Frequently Asked Questions
The IPSA is now trading under the new name "Leisure Horse Ireland".
Our new website www.lhi.ie is now live and we will be phasing out this website over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need an Equine Premises number to register a horse in Ireland?
- What microchips can be used to register my horse in Ireland?
- I'm based in the UK. How do I go about getting my horse's passport into my name?
- What is The IPSA
- What is a Piebald or Skewbald horse
- Why do I need a passport?
- What are IPSA passports suitable for?
- What is the difference between a foal and an adult horse registration?
- How do I register my foal (pedigree recorded) in the IPSA Studbook?
- How do I register my adult horse (pedigree recorded) in the IPSA Studbook?
- How do I obtain an identification document/non-pedigree passport for my horse?
- How do I register and licence my coloured stallion
- How do I change the registered owner on a passport?
- How do I obtain a duplicate passport for my horse?
- How do I name my horse?
- How do I register a prefix?
- How do I get a passport endorsed?
- Registration process fees
- Member / Bulk Registration Discounts?
- The IPSA office hours
Do I need an Equine Premises number:
The short answer is yes. Very soon in order to register a horse or donkey, you must detail this number with every registration application.
The Department of Agriculture has prepared the information linked below to guide and assist you:
- Registration of Equine Premises FAQ (pdf download)
- Application Form (pdf download)
- Horse Location Premises to be registered (link to DAFM website press release)
Rule changes regarding Microchips:
In order to obtain a passport for your horse your vet must now only implant a microchip obtained from one of the Irish Passport Issuing Authorities (PIO's). Where an application is received detailing any other type of microchip and / or not issued by an Irish PIO, it will be returned and another compliant chip must be implanted in the animal by a Vet. Both chip numbers would then be recorded in the passport.
This requirement has been implemented by DAFM to ensure that the correct type of microchip is used in equines and that microchip number ranges are precisely controlled.
List of approved chip numbers (and only where issued by that PIO):
| PIO | Chip Lead Number |
| The IPSA | 941* |
| ask your vet to contact us for details of our very competitively priced Equine RFID's | |
| Horse Sport Ireland | 3721414* |
| Connemara Pony Breeders Society | 3721004* |
| Weatherbys Ireland GSB Ltd | 9851010* |
| Irish Pony Society | 985* |
| Irish Appaloosa Association | 372012* |
| Warmblood Studbook of Ireland | info not available |
Please also be aware that any marking chart submitted can be no more than six months old and that all sections have been fully completed by a registered Vet.
Change of Ownership Guidance - UK Residents
First of all you need to complete a change of ownership form (downloadable here).
However it is very common where the last registered owners signature cannot be reasonably obtained as the animal has possibly passed through multiple dealers. In this case just fill out the buyer part of the form and where possible include a copy of:
- the bill of sale/invoice to you, or
- veterinary examination certificate for the animal, or
- a quick letter detailing how you came by the animal
and send the completed form, supporting paperwork and the passport to us.
The current fee for change of ownerships is Euro 15.00 and we prefer to take credit or debit card payment over the telephone – either by you calling us in advance on +353 91 577577 or by call back on receipt of the passport and paperwork this end.
Please rest assured that making a card payment to us over the telephone is completely safe, your data is handled with the utmost care and card details are never retained.
We turn around change of ownerships very quickly, usually same day and we do recommend using our courier service for return of the passport (UK Mainland two working days / signed for delivery) which is an additional Euro 16.00. This is optional, but do bear in mind that risk of loss of an item passes to you when placed back in standard post.
P.S. It's also a good idea to send it registered post to us too!
What is The IPSA?
The Irish Piebald & Skewbald Association Ltd t/a The IPSA is a studbook for Piebald & Skewbald (coloured) horses and their progeny and also a seperate register for solid colour animals with no pedigree recorded that do not meet the criteria for inclusion in The IPSA studbook.
- Main Stud Book
- Class 1 Coloured horses with both sire and dam recorded (Black Book)
- Class 2 Whole (Solid) coloured horses with sire and dam recorded (Black Book)
- Supplementary Coloured horses with either sire or dam recorded or neither recorded (Red Book)
- ID Register All other horses & donkeys that do not qualify above and neither sire or dam recorded (Purple Book)
What is a Piebald or Skewbald Horse
Horses come in all shapes, sizes and types, with one major distinction - Colour.
Here in Ireland we use the terms "Piebald" or "Skewbald" to describe certain horse colouration. In other countries you will see references to "Coloured" or "Paint" horses which in many cases these descriptions really have the same meaning.
Piebald / Skewbald - Colour Definition
A Skewbald and Piebald is defined by its external visible coat colouration and markings and not by its genetic makeup or type. They are therefore distinctive and unique from other “coloured”, splash marked, or extended leg marked breeds or types.
Piebald:
Large irregular patches of black and white (usually black on a white base).
