In previous years, a passport (or Identification Papers) has been produced for Australian thoroughbreds. The production of these papers will cease for 2003 foals onwards and will be replaced by the Thoroughbred Identification Card at the time the horse is parentage verified. Click here to read more about the phase out of passports.

When is it issued?

Thoroughbred Identification Card is produced at the time a horse is parentage verified.

Every foal born from 2003 onwards and every broodmare in Australia is required to have a DNA test (referred to as Parentage Testing). Only authorised ASB veterinarians can carry out the extraction of hair required for this test.  A DNA hair testing kit will be sent to the breeder by the ASB.
 
Please note that if a foal dies, its Parentage Testing Kit must be returned to the ASB as soon as possible.

When will my kit be sent?

The ASB will advise breeders of a two-month period in which their foal/s must be parentage tested. This is done at the same time as microchipping.

See our Foal Identification Checklist.

All imported horses are required to be DNA typed to enable acceptance into the ASB.

When is it due? 

An import application form is due within 30 days of the horse’s arrival.  The ASB will forward a DNA hair testing kit to the import applicant.

All foals born in Australia from 2003 onwards are required to be microchipped.

What is the process?

The ASB will advise breeders of a two-month period in which their foal/s must be microchipped.  This is done at the same time as parentage testing.

Only authorised ASB veterinarians can carry out the implanting of microchips.  The ASB will forward the microchipping kit to the breeder. Breeders should then organise the authorised ASB vet to implant the microchip.

Microchipping is completed at the same time as parentage testing.

Mares and stallions born prior to 2003 and Shuttle Stallions are not required to be microchipped.

All thoroughbred horses in the Australian Stud Book are required to be freeze branded. Breeders who do not have unique brands (ie: other breeders have the same brand) must look in the Brands Register on this website to find out what numbers foals should be branded or call the ASB on 02-9663 8411.

When do I freeze brand my foal? 

Foals must be freeze branded by 31 March of the first year of their life.

The Australian Stud Book is accumulating a database of all registered thoroughbred brands in Australia. Visit the Brands Register.

How do I register my brand? 

Breeders should register their brands with the ASB as soon as possible to acquire a Brand Index Number.

Once registered with the ASB, a breeder’s brand is allocated a Brand Index Number.  This number is required to be provided to the veterinarian carrying out parentage testing and microchipping.

What is my brand index number used for?

Veterinarians must quote the Brand Index Number on the Microchip, Brand and Sample form.

Step 1

If you do not have your brand registered with the Australian Stud Book, download a form from the Australian Stud Book website or contact the Stud Book. Once registered, you can obtain your Brand Index Number.

Step 3

Wait for the ASB to send your foals parentage testing kit. The kit will provide you with the dates that you are required to organise the vet to parentage test your foal (see kit contents).

Step 5

Approximately two weeks after the vet has taken the sample, check that the foal has been parentage verified on the Unnamed Produce page.

1

Complete sale entry form (available from sale companies).

Send the horse’s Document of Description (if born before 2003) or Thoroughbred Identification Card to the sales company with the entry form.

Sales company produces catalogue from entry forms received.

3

Horse is sold at sale.

Passport is forwarded to purchaser by the sale company.

Horse born in 2003 or after will not have a passport.