THE North Eastern Counties Welsh Pony and Cob Association is trying to clear up some of the uncertainty surrounding the new equine passports to be introduced next year.

Karen Hepple, the organisation's show secretary, has received many calls from Welsh pony and cob owners who are confused about the situation.

She explained: "Many people who own Welsh ponies are not members of the main body, so are unaware of the new legislation and are worried about what to do".

Owners of a pony or cob registered before 2001 should have an A4 paper registration document. They must complete a colour and markings chart and send a £10 fee and the old registration form to the Welsh Pony and Cob Society.

Owners of ponies born after 2001 will have been issued with passports, but these do not contain the 15-digit number required. These also need to be returned to the society so they can be updated free of charge.

Another difficulty faces owners whose ponies do not have a registration form. If they know the registered name of the pony and breeding history, the problem is quite simple to overcome.

However, many people innocently buy ponies which are believed to be pure Welsh, but no papers are handed over on sale. Karen Hepple said: "There is very little the Welsh Pony and Cob Society can do and it's so sad for these people because so often they are fabulous ponies".

More details, along with colour and markings forms, are available from Karen Hepple on 01388 710447 or the Welsh Pony and Cob Society, 6 Chalybeate Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 1HP.