acceptable. Whips may be carried. Protective hats are highly recommended. |
Stambrook Musicality and her foal KMD Rialto (by Rembrandt DDH) and handlers Jack Beard & Kirsty Millard are good examples of turnout Photo by Julia Shearwood |
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An example of good turnout for the handler and ponies is shown on the right but at SPSS shows and gradings no-one will be disadvantaged by their outfit so please don't use us as an excuse to go shopping (unless you want to that is!)! |
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Where can I
find the Youngstock Evaluation Entry Forms?
The
Youngstock Evaluation schedule entry forms (if available - they are
normally released 2 months before the event) and other information about the dates and
locations are available via links on
this page. |
Passport/Registration Questions |
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How do I change the owner's details in an SPSS passport?
When a pony holding ANY type of SPSS passport changes ownership, the passport must by law be returned to the SPSS Studbook Office within 30 days of purchase to have the new owner's details recorded. The SPSS Transfer of Ownership form signed by both last registered owner and new owner should be sent with the passport and a cheque for £25 made out to "SPSS". If this is not possible, then the Transfer of Ownership form should be completed by the new owner and sent with the passport and fee AND a letter, receipt or bill of sale that is signed by the last registered owner and gives the new owners name and address Click here for more info.
Note that the Head Office address to use is The Last House, Keysoe Row West, Keysoe, Bedfordshire MK44 2JJ (as at the top of this webpage) NOT our previous addresses (Sock Farm, Chilthorne Domer & New Barn Farm, Ludgershall) that may be printed in the passport - the Studbook Office moved on 1st April 2014 and previously in 2005. |
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Can I use a prefix/suffix when naming my pony?
The SPSS is a member of the Central Prefix Registry, and all breeders wishing to use a prefix or suffix when registering an animal with the SPSS must apply for approval and registration of that prefix before it can be recognised as their own (even if they have already registered the prefix with a different breed society or studbook). The SPSS will check with the Central Prefix Register on behalf of the breeder that this prefix is acceptable, but in order to avoid disappointment advises all breeders to consult the Central Prefix Register’s own web page http://www.centralprefixregister.com/ before finalising their choice.
The fee for Registering a new Prefix is £55 or £25 to extend an existing prefix. More information and form available on this page. |
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How do I get a passport for my foal?
Download and complete a Membership Form and the Passport Application Form; ensure that your vet takes a DNA sample (a few hairs from mane or tail put into a small plastic bag with the vet’s address and signature and showing the foal’s name) and that he/she completes the ID diagram on page 4 of the Registration Form. It is mandatory for all foals to be microchipped which should be done at the same veterinary visit and the information recorded on page 4. A checklist has been provided below to assist with your application.
Items required for SPSS Passport Issue:
A
passport will then be issued by the Studbook Office. Please note that if you
wish to use a prefix/suffix then you need to register it with the
Central Prefix Register via the SPSS Studbook Office (see
here for more details) BEFORE your passport can be issued. |
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When does my foal need a passport?
The short answer, for SPSS passports, is no later than the 1st November in the year of birth as then you get a £20 discount on the passport cost! The longer answer is that, under UK law, you should apply for the passport by 30th November (for foals born before 1st June) or within 6 months of birth for foals born on/after 1st June). If you miss this deadline, then note that any passports issued more than 12 months from birth are classed as “late” and we must ensure that the equine cannot enter the human food chain. A DNA Parentage Verified passport is an option for all foals but mandatory for embryo transfer foals and any that are weaned before the vet does the identification chart and description. This does add to the cost but we have a special price as long as one parent is SPSS graded and the passport is applied for by 1st November in year of birth.
We recommend that you always check the DEFRA website (here) for the latest guidance. |
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What are the legal responsibilities of owners in relation to equine passports?
Overview By law, all horses (including ponies and donkeys) must have a valid horse passport. It must be returned to the Passport Issuer (ie the SPSS) within 30 days when the pony dies or if ownership changes. It must also be replaced with a duplicate (from the same passport issuer as the original passport) asap if lost or stolen. Any passport that has come unbound is also invalid and must be returned to the Passport Issuer so that a duplicate can be issued. To apply for a passport you must be the owner of the horse. You can be fined an unlimited amount if you don’t have a valid horse passport. A horse must not have more than one passport. The horse’s rider or keeper must have the passport with them at all times when they’re with the horse, unless it’s in a stable, grazing in a field, or being moved by foot. Owners can take their horses for short rides without one. You (or the horse’s main keeper) may have to show the passport to a Trading Standards inspector or an animal health officer. Your horse’s passport is valid for its life. When the horse dies you must return the passport (within 30 days) to the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) that issued it to have it invalidated. You can request that they return it. A foal must have a passport within 6 months of birth or before 31 December in the year of birth, whichever is the later.
Slaughter for human consumption and medication record By default all horses are intended for slaughter for human consumption except where irreversibly declared as not so intended in the relevant part of the passport. For passports issued before 2016 this is Part II of Section IX; for passports issued from Jan 2016 this is Part II of Section II. If your horse has not been “signed out” of the human food chain, your vet may not be able to prescribe some medications and any medication or injections your horse is given must be entered in Section II Part III by your vet. You must notify the relevant PIO within 14 days of your horse being “signed out” of the human food chain.
Selling or buying a horse You must give the passport to the new owner if you sell (or transfer ownership) of your horse - if you don’t, you could be prosecuted. You must notify the relevant PIO that you’re the new owner within 30 days if you buy (or otherwise take ownership of) a horse. Contact your local Trading Standards office if someone tries to sell you a horse, pony or donkey without a passport.
Importing or exporting a horse, pony or donkey Any horse, pony or donkey you import from a European Union (EU) country must have a valid passport issued by an authorised PIO in the EU. If the PIO is unauthorised or there’s no passport, you must get a passport from an authorised PIO in the UK within 30 days of importation. Contact the Defra Horse Passports office if you’re importing or exporting a horse, pony or donkey from outside the EU.
Contact details For more information about horse passports, contact the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or by email to defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk . You can also write to them at: Defra, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Click here to download the above information as a PDF file.
Sources: GOV.UK website (dated 27 November 2015), The Horse Passports Regulations 2009 & EU Regulation 2015/262 |
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