Getting Your Horse a Passport

In Canada, some levels of showing require your horse to have a passport. The process can be somewhat confusing so I will try my best to guide you through it here.

Step 1 - Download the form

Click here and select "EC Passport Application". Open that file and print it out.


Step 2 - Fill out the form

• Your horse does not need to be registered in order to have a passport so don't worry about leaving the Registered Name and Registration Number fields blank.
• Eligibility is not as complicated as it sounds.  Just put the lowest division that your horse is eligible for. If your horse has never shown, put something like "Baby Green Hunter" so that you can show in any division.
• You don't need to go too crazy with the Markings section since that part of the passport will be left blank to be filled out by your vet, anyway.
• Be sure to include proof that you own the horse. Follow EC instructions for what qualifies as proof. You can also check out my post on providing proof of ownership.

Step 3 - Take a photo

Now you will need to wait for a nice day, grab your camera and groom your horse until he or she shines. This photo will stay with your horse for life, so make sure it's a good one! The instructions call for a 4" x 6" side-view colour photo of your untacked horse. I will give you tips on taking a good photo in my next post.

Step 4 - Send it in!

This step is pretty self-explanatory. Make sure to double-check that you have all the necessary documents and send it all off to be processed.

Step 5 - What to do with your new blank passport

Your new passport will look very empty when it arrives. Your horse's name will be filled out, the photo will be glued in and that will be about it! You will need to make an appointment for your vet to come fill out the markings page. He or she will outline and describe your horse's markings and then sign the passport. You must get this done or your passport will not be considered valid!

Step 6 - For ponies only!

If you have a pony, you will need to have the measurement page at the back of the passport filled out (this is not necessary for horses).  See the show steward(s) about this at your first horse show and they will measure your pony for you.