Pony clubs have won praise from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for leading the way with horse movement requirements during the equine influenza recovery stage.

Since NSW was declared provisionally free of EI on February 28, horse event registrations (HER) and Travelling Horse Statements (THS) have been retained as interim requirements until freedom is confirmed.

NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Ian Roth, said Travelling Horse Statements compliance was excellent, but there was room for improvement on event registration compliance.

"Horse events include any gathering of 10 or more horses, or any number of horses from three or more properties," he said.

"This includes social gatherings and competitive events, all the way from trail rides to the Royal Easter Show.

"Pony clubs throughout NSW are to be congratulated on their outstanding response to the new compulsory event registration and THS protocols.

"The NSW pony club movement registered 202 pony club activities during the first two weeks of March."

Mr Roth said 76 race meetings and 39 equestrian events, including dressage, showjumping and one-day events, had been registered in the same period.

"Both the THS and HER forms can be lodged online at the NSW Department of Primary Industries website," he said.

"If you don’t have access to the internet you can call the NSW DPI EI hotline, or visit your local library, DPI office, or Rural Lands Protection Board office.

"A THS is an official document that must be carried at all times when transporting horses by vehicle for any reason within NSW, or when riding to a horse event.

"If attending an event, the registered event number must be included on the THS.

"The THS must be completed and signed before the journey starts and a copy carried with the horse during the journey. Moving horses interstate requires additional documentation.

"Horse events must be registered at least 72 hours before the event, or earlier if possible so that the event number can be supplied to people attending the event in time to get their statement.

"Once you know the event number, we advise that you immediately get your THS.

"Don’t wait until the last minute.

"Event organisers are required to collect all THS numbers from event attendees and report those numbers to NSW DPI.

"Entry of horses to events will not be allowed without a valid THS.

"Heavy penalties apply for breaches for THS and HER requirements."

Contact www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza or the EI hotline, 1800 675 888.