Skewbald:
Any other colour or colours and white i.e. bay, brown, chestnut, grey, dun or palomino and white. There may be some black marks in addition.
Note:
- If a horse or pony has white markings on the head, legs, belly and / or mane or tail in isolation, it cannot be considered as a Piebald or Skewbald.
- Clyde markings do not constitute a Skewbald or Piebald in isolation from other colour.
- Pinto\Paint is an American term which generally means either Piebald or Skewbald; however there is also a technical difference in that they have different meanings. The Pinto Horse Association is a colour registry, and Pintos can be any breed. Paints are APHA-registered horses that can prove parentage from one of the three approved registries AQHA, TB and APHA, as well as meet a minimum colour requirement. While a loud-coloured horse could be double-registered if it met the breed standards specified by each registry, the two registries are independent.
Why do I need a passport?
From 1st July 2009, the identification system for equidae was amended. Under EU Legislation, all equidae will have to be microchipped and have their identification document (passport) within six months of their birth. The microchip number of each animal must be recorded on its passport.
The new identification system will build on a single identification document – one passport – issued for life when the animal is born or imported. The document will be linked to the animal by their microchip, and the fact that it was issued will be recorded in a database under a Unique Equine Life Number (UELN) for the animal that will remain the constant reference even when the animal’s name is changed.
Under the EU Legislation, animals not registered within 6 months of their birth, or outside the year of birth (whichever is longer) will be permanently excluded from the food chain and The IPSA is obliged to stamp their passport ‘Not Fit for Human Consumption’. Similarly, where foals are sent to slaughter, they must have been registered for a period of at least 6 months before they are allowed to enter the food chain. Where an animal is issued a duplicate passport they will be permanently excluded from the food chain and the duplicate passport stamped to reflect this.
Passports issued by The IPSA at all times remain the property of The IPSA. Upon death or slaughter of any animal, the passport must be returned to The IPSA.
What are IPSA passports suitable for?
IPSA passports are fully EU approved and therefore suitable for all requirements – i.e. SJAI registration, marts, headage, international transport etc.
What is the difference between a foal and an adult horse registration?
For IPSA registration purposes:
- A horse is deemed to be a foal in its year of birth (e.g. any animal born between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2013 is considered a foal for the duration of that calendar year)
- A horse is deemed to be an adult outside its year of birth (e.g. an animal born between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2013 is deemed to be an adult horse from 1st January 2014 onwards)
For adult horse registration fees (IPSA studbook passports) the following applies:
How do I register my foal (pedigree recorded) in The IPSA Studbook?
To register a foal in the IPSA Studbook either sire or dam of the foal must be in the IPSA studbook
On receipt of a correctly complete covering certificate (the white copy you received from your stallion owner), The IPSA will automatically issue a foal kit to the owner.
STEP 1: CALL YOUR VET
Upon receipt of your foal kit you will need to call out your vet. Contained within the foal kit will be:
1. Marking chart for the foal - this must be completed in full by the vet (stamped, signed, dated etc), who will also microchip your foal and attach the microchip bar code to the marking chart.
2. DNA hair sample bag - in order to DNA type your foal, the vet will remove a hair sample from the foal and place it in the sample bag. The sample bag must then be sent to The IPSA for DNA testing.
3. Application Form - Complete the application form in full with all your details, choice of three names, signed and dated etc.
STEP 2: SEND YOUR FOAL MARKING CHART & APPLICATION FORM TO THE IPSA WITH THE CORRECT FEE
Once your vet has completed the marking chart for your foal and attached the microchip barcode, you will need to return the marking chart and completed application form to The IPSA with the appropriate fee (detailed below).
STEP 3: YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR IPSA STUDBOOK PASSPORT
Once The IPSA has received your foal’s marking chart, application form, correct passport fee plus the DNA result from Weatherbys, the foal’s passport will be posted** back to you .
**We advise all registrants to specify recorded delivery for the return of completed passports (or other important documents) as risk of loss passes to the owner on an item being placed with the postal service
How do I register my adult horse (pedigree recorded) in the IPSA Studbook?
Before registering a horse in IPSA Studbook, either the sire or dam of the animal must be registered in the IPSA Stud Book or the animal must be eligible to be included in the Studbook.
Either the sire or dam must have been DNA tested to confirm parentage of your horse. The IPSA must also have received a covering certificate from the stallion owner.
STEP 1: CONTACT The IPSA
You will need to contact The IPSA (+353 (0)91 577577) to order a kit in order to register and parentage test your horse.
STEP 2: CALL YOUR VET
Upon receipt of your adult kit you will need to call out your vet. Contained within the adult kit will be:
1. Marking chart for the horse - this must be completed by the vet, who will also microchip your horse and attach the microchip bar code to the marking chart.
