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Article from the "Fjord Horse National Studbook Association of Great-Britain"

We know the uncertainty surrounding Brexit is a concern for many equine owners, workers and employers and we have had many calls from people asking for clarification. So here is the most relevant, up to date information from UK Government sources and we have attempted to explain some of the key elements which we feel are relevant.
The purpose of this article is not to discuss the suitability of any arrangements, or even Brexit itself, but purely to help people sift through reams of important information to find the answers to the most common questions about what to expect.
As things stand now
At the time of writing this article (29th January 2020), the British Government assures us that they have reached an agreement between Great Britain and the EU on Great Britain’s withdrawal from the EU – Great Britain left the EU on 31st January 2020 at 11pm.
What you need to know
There are 3 important phrases heard regarding Brexit:
1. the Withdrawal Agreement
2. the Transition Period
3. a No-Deal Brexit
In this article we have put together important information for our owners and breeders.: We have within the Association, riding establishments, trainers, importer and of course owners.
1. British equine workers living in and working with horses in other EU countries (referred to as “EU Member States”)
2. EU citizens living in and working with horses in Great Britain/the UK
3. Travelling horses to and from EU countries
A short explanation of “the Withdrawal Agreement”
The Withdrawal Agreement is the term used for the mutual agreement (the deal) between the UK and the European Union on the terms under which the UK will be removed as an EU Member State. This only applies to the period between 11pm 31st January 2020 and 31st January 2021. Great Britain will no longer be an EU Member State but will still operate under EU laws. The Withdrawal Agreement doesn’t constitute a “Trade Deal”, which is yet to be negotiated, it is purely the terms under which Great Britain will operate in association with the EU for the next 12 months. This includes factors which will affect the equine industry, such as:
• British equine workers in EU countries
• Equine workers from EU countries working in the UK
• Travelling horses between the UK and other EU countries,
A Withdrawal Agreement has always been the favoured arrangement for leaving the EU, as opposed to a “no-deal Brexit”. Now it is agreed, the Withdrawal Agreement will be implemented between the 31st January 2020 and the 31st December 2020. This is the period in time in which the current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply, allowing individuals and businesses to prepare for 2021 when Great Britain fully leaves the EU.
This period in time has previously been referred to as “the Implementation Period”, but now the UK Government is officially referring to it as the “Transition Period“.
The meaning of a “No-Deal Brexit”
A No-Deal Brexit has referred to Great Britain withdrawing from the EU without a Withdrawal Agreement in place. A Withdrawal Agreement is now in place, however, trade deals are yet to be discussed with the EU. We will update details regarding any equine relevant trade deals as they are confirmed.
TRAVELLING HORSES TO AND FROM THE EU AFTER BREXIT
Needless to say, this is very important information for anyone who moves equines between the EU and UK.
Throughout the Transition Period import and export rules will remain the same. After 31st January 2021 when the Transition Period ends there will be new procedures to follow. Here are the key details…
Bringing horses from EU countries into UK
From 1 January 2021, the rules for importing equines from the EU to the UK will not change straightaway, although there will be a new system to notify the UK authorities.
Travelling horses from the UK into EU countries
Equine ID (passports), issued by industry, would continue to be used in the UK, as they contain information relating to identification and veterinary procedures undertaken that could help to maintain a robust national equine health and traceability regime.
These industry-issued passports would continue to be valid for EU travel for horses registered either on a studbook or pedigree register; or with a national branch of an international organisation for racing or competition.
All other horses and equines travelling from the UK to the EU would have to travel with a government-issued ID document which is expected to contain very similar information to that in existing passports. This is a requirement of the EU in relation to movements from third countries.

UK Citizens already living and working in EU Countries
Freedom of Movement will continue to apply throughout the Transition Period. This means that UK citizens who are lawfully resident in EU member states are broadly guaranteed the same rights as they’ve had until 31st January 2020.
The Withdrawal Agreement: UK citizens’ rights
The UK Government has negotiated with the EU that UK Grooms, students etc lawfully living and working in an EU country:
• will continue to have broadly the same access to healthcare, pensions and other benefits as they currently do
• will be able to leave their EU country of residence for up to 5 years without losing their right to return, if they have acquired the relevant residency status (more on this below)
• close family members (spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, dependent children and grandchildren, and dependent parents and grandparents) will be able to join them, even after the end of the Transition Period, on the basis of current EU rules. All family members lawfully resident with an EU citizen at the end of the Transition Period will also be protected.
• their children, born or adopted, will be covered by the agreement if they are outside their EU country of residence until and after 31 December 2020
UK Groom, students and their families covered by the Agreement should note that:
• Individual EU countries may require a UK national, and their family members covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, to apply for a residency document or status conferring the right of residence
• residence documents will be issued free of charge or for a charge (except for items usually chargeable, such as passports)
The Transition Period: Living in the EU after 31st January 2020
During the Transition Period (31st January 2020 to 31 December 2020), freedom of movement rights will continue to apply to UK nationals. This means that UK nationals will be able to live in an EU country.
Members of the equine industry who are legally resident in the EU by the end of the Transition Period (currently 31st December 2020), will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and will be able to continue living in their EU country of residence, enjoying broadly the same rights to healthcare, benefits and pensions as at present.
During the Transition Period, UK nationals will enjoy the same rights to work in an EU Member State as before Brexit.
• if people hold, before the end of the Transition Period, a valid permanent residence document or a valid domestic immigration document conferring a permanent right to reside, they will be able to exchange it for a new residence document free of charge. Individuals may need to provide proof of identity and undergo criminality and security checks.
• new procedures or changes to existing procedures will be decided by each individual EU country. The Government will publish details of these procedures in their Living in country guides as soon as it becomes available.
People not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement: After the end of the Transition Period, future arrangements will be determined by the negotiations on the UK-EU future partnership.
EU citizens who have a UK Permanent Residence Document
You’ll need to apply to stay in the UK before the end of the “Grace Period” (30 June 2021) to continue living in the UK.

THIS INFORMATION IS TO BE USED AS A GUIDE. REGULATIONS MAY CHANGE AS THE UK GOVERNMENT AND EU EMBARK ON TALKS WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR - 2020. SO IF ANYTHING WRITTEN HERE INVOLVES ACTION YOU MIGHT TAKE IN 2020, PLEASE CHECK FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ON APPROPRIATE OFFICIAL WEBSITES.
WE WILL UPDATE YOU ON EQUINE MATTERS AS AND WHEN WE ARE INFORMED OF THEM.
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Invitation from Norges Fjordhestlag

The fjord horse stallion show will be held in Nordfjordeid, Norway, April 29th - May 2nd 2020.
We wish fjord horse lovers from all over the world welcome to take part in the year's biggest fjord horse event.

More information will be shared on our Facebook-page and website www.fjordhest.no

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