IN its third recent innovative move, the Northern Ireland Horse Board has now launched a 24-hour data-based service to aid in the tracking and tracing of equines that may be stolen, lost or involved in an accident.

‘Equi-Trace NI’ follows the NIHB’s recent successful launches of the NIHB Digital Application Service and the relaunch of the Foster Mare and Orphan Foal alert.

A data-based solution for all emergency services and veterinary clinics, the aim of Equi-Trace NI is to aid in the tracking and tracing of equines that have been involved in an accident, stolen, or strayed. It will operate from a designated phone line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Developed and managed by the Northern Ireland Horse Board, it will have access to over 1.5 million equine records from 81 of the UK’s passport issuing organisations, as well as ability to trace horses registered with European and international authorities.

The launch of Equi-Trace NI comes just as the legislation regarding equines is changing in the UK.

Commenting on the launch, a spokesperson for NIHB advised “all owners to ensure their horses, ponies and donkeys have been registered with a passport authority, not just for the purposes of Equi-Trace but also that it is a legislative necessity for all equine owners to transfer ownership within 30 days of purchase or face a fine if non- compliant.”

Voicing support for the initiative, local Member of Parliament, Carla Lockhart said: “This is a fantastic initiative by the Northern Ireland Horse Board, and I would commend them for having the foresight to develop such a valuable resource.”

Dolores Kelly MLA also welcomed Equi-Trace NI saying: “I welcome the continued innovation from the NIHB in meeting the challenges of the industry in an ever evolving economic and ‘pandemic’ climate. Equi-Trace NI will ease work pressures and give greater confidence to customers within the sector.”

Catherine Abbott, chair of Eventing Ireland Northern Region and an Eventing Ireland director, said: “This is an excellent initiative by Northern Ireland Horse Board and represents a very valuable tool for multi organisations including owners, veterinarians, emergency services and other equine care groups. The fact that it is accessible 24/7 is particularly pleasing but it behoves all owners to complete registration to ensure maximum efficiency.”

Also speaking on the launch of NIHB’s latest innovation, MLA John O’Dowd gave a warm welcome to the establishment of Equi-Trace NI and urged owners with unregistered horses to step forward and use the resource.

Equi-Trace NI is a 24-hour data service from the Northern Ireland Horse Board to aid in the tracking and tracing of lost or stolen horses or equines involved in accidents

Peace of mind

Endorsing the development of Equi-Trace NI, Showjumping Ireland chairman, Eamonn Rice, commented: “Any service that can help give owners, breeders and riders peace of mind and increase traceability of horses and ponies has to be welcomed by all concerned.”

He added: “This gives everyone the perfect opportunity to make sure their equine passports are up to date, and if not make sure it is a top priority for the new year.”

Tom McGuigan, chairman of The Irish Draught Horse Society, added his congratulations to the Northern Ireland Horse Board on the launch of their track and trace service.