2023 Breeding Schemes and Initiatives now open

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to launch its breeding initiatives for 2023 and open schemes for applications.

These schemes are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) through National Breeding Services to the tune of almost €2.9 million, with additional production classes and events to be launched in the autumn.

Through several schemes, the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine, and equestrian governing body HSI have collaborated to ensure monetary backing for Irish breeders across the country, in all DAFM-approved Studbooks and Irish-bred studbook registered horses.

Funding for existing schemes has been made available and Irish studbook breeders nationwide are encouraged to apply for grants such as;

• Horse Sport Ireland Studbook Series (SJ & EV)
• Breeding Grant Sponsorships
• Young breeder programme
• SNP transition Scheme
• Mare Upgrade Scheme
• Mare X-ray Screening Scheme
• Starting scheme (formerly breaking)
• Schooling Scheme
• Embryo Transfer Scheme*
• Stallion X-ray Scheme

This year, HSI is delighted to introduce several new innovative schemes:

• Premium Mare Retention Scheme
• Colt Retention Scheme
• A graded Schooling Scheme (I & II)
• Environmental Research Report
• Environmental Sampling with the Irish Equine Centre
• ICSI* under the Embryo Transfer Scheme

Availing of this year’s initiatives and schemes – funded by the DAFM and administered by HSI – will help equine breeders to grow their operation and ensure they have the best possible opportunity to make successful breeding decisions, helping them to boost sales and increase potential for elite performance.

HSI Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development, Dr Sonja Egan said:

“The intention of all breeding schemes is to now develop of ‘cobweb’ of data on the Irish horse, which can be integrated into the innovative SNP transition project. This baseline data will be a huge support in beginning the database to monitor various traits in the Irish herd related to health and performance. This will take time, expertise – and a lot of data – but we want the equine industry to be in a similar place to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) genomic programme in the future.

“The HSI team adopted a consultation and outward looking approach in the development of new schemes, and tweaking of existing schemes, to maximise their benefit to the Irish breeders, both small and large, and the Irish herd. For example, the ICBF’s cattle genotyping, the ITBA environmental sampling collaboration with the Irish equine centre, and of course, engaging with equine stakeholders on their needs. Through this funding Irish-bred horses can continue to excel at home and on the international stage and market.

“In 2023 schemes will be issues in tranches, where funding is available, with the first set of application deadlines in June. This will help Irish breeders to get a quicker return on, for example, their x-rays or have the optimal period of time to have their horse produced and campaigned under the production schemes.

“I would like to recognise the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their support of theses scheme for Irish breeders and horses for 2023.”

For details on all schemes, eligibility criteria and associated deadlines head over to our Breeding initiatives web page by CLICKING HERE.

Breeding Schemes and Initiatives are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under National Breeding Services.