The National Equine Database (NED) is due to be tested by studs accredited with the Breeders’ Quality Mark (BQM) this month.
This second testing period of the online database will allow breeders to access information on pedigrees, performance and progeny ahead of the public. The resource is expected to go live to the general public in April.
NED is a joint project between Defra and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).
Jan Rogers, head of equine development at the BEF, said: “It is the most amazing resource and every horse registered for a passport in the UK is on it.”
Horses with passports from other EU countries, including Eire, are not on the system yet, but Mrs Rogers believes it to be only a matter of time before all horses in the UK are registered.
“Everybody wants to see their horse on the system and there will be pressure from the public to get more information on to it,” she said.
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (29 November, ’07)
