A studbook society has had its authority to issue passports revoked by the Scottish government in what appears to be the first case of this kind, following complaints that it was not operating efficiently.
The revocation against the Fjord Horse Stud Book Society (FHSS), also known as the Fjord Horse Registry of Scotland, came into force on Friday 29 February. It was found that a number of complaints regarding passport applications that were not being processed and it was, therefore,declared that the FHSS "no longer meets the criteria". From 29th February, all passports issued by the FHSS will become invalid and owners must reapply for a new one. This will affect approximately 60 horses. The FHSS, which was established in 1997 as a breakaway group from the Fjord Horse National Stud Book Association of Great Britain, will remain a breed society but will no longer issue passports. The Fjord Horse National Stud Book Association of Great Britain is happy to issue passports to FHSS members, however, they will have to pay again.