The origins of the equine digital passport: first presented in 2024

The concept of an equine digital passport was first formally presented to the international equestrian community in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of equine identification, traceability, and biosecurity.

This initial presentation took place during the FEI General Assembly 2024 in Abu Dhabi (UAE), where delegates from around the world were introduced to what was then known as the horse digital passport project. This moment laid the foundation for what has since evolved into Equipass.

At the FEI General Assembly in Abu Dhabi (UAE), the FEI set out a clear vision: to create a secure, digital, lifelong identity for every horse, comparable in purpose to a physical passport but enhanced through digital technology. The equine digital passport was presented as a solution designed to improve biosecurity and disease prevention, traceability throughout a horse’s lifetime, secure recording of veterinary and vaccination data, and the efficiency of national and international horse movement.

The presentation highlighted the increasing complexity of equine documentation worldwide. While physical passports remain a legal requirement in certain regions, such as the European Union, systems vary significantly across countries. The equine digital passport was positioned as a way to support global harmonisation, while remaining adaptable to regional regulatory frameworks.

A key message shared with delegates in Abu Dhabi (UAE) was that the equine digital passport would initially complement, rather than replace, physical passports. In regions where physical documentation is mandatory, both formats would coexist. In other parts of the world, the digital passport was presented as a potential future alternative, subject to regulatory acceptance.

This phased approach reflected the project’s collaborative and pragmatic strategy, developed in close alignment with national federations, public authorities, and international organisations.

Delegates were also introduced to how the digital passport would be accessible via mobile applications and online platforms, with secure, role-based access for a wide range of stakeholders. These include owners, riders, grooms, veterinarians, breeders, national federations, and public authorities.

Defined as more than a digital record, the equine digital passport was presented as a secure ecosystem, designed to hold a verified identity and complete history for each horse throughout its lifetime, while ensuring data integrity and privacy.

The FEI General Assembly 2024 in Abu Dhabi (UAE) did not mark the launch of a finished product. Instead, it represented the official introduction of the concept, confirmation to proceed with development, and the beginning of an extensive technical, veterinary, and legal review process.

A projected timeline shared at the Assembly indicated that the first release of the equine digital passport would be available in 2026, initially covering FEI competing horses, with later phases expanding to national federations and the wider equestrian community.

In retrospect, the FEI General Assembly in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in 2024 stands as the moment when the equine digital passport vision was first presented on a global stage. It marked the transition from idea to structured project, driven by the shared priorities of horse welfare, clean sport, biosecurity, and safe international movement.

Equipass continues to build on that original vision, carrying forward the work toward a more connected, secure, and future-ready equestrian ecosystem.