The Equestrian Blog

Do You Know -The EU Horse Transport Rules ?

If you own a horsebox you should know that the EU introduced new rules on 5th January 2007 ............

The new regulations bring UK horse transport into line with the same rules that exist across mainland Europe and the laws have been introduced in order to safeguard the welfare of animals being transported to slaughter houses.

BUT.....  they also have a considerable affect on everyday horse transport.

DEFRA, are primarily responsible for integrating the new rules into the UK equestrian and agricultural world and the law demands that anyone transporting two or more horses, for profit or gain, must apply for an Authorisation Certificate.

DEFRA appears to be taking a slightly softer position compared to that of the UK Vehicle & Operators Service Agency (VOSA).

VOSA has recently declared that anybody operating a horsebox, that has received a financial reward at an equestrian event, could be liable to prosecution if they do not hold a valid operators licence.  Horsebox owners have been warned by VOSA, that they risk having their horsebox impounded and may receive a fine or be prosecuted.

It sounds bizarre but, if you own a horsebox over 3.5 tonnes and you happen to be successful at any equestrian event where you can collect prize money as part of your spoils, then you must have a Licence to Operate, regardless of how much your winnings are.

The principle behind the warning is that any financial gain (your winnings) may be considered by VOSA as "hire and reward". In which case, you require a special Operators Licence. If you are not in possession of an Operators Licence, you could face prosecution.

In addition, if you offer a friend and their horse a lift in your horsebox, or help move a horse and receive "petrol money", you may need to have a Licence to Operate. This is because, VOSA can perceive this to be a "hire for gain" transaction.

VOSA has warned the horsebox owners across the UK that it will bring a case against anyone considered to be breaking these laws. Having said that, it will be for the courts to determine if you have acted in a way that requires a Licence to Operate.

...some sense at last!

DEFRA has stated that weekend competitors and drivers doing a friend a good deed for fuel money will not be targeted. However, there appear to be no clear cut rules for the amateur competition yard or amateur breeder. DEFRA has stated that the positive way forward is to work on a case-by-case basis.

There is similar legislation in Spain where a license is required to move horses.

However, the legislation introduced by the Spanish Government some years ago is very clear and straight forward, but rather draconian.

Spanish law states that for anyone to move a horse you must apply for a horse transportation licence. This applies to commercial operators as well as private individuals. Failure to obtain this licence could result in your horsebox, horse trailer, towing vehicle, horse and tack being impounded plus a huge fine and possible imprisonment.