Equine classification in France

The IFCE guarantees the implementation of stud-book regulations, certifies parentage and carries out the material upkeep of the genealogical book. It also ensures the issue of identification documents for the animals of these different breeds. In 2021, there were 56 breeds which can be divided according to the type of equine : warmblood horses, ponies, draft horses and donkeys. 

Between 2008 and 2013, agreements were signed betwen the SIRE and certain foreign stud-books. This enables breeders to register their foals born in France in the original breed stud-book.

In concrete terms, breeders declare the birth of their foals to the  IFCE, who is then in charge of getting the registration approved with the foreign stud-book with whom an agreement was signed.

The IFCE certifies parentage and issues an identification document bearing the name of the breed.

These breeds are fewer and fewer, because since 2013, it has been possible to request the issue of the breed identification document directly from the foreign stud-book authorities.

These are breeds for which the IFCE issues an identification document based on the information from a certificate of origin issued by the stud-book of origin. This compensates for the fact that stud-books from countries outside the European union cannot issue identification documents which comply with the format imposed by European regulations.

Since 2013, horses born in France can have a document issued by an issuing authority other than the IFCE. These horses must then be registered in the SIRE central database if they are stationed on French territory.

For some breeds, an agreement signed with the IFCE allows registration with the SIRE to be carried out from the information transmitted by the issuing authority.

This designation applies to :

• Cross-bred animals where the cross-breeding is not provided for in a genealogical book.
• Animals from parents who are not registered for breeding in a genealogical book, or who bear the designation OC (certified origin) or ONC (non-certified origin).

In either case, this means that the animal’s age, and both the sire and dam’s ages are known and certified.

Any horse that cannot be designated in any of the above categories is designated as being of « uncertified origin ».

In other words, any animal not registered in a stud book and who cannot be designated as being of « certified origin » is of « uncertified origin ». There is no pedigree noted on his identifcation document.

Since 2010, the IFCE no longer enters any births in these registers. The animals formerly entered in one of theses registers, retains his designation, and those born after 1st January 2010 are now designated as being of « Certified origin ».

The classification of equines lhas consequences, particularly regarding their participation in different shows and competitions.

Here is a reminder of the 4 different types of show in France :

• Breeding competitions : public events, organised with a view to promoting the best subjects so as to improve genetics.
• SHF competitions : to enhance the value of sports horses and ponies.
• FFE competitions : organisation of « official » competitions
• Club competitions, managed by the FFE.

The chart below summarises the issues raised :