Crossing a border with your horse: the papers not to forget

Nothing ruins a departure like a check that goes wrong for want of a document. Here is what must be in order before you drive abroad.

The horse's documents

• The equine passport: mandatory, up to date, it never leaves the trailer. Check the description page and the vaccination record.
• Identification (a microchip) that matches the passport.
• Within the EU, depending on the case (especially for a commercial movement), a health certificate may be required. For a private trip between EU countries, a passport and up-to-date vaccinations are the basics.

Vaccinations and health

• Equine influenza: required almost everywhere, with precise timing. A booster that is too recent or too old can hold you up.
• Some countries or events ask for a blood test (equine infectious anaemia, the Coggins test) with a recent date.

Outside the EU: allow plenty of time

United Kingdom, Switzerland, United States: specific customs and health rules, sometimes with several weeks' notice (tests, or even quarantine). Contact your official vet and the authorities early: some certificates have a very short validity.

The driver has papers too

Above a certain threshold, and for transport linked to an economic activity, an authorisation to transport live animals and a certificate of competence may be required.

The rule: you find out weeks ahead, never the day before. A horse whose papers are in order crosses borders without stress, and so do you.

Requirements change regularly: always check with the official authorities of both the departure and arrival countries before you leave.