Equine establishments in NI must register

If you keep horses, ponies, donkeys (or crosses) anywhere in Northern Ireland then you must register that place as an equine establishment with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Registration is free and, once registered, you’ll receive an Equine Establishment Number (EEN) (also called an animal group number/AGN).

From 1 February 2026, an EEN will be required when you apply for a new horse passport or update an existing passport.

How to register
Complete DAERA’s equine establishment registration form and submit it by email, post or in person to a DAERA Direct office. Please allow up to three weeks to receive your EEN. DAERA provides guidance notes and a Q&A to help you complete the process.

For the official guidance, forms and office details, see DAERA’s page Registering an Equine Establishment.