How many times have you set off on a journey and realised half way there that you've forgotten something? It suddenly pops into your head as you drive into the show ground that you have forgotten your bridle or your hat. And how many times have you gone off merrily without your horse's passport? Well now you can't. DEFRA legislation requires horses to carry a passport on all journeys in the UK. Trading Standards officials are carrying out spot checks on horseboxes and trailers and if you haven't got a passport for the horses you are travelling you could be liable for a fine of up to £5,000, imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both. The random spot checks are being carried out on motorways throughout the UK and it has been mentioned that they are also checking on some showgrounds. All horses that travel must have a relevant passport. It is the responsibility of the owner to obtain the passport and keep it when traveling with the horse at all times. This also includes horses that are on loan. The passport must be kept with the appointed owner who has day to day control of the horse. The legislation required horse owners to have a passport for their animals by 28th February 2005. But many owners still do not have the correct documentation and are continuing to travel, risking themselves a possible fine. The Horse Passport Agency will issue your completed passports within 10 working days and the costs £18 for a single registration. For more information visit: www.defra.gov.uk www.horsepassportagency.org