NVWA clarifies transport rules for horses: what does this mean for you?

What does this mean for you as a NWPCS member?

Since June 1, 2026, the rules surrounding the transport of equidae have been clarified. Within the NWPCS we notice that this raises many questions for both private keepers and members who are commercially active with Welsh ponies. We have been in contact with NVWA and presented the most common practical situations. In this article you will read the most important explanations, translated to daily practice.

Important to know:

It is not about new regulations, but about a clearer explanation of existing regulations.

In this article, we explain the rules clearly and practically, with recognizable situations from our members' daily practice.

The basis of regulation

Basically, anyone transporting a horse is covered by the European Transport Regulation.

At the same time, there are important exceptions. For many private horse owners, little changes in practice.

The most important rule is:

Once sales, rentals or leases are involved, transportation is considered an economic activity. This means that additional rules may apply, for example around permits, documentation and transport conditions.

So the key question is always:
Why is the pony or foal being transported?

Private or economic transportation

The distinction that defines everything:

Private transportation

You transport your own pony, with no commercial purpose

Economic transport

Transportation is related to sales, trade or business activities

1. Private transportation

In these situations, there is no economic activity and you do not need a transportation permit:

• You pick up a Welsh foal or pony you have purchased
• You go to an NWPCS inspection
•  You are going to a competition, event or show
• You bring your pony to a training or clinic
• You take your mare to a stallion
• You go to the vet
• You transport your pony to another stabling location

The condition is that it is your own animal and that there is no trade or commercial transport activity.

Practically, this means:

For NWPCS members who keep ponies as a hobby, transportation for activities will remain as usual.

2. Sales and transportation (this is where it changes)

Situation 1 - buyer picks up the foal himself

A breeder sells a foal and the buyer comes to pick it up himself.
This is private transportation for the buyer. The buyer transports his own animal.

No transportation permit is required.

Situation 2 - seller brings the foal

The breeder takes the sold foal to the new owner himself.
This is considered economic activity. Transportation is part of the sale.
The Transportation Regulation applies and additional obligations apply.

Situation 3 - sale to dealer or company

A foal is sold to a dealer or business owner.
This is always economic activity.
The carrier must comply with transportation regulations. The responsibility here lies with the one who performs the transportation.

Practically, this means:
Once you transport a sold Welsh colt to the buyer, you are in the economic realm.

3. Business use and professional holders

For members who keep ponies commercially (for example, breeding, trading or rearing), the situation is different. With professional use, transportation is quickly seen as part of business operations.  Read all the info here.

Important nuance

Not everything is automatically licensed, but:

• Transportation is considered economic though
• The Transportation Regulation applies
• Additional requirements may apply

It is important to distinguish between economic activity and permit requirement. Not every economic activity automatically means you need a transportation permit.

When is transportation considered business?

The rules become stricter as soon as an economic activity is involved. This is the case, for example, of:

• sale of a pony
• transportation to an auction or market
• delivering a sold foal
• use of a professional transport company

In these situations, you should consider additional obligations, such as:

• a transport license
• competence requirements
• transport documents

Example: transportation to inspection

Participation in an inspection by itself is not an economic activity.

But:

• For individuals, this remains just private transportation
• For professionals, transportation as part of their work is usually considered economic

This means that the Transportation Regulation may apply and additional rules may apply depending on the situation.

When is a transportation permit required?

A transportation permit is required in practice when:

• You transport animals for third parties
• you perform transportation as a service
• You transport animals structurally and professionally
• transportation is an independent part of your business

What about breeders, boarding stables and business keeping?

This is an important issue that has many questions within the NWPCS.

Do you keep ponies (partially) on business?
Then your situation may soon be considered economic activity.

Consider, for example:

• structural breeding aimed at sales
• a business stable or enterprise
• income from horse husbandry

In these cases, transportation is more likely to fall under the economic rules and so you will have to deal with the requirements of the Transportation Regulation.

Practical Summary

Hobby transport of your own Welsh pony → no problems
Sale and delivery of ponies → economic transportation
Holding business → mostly economic character
Permit required → especially when transporting for third parties or as a service

In conclusion

In doubt about your situation? Please use NVWA's online decision aid

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need a permit if I take my pony to an NWPCS inspection?
No, if you keep your pony as a hobby and you transport your own animal, this is private transport and you do not need a transport permit, including to competitions.
If you keep ponies commercially, then transportation may be considered economic and additional rules may apply.

I am buying a Welsh pony and picking it up myself. Do I need a permit?
No. You are transporting your own animal and that is private transportation. No permit is required.

I sell a foal and take it to the buyer myself. What then?
Then transportation is considered an economic activity because it is part of the sale. The Transportation Regulation applies and additional obligations may apply.

When do I need a transport permit?
A permit is usually required when

• you transport animals for others
• you offer transportation as a service
• You transport animals structurally and professionally
• transportation is an independent part of your business

Does going to the vet fall under economic activity?
No. This is considered necessary transportation and falls under private use, including for corporate holders.

I have doubts about my situation, what should I do?
Use the NVWA's online decision aid .