2. DNA hair sample bag - in order to DNA type your horse, the vet will remove a hair sample from the horse and place it in the sample bag. The sample bag must then be sent to The IPSA for forwarding to Weatherbys for DNA testing.
STEP 3: SEND YOUR ADULT MARKING CHART TO THE IPSA WITH FEE
Once your vet has completed the marking chart for your horse and attached the microchip barcode, you will need to return the marking chart and completed application form to The IPSA with the appropriate fee (detailed below).
STEP 4: YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR IPSA STUDBOOK PASSPORT
Once The IPSA has received your adult’s marking chart, correct passport fee plus the DNA result from Weatherbys, the horse’s passport will be posted** back to you
**We advise all registrants to specify recorded delivery for the return of completed passports (or other important documents) as risk of loss passes to the owner on an item being placed with the postal service
How do I obtain an identification document/non-pedigree passport for my horse or donkey?
If your horse has no pedigree (supplementary section) or is not eligible for inclusion in The IPSA studbook (ID register), you can obtain an identification document/non-pedigree passport.
STEP 1: CALL YOUR VET
Your vet will complete the marking chart for your foal/horse, microchip the animal and attach the microchip bar code to the marking chart.
STEP 2: SEND YOUR MARKING CHART TO THE IPSA WITH FEE
Return the completed marking chart, application form and appropriate fee (detailed below) to The IPSA.
STEP 3: YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR PASSPORT
Once The IPSA has received the marking chart, completed application form and the correct passport fee, the horse’s passport will be posted** back to you
**We advise all registrants to specify recorded delivery for the return of completed passports (or other important documents) as risk of loss passes to the owner on an item being placed with the postal service
How do I register and license my coloured stallion
To register and licence your coloured stallion, please first contact The IPSA who will explain the process to you with regard to your individual circumstances.
How do I change the registered owner on a passport?
To change the registered owner information on a horse’s passport, please complete the ‘Change of Ownership’ form and return it to The IPSA with the fee of €15. Please note that passports issued by The IPSA at all times remain the property of The IPSA. The owner recorded on a horse’s passport is registered as such for correspondence purposes relating to that animal and does not reflect any legal standing in relation to ownership.
How do I obtain a duplicate passport for my horse?
If your passport has been lost, stolen or destroyed you may apply to The IPSA for a duplicate passport. Where an animal is issued a duplicate passport they will be permanently excluded from the food chain and the duplicate passport stamped to reflect this.
IF YOUR HORSE HAS A MICROCHIP:
1. Complete the ‘Duplicate Passport With Microchip’ form
2. Call your vet. The vet must scan your horse to verify the microchip number of your horse. They must record this number on the above form. They must also sign and stamp the form.
3. Return the form to The IPSA with the appropriate fee (detailed below)
IF YOUR HORSE HAS NO MICROCHIP:
1. Complete the ‘Duplicate Passport No Microchip’ form
2. Call your vet. The vet must remark your horse and insert a microchip into the animal. They must record the microchip on the marking chart. They must also sign and stamp the above form.
3. Return the form and marking chart to The IPSA with the appropriate fee (detailed below)
How do I name my horse?
All horses must be named at the time of first registration with the IPSA and cost of naming is included in the registration fee
How do I register a prefix?
The IPSA offers the facility to register a prefix . Any horse named with a registered IPSA prefix cannot have its name changed in the IPSA Register, without the permission of the person who owns the prefix. Prefix forms are available to download or upon request from The IPSA and the following rules apply:
- Fee of €40 applies
- Prefix may have a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 20 characters
- Prefix may be one word only
- Breed names are not allowed
How do I get a passport endorsed?
If you have a horse registered with another studbook you may wish to have that animal recorded in the IPSA Register for breeding or competition purposes. The horse will retain its original passport and breed code but will be recorded in the IPSA Register. For endorsement, send the passport plus the appropriate fee (detailed below) to The IPSA.
Registration process fees:
| Process | IPSAFee |
| Registration of foals | € 55 |
| Registration of adult horses (Yearling & Older) | € 80 |
| Identification document/non-pedigree passports | € 30 |
| Change of registered owner | € 15 |
| Change of Name | € 35 |
| Duplicate passports | € 35 |
| Naming | € Nil (all horses named on first registering) |
| Prefix registration | €40 |
| Passport endorsement (Overstamp) | € 30 |
| Stallion Registration & Licensing | Contact Office |
| Recorded Return Delivery | Ireland € 10 UK € 16 |
Member or Bulk Discounts:
The IPSA does not operate an open membership and therefore the fees as stated above are payable by all applicants.
If however you have a large number of animals to be registered you may contact us to discuss possible bulk discount. Each such application will be considered on case by case basis.
Office hours:
- Open to the public but strictly by prior appointment.
- Telephone calls from 10am to 3pm (Monday to Friday) - +353 (0) 91 577577
(During times of busy registration processing an answering machine service may be in operation)