Many riders think they need to arrange all sorts of things before they're allowed to transport their horse. For most people, it's not that bad. Below you'll read what's actually needed.
Not sure what applies to you? Use the transport decision tool. Three questions tell you where you stand.
The Short Answer
Are you transporting your own horse to a competition, training, trail ride, or the vet? Then you don't fall under the transport rules for businesses. You don't need a permit, a certificate of competence, or a separate transport document.
This is set out in a clarification from the NVWA (the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) from May 2026. It doesn't matter how well you ride or how much you train. What matters is that it's your own horse and that you don't do business with it.
One thing always applies: the horse passport travels along in the trailer. And your horse must be healthy enough to travel.
When It Does Count as 'Commercial'
In a few cases, transport does count as commercial. Then more rules apply. That's the case if:
- you transport the horse to sell, rent out, or lease it;
- you're driving to a horse market or slaughterhouse;
- you're paid for the transport, or you drive a client's horse;
- your horse is kept at a commercial stable you co-own;
- you use a transport company or run one yourself.
Do you occasionally win a modest prize at a competition? According to the KNHS (the Dutch equestrian federation), that doesn't count as commercial. Does someone else ride your horse for payment? That is a service, and therefore commercial.
Driving Commercially? Then This Applies
If your trip falls under commercial transport, it depends on the distance:
- More than 65 km: you need an animal transporter authorization (type 1 for trips up to 8 hours, type 2 above that). The driver also needs a certificate of competence. You obtain that with an exam at the CBR (the Dutch driving test authority).
- 65 km or less: a transport document is enough. You may draw that up yourself.
Apply for an authorization well in advance. Allow for a few weeks.
Traveling to Belgium With Your Horse
Stricter rules apply when going abroad, even if you're not doing business. The main rule is: an animal health certificate plus a notification in the European TRACES system.
For the border region, there has been an exception since 2026. Are you going from Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, or Limburg to a Belgian border province, staying less than 30 days, with your horse then returning? Then you don't need a certificate for that kind of competition trip. Your horse does still need to be identified (passport and chip) and registered.
Traveling further or longer? Then you arrange the certificate through Mijn NVWA (the NVWA's online portal). If your horse has an FEI passport, such a certificate can be valid for 30 days for multiple trips. Coming back after being away for a maximum of 90 days? For the return trip you don't need a new certificate, just a valid passport.
Because these border rules are brand new, it's best to check them via the NVWA's rule-check tool before you leave.
What's Changing
Two changes are coming up. Good to know, but no reason for concern:
- 1 July 2026: in the Netherlands, only a few designated bodies will still issue horse passports. Nothing changes for an existing passport.
- 1 April 2027: the maximum temperature for animal transport goes from 35 to 30 degrees. This mainly affects commercial transport. More on this is in the guide Transporting a Horse in Hot Weather.
Always Bring
A short checklist for the road:
- The horse passport (mandatory).
- The right driver's license for the weight of car and trailer.
- For a trip abroad: the paperwork that goes with it.
In Short
- Own horse, to a competition or training: no registration needed.
- The passport always travels with you.
- Commercial transport above 65 km: authorization plus certificate.
- To Belgium: usually a certificate, except in the border region.
- Rules change. Not sure? Check the NVWA or use the transport decision tool.
This is general information, not legal advice. The exact, current rules are available from the NVWA.
See also: Transport decision tool · Transporting a Horse in Hot Weather · International Horse Transport Paperwork · Insuring a Horse Trailer or Truck · Glossary terms