COMPETING ABROAD
A guide to entering FEI International events
A number of international events extend invitations to British drivers.
If you wish to compete at any of these events, please follow the guidelines below.

THE EVENT SCHEDULE
The events which have sent invitations for British drivers have schedules available to download. Go to our FEI International events diary. Please download the schedule and read it carefully.

In addition, useful information about many events is available on their own websites, which can also be accessed through our International diary page. Please note particularly the closing dates for the different stages of entry, as well as the organiser's email address, which is most useful in obtaining further information.
FEI HORSE &  DRIVER REGISTRATION
All competitors, as well as their horses or ponies taking part in International FEI classes at Horse Driving Trials, require to be registered with the FEI annually. Please see our guidelines on FEI Horse and Driver Registration and ensure that your registration is up to date. You must allow plenty of time for the registration process before the nominated entries closing date of your event.

Finding your driver or horse registration number
If you wish to check the FEI records for your registration number, please go to the pages linked below. All you need to do is enter your name or your horse's name in the "Any Name" box. This will show you the details for current as well as past registrations.

FEI search - DRIVER REGISTRATIONS and HORSE REGISTRATIONS

Please note that from 2010, any driver or animal which does not have valid and up to date FEI registration and a valid FEI horse passport will NOT be allowed to start in an international competition.

 

HORSE PASSPORTS
All horses competing at FEI competitions must have a valid FEI Horse Passport. This is NOT the same as the British horse passport issued by DEFRA. FEI passports last for 4 years and must be applied for or re-newed through the BHDTA office. If your horse's passport is out of date, please download the FEI Passport Application Form. Remember that the passport application/re-newal procedure can take several weeks, so apply in plenty of time. An additional fee will be charged for express applications. For more information, read our Horse Passports page.

RULES
All competitors must comply with the FEI General Regulations and the FEI Rules for Combined Driving Events. Copies of both rule books are available to download. Visit our FEI RULE BOOK page.

DEFRA PAPERWORK
Paperwork relevant to the export of horses and ponies is available from DEFRA. These forms can also be downloaded from the reference section on our website:

Export Licence Application for Horses (form EXH1)
Export Licence Application for Ponies (form EXH2)
Certificate of Fitness to Travel (form EXH8)
Declaration for competing ponies abroad (form EXH5)
Application for veterinary health certification for the export of live animals (TRACES)
 
VACCINATION
All horses wishing to compete at an FEI competition must provide proof of an Equine Influenza vaccination which is up to date and in accordance with the FEI Veterinary Regulations. More information is on our Equine Influenza Vaccination page.

ANTI DOPING REGULATIONS
 A guidance for drivers and a Medication Logbook is also available from our website. Please read these regulations carefully. The FEI will impose a minimum 2 year ban on anyone found using prohibited substances. More information.

Detailed information on prohibited substances and the rules and regulations can be obtained from the FEI Clean Sport website.

BACK PROTECTORS
From the start of 2010, it is compulsory under FEI rules for the driver and grooms to wear back/body protectors during the marathon phase of competition at all International events.

ENTRIES

ENTRIES IN PRINCIPLE
The event schedule will give you a closing date for entries in principle. Please email the BHDTA office BEFORE this date, stating your intention to enter. This is to give the BHDTA and the event organisers an indication of numbers, as entries from foreign competitors are often limited. No detailed information is required at this stage.

NOMINATED ENTRIES
Before the closing date for nominated entries, you must fill in and submit the on-line Nominated Entries Form from our website. You can nominate a number of horses (up to 10 for horse fours) which you may be using.

DEFINITE ENTRIES
By the closing date for definite entries, you must declare the horses you will actually use in the competition, including any spares.

SUBMITTING ENTRIES ON-LINE
Many driving competitions in Europe now require entries to be made via the HippoBase on-line entry system and this is the only way to enter the event. Please check the event schedule and if an entry via HippoBase is required, please contact the BHDTA office, who will be able to make the entry on your behalf.
PAYMENT OF ENTRY FEES
You will be responsible for paying your entry fees, as well as the cost of any stabling, feed, bedding, electricity, accommodation and any other costs associated with you being at the competition. The event schedule will give you information on how this payment should be made. Some events let you pay on arrival at the showfield, others may require payment in advance. Consult the schedule or email the event organiser to find out what to do. The BHDTA will not be responsible for any outstanding charges.
TRAVEL
You will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements and paying for the cost. Some events allow you to claim travel expenses. Details of how to do so will be given in the schedule.
 
Seafrance have offered the following rates, each way, for 2010
The more people that use Seafrance, the lower the rate will be.

Vehicles up to 6.99 metres - £88.50
Between 7 - 9.99 metres - £103.50
Between 10 - 11.99 metres - £128.50
Between 12 - 14.99 metres £ - 150.50
Vehicles over 15 metres - £168.50

Prices include 1 passenger and VAT has still to be added. There will be a fuel levy charge to pay, which is amended monthly. Full details of the surcharge calculations are available on request, or can be found on their website, www.seafrancefreight.com

To book, either call or fax the freight office in advance on 01304 203030 (phone 24/7) or 01304 212726 (fax 24/7). Bookings can also be made by email on freightcustomerservice@seafrance.fr

You will need to quote the account number, 26452, the vehicle registration and the vehicle length along with the payment method. Bookings must be prepaid by credit card or paid at the port prior to departure. Alternatively bookings can be made on the day of departure.

 
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