What admin do you need to do within the first six months of having a foal?
Once you have a foal on the ground, it can be really difficult to know what you need to do. The list below will expose any unexpected costs alongside telling you what you need to do.
- Foaling Notification – you must log the birth of the foal on the Weatherbys online portal within 30 days of birth, in order for it to remain eligible to race in Britain. This step is free and helps trace your foal throughout its life. This can be done here.
- Foal Registration – Submit your foal registration by July 31 of the year your foal is born. This ensures that your foal can race in the future. The cost of this is currently £175; this can be done here. This includes the equine welfare levy fee. Late registrations can sometimes be accommodated, but the registration fees will be higher. Find out the cost here.
- Microchipping and DNA – Within four weeks of birth, a foal should be blood sampled for DNA testing and parentage verification and microchipped. Each year vets receive sampling kits and microchips; get in touch with them directly to make an appointment. Your vet will also complete the markings form; this is a legal requirement.
- Vaccinations: Foals in the UK normally start their routine vaccinations to provide immunity against equine influenza and tetanus between five and six months of age.
- Bonus incentive scheme registrations: Check if your foal is eligible for registration with the Great British Bonus Scheme. Information and deadlines can be found here.
Bonus: Mares must be registered as a Broodmare with the Weatherbys’ General Stud Book prior to any of her progeny being registered as foals. Find out more here. This costs £106.