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Check the Registration Deadline
An equine brought into France from another country must normally be declared to SIRE within 30 days of arrival. Limited exceptions apply to certain temporary stays and specific categories of horse.
Horse identification and competition in France
Bringing a horse to France can involve several different registrations. SIRE, FFE and FEI each serve a separate purpose and not every horse or rider will need all three.
This guide explains where to begin, how imported horses are recorded in France and which additional registrations may be needed for national or international competition.
Guide reviewed September 2026
The first registration to complete
SIRE is the French central database for equine identification and ownership information, administered by the Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation, known as IFCE.
An equine brought into France from another country must normally be declared to SIRE within 30 days of arrival. Limited exceptions apply to certain temporary stays and specific categories of horse.
Check that the original passport contains the information needed for registration, including identification, microchip, markings and pedigree details where applicable.
If information is missing or has not been updated, additional verification by an authorised identifier or veterinarian may be required.
The registration process can differ according to whether the horse will be used for sport or leisure, breeding or racing. Additional documents may be required for certain breeds, breeding animals or horses with incomplete origin information.
The application may require the original passport, a declaration of ownership and the applicable registration fee. Keep a complete copy of the passport and every document before sending any originals.
Once the application has been accepted, the horse is allocated a SIRE number. The passport is returned with confirmation of registration and the ownership record is added to the SIRE database.
Riding and national competition
The Fédération Française d’Équitation, or FFE, manages French equestrian licences and national competition participation. The rider’s licence and the horse’s eligibility are separate matters.
Riders can obtain an annual FFE practising licence through an affiliated riding club or another authorised FFE organisation.
A practising licence does not automatically cover every level of competition. Riders who wish to compete must check which competition licence, supporting declarations and sporting qualifications apply to their chosen discipline and level.
A horse must be correctly identified and recorded before it can be entered into official French competitions. For an imported horse, permanent SIRE registration should therefore be started promptly.
The horse’s passport, origins, ownership record and intended competition use can affect its eligibility. Some foreign horses may use the temporary registration process while the full SIRE application is being completed.
International competition
FEI registration is for riders and horses taking part in international events governed by the Fédération Équestre Internationale. It is not normally needed for leisure riding or ordinary French national competition.
For participation in FEI international events, both the athlete and horse must hold current FEI registrations. Registration is annual and must be renewed for each competition year.
Riders do not normally register themselves or their horses directly with the FEI. Applications and renewals are managed through the appropriate national federation, such as the FFE in France.
The correct federation can depend on the rider’s nationality, residence and sporting arrangements, so confirm the position before applying.
FEI registration and an FEI passport are not the same thing. Depending on the competition and where it takes place, a horse may require an FEI passport or an FEI Recognition Card linked to its approved national passport.
Ask the relevant federation to confirm which document applies before entering an event.
The horse’s identification, microchip and vaccination record must satisfy current FEI rules. Additional information may need to be recorded or maintained through FEI systems, including the FEI HorseApp.
Check the current veterinary regulations and event requirements well before the planned competition.
Frequently asked questions
The correct process depends on whether the horse is kept for leisure, national competition, international competition, breeding or racing.
IFCE states that registration in the SIRE database is compulsory for equines present in France. An imported horse must normally be declared within 30 days of arrival, although limited exceptions apply to certain temporary stays.
Where the horse has a compliant foreign passport, the original is normally submitted as part of the SIRE registration process and returned after the horse has been recorded. Different arrangements may apply if the existing document does not meet the required standard.
The official process for many imported horses requires the original passport. Follow the checklist for your horse’s particular category and keep a complete copy before sending any original documents.
No. FEI registration is intended for horses and athletes participating in international FEI events. It is separate from normal leisure riding and French national competition.
No. An FFE licence relates to riding and competition within the French federation system. FEI registration is an additional annual requirement for international events.
A temporary competition registration may be available for eligible foreign horses. IFCE currently states that this provisional registration lasts for two months and cannot be renewed. Permanent SIRE registration must therefore continue without delay.
Processing times can vary according to the horse’s documents and whether additional information is required. Incomplete identification, pedigree, ownership or castration records can cause delays, so check the application carefully before submitting it.
No. Veterinary certification, border checks and customs procedures for bringing a horse into France are separate from recording the horse with SIRE after arrival. Read our horse transport and documents guide for those requirements.
Processes, fees and competition rules can change, so check the latest information directly before applying.
Explore the other guides in this series or browse equestrian property currently advertised across France.