Minister Heydon launches new equine identification and traceability booklet
- Published on: 7 August 2025
- Last updated on: 7 August 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has launched a new booklet entitled ‘All you need to know about Equine Identification and Traceability’. This publication, showcased at the Dublin Horse Show, is the latest action under the Minister’s plan to improve Ireland’s equine traceability system based on the recommendations of Professor Paddy Wall’s report. Its objective is to support horse owners and keepers and all involved in the equine sector in meeting their legal obligations in relation to traceability. The booklet provides clear and accessible information under five key headings:
- Identification and Registration
- Record keeping
- Buying and selling horses
- International movement of horses
- End of Life
In launching the booklet Minister Heydon spoke about why the Dublin Horse Show was the perfect event for this initiative:
“The Dublin Horse Show is a cornerstone of Ireland’s equestrian calendar and an important international showcase for the world-class talent of our sport horse sector. Ireland’s renown for the highest standards of breeding and performance is built on our reputation as a nation of horse lovers committed to equine welfare. Protecting this reputation means ensuring all our horses have the highest welfare standards and this is only possible through robust traceability. This new booklet is part of my Department’s ongoing commitment to improving our equine traceability system so that our deserved reputation for producing high-quality, well cared for horses is assured.”
The booklet is now available in both print and digital formats and will be available at the Horse Show through relevant stakeholders including Horse Sport Ireland, the Irish Horse Board and Teagasc.
The digital version of the booklet is available at Horses (www.gov.ie).
