Which passport agency to use?

jessykai

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I'm just in the process of getting my new 2 year old cob passported.

So far I have narrowed it down to chaps, tgca or the horse passport agency. I am wondering if there is any benefit to any over another, the horse passport agency do have a fast track option, which is making me lean towards them, but long term I'm wondering if chaps or tgca might be handier to have for him?

thanks :)
 
When the rules regarding passports came in years ago I applied for one from Horse Passport Agency. It didn't take long to come & it wasn't that expensive compared with other agencies. I have no knowledge of the other ones you mentioned.
 
Do any of the PIOs issue passports without a microchip now, or it is an essential requirement??

Our elderly loan pony hasn't got one, and as he is v suspicious of men and vets I would take that option if I could.

OP - I had a horse passport agency one years ago, and they were fine as I recall.

Fiona
 
If the horse is male and you plan to keep him entire then I believe that the TGCA has a cheaper more easily understood licencing process than CHAPS - worth a look if relevant

I would definitely go CHAPS or TGCA rather than a generic agency, the one that carries the most weight reputation-wise is CHAPS
 
I would definitely go CHAPS or TGCA rather than a generic agency, the one that carries the most weight reputation-wise is CHAPS

Same here and I wouldn't touch a HPA one with my life unless one came with one as their security is nil. Both of the others are far better respected and you could also look at SHBGB for an Identity passport; £25. They will also include the breeding if you can verify it by an official covering certificate and/or a copy of the mare's breeding from her passport; if not it will go down as unknown.
From choice, I would always use SHBGB as a plain identity one for unknown or unable to be verified breeding but if a coloured and you're likely to want to show then CHAPS would be your better choice unless you're in an area which has more BSPA shows than CHAPs. CHAPS are expensive and I found in the past, hard to get hold of to speak to someone with any queries; SHBGB are always pleased and quick to help if they can.
http://www.sporthorsegb.co.uk/media/forms/Rules For Registration 2013.pdf
http://www.sporthorsegb.co.uk/media/forms/Registration Application Form 2016.pdf
 
I thought the microchip rule applied to horses born after a certain year, which wasn't that long ago! I would ask the Veteran Horse Society (who also accept owner completed forms if horse isn't to be competed under any of the affiliated bodies).
 
I thought the microchip rule applied to horses born after a certain year, which wasn't that long ago! I would ask the Veteran Horse Society (who also accept owner completed forms if horse isn't to be competed under any of the affiliated bodies).

It was after a certain year however age does not count with a new passport chipping is mandatory.

Pet ID equine only require a micro chip to passport so it works out cheaper the markings diagram is not a legal requirement.
 
It was after a certain year however age does not count with a new passport chipping is mandatory.

Pet ID equine only require a micro chip to passport so it works out cheaper the markings diagram is not a legal requirement.

2009 was when it became mandatory for chipping to be done on all foals and new passports.

How does a Pet ID Equine work then if it has no markings diagram; not everyone has a scanner available to them; one bay horse can look like another to someone who doesn't know horses?
 
2009 was when it became mandatory for chipping to be done on all foals and new passports.

How does a Pet ID Equine work then if it has no markings diagram; not everyone has a scanner available to them; one bay horse can look like another to someone who doesn't know horses?

The only thing that has to be marked on the markings diagram is the position of the MC ,they do have a markings diagram but it is not a requirement of the regulations that its filled in but it still has to be signed by the vet as to MC position. I believe HPA also issue passport with just MC
 
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When the rules regarding passports came in years ago I applied for one from Horse Passport Agency. It didn't take long to come & it wasn't that expensive compared with other agencies. I have no knowledge of the other ones you mentioned.

Do support a breed society as it benifits horses not a commercial organisation that is there for the profit.
 
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