Horse Sport Ireland

About National Breeding Services

About National Breeding Services

Horse Sport Ireland delivers National Breeding Services schemes, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.These schemes contribute to the Young Horse Pathway delivered by Horse Sport Ireland. It is open and available to all studbook breeders, producers, and owners, and provides breeders with support for the breeding and production of sport horses.

These schemes provide support for all aspects of the sport horse sector with something for all breeders and all studbooks at each stage or age of the horse’s life; from conception to 7/8 years. They provide opportunities for horse and pony breeders nationwide to add value to their herd, in terms of both breeding, performance, and market value.

Not only do these schemes play an important role in supporting breeding and production, but also the health and welfare of the national herd, research, education, and knowledge transfer.

Not all horses are bred or produced for a career in top sport; and the vital role that these horses play in our industry. These differences in breeding goals are encapsulated in the schemes and initiatives offered, where many of the schemes do not require participating animals to have a performance record to participate.

 

Schemes are developed through the Horse Sport Ireland Breeding and Production Forum, through liaison with DAFM approved studbooks, and engagement with breeders, producers, applicants and owners at events and indeed through the feedback supplied on the completed schemes.

There has been an increase in the number of breeders engaging with these schemes over the previous years and continually encourage all breeders to look at the below table or indeed talk to the HSI Breeding department if they are interested in applying for a scheme and want to understand what the best fit for their breeding programme might be.

Under the National Breeding Services tab on our website we have organised Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funded activities into the following pages:

2026 Schemes are Now Open. Please CLICK HERE to access

Schemes will open on a seasonal basis.  Please see individual schemes for specific closing dates.

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to make themselves aware of the specific closing dates & deadlines for each scheme. HSI will not be responsible for non-payment due to missed closing dates.

You will need the following:

For all Schemes:

  • The registered owner’s details (name, phone number, email, address)
    • The registered owner’s bank details (IBAN and name on bank account)
    • The horse’s details (name, UELN, microchip, sex, YOB, sire, dam and damsire)

Scheme specific- please revert to individual scheme T&Cs:

Starting, Schooling and Premium Retention Schemes:

  • Producer details (name, email, phone number, address)

Schooling 2 and Premium Retention Schemes:

  • Verified damline performance details
    • Inspection results

Embryo Transfer, X-Ray and Health Screening Schemes:

  • Chosen Veterinary Clinic as per the information note(s)

A screenshot of your active Equine Operator Profile, from the AgFood Website is required when applying for all schemes.

Please CLICK HERE for a guide on how to find it.

For Residents for Northern Ireland, a valid EEN is required. Click HERE for further information.

Where an applicant cannot provide a screenshot of their Equine Operator Profile, their application will be rejected.

Go to the HSI website and click into the National Breeding Services schemes homepage. You can click on individual schemes to access the application forms. You can also add your email to be notified of any future schemes or Initiatives under National Breeding Services.

Note: 2026 Schemes are not open yet

Horses must be:

  • In the correct ownership
  • The correct age and sex for specific schemes (please see individual schemes for age and sex criteria).
  • Registered in a studbook, with a breed code recorded
  • Sired by a stallion approved with a DAFM or WBFSH Studbook (please see individual schemes for sire and damline criteria).
  • If horse is foreign bred: Endorsed in a DAFM studbook
  • In some cases, applicants will need to provide performance and or inspection detail.

PLEASE NOTE: To ensure that schemes operate on a first come first term basis; applications where the above is not in order cannot be approved. Should the applicant update their/horse’s details thereafter, a new application will need to be submitted.

I have been approved for a scheme. When can the X-rays/swabs/ET be taken?

  • Vet services can only be completed between scheme opening date and closing date.
  • Applicants must engage with producers/vets themselves to arrange appointments and dates.
  • Applicants are responsible for ensuring all requirements under the scheme are completed by the required date.
  • Failure to do will require removal from the scheme.

What do I need in my invoice? (Not applicable to X-Ray applicants)

  • Grant payments are made in respect of costs already incurred. Invoices (marked with proof of payment) must include the following:
  • Name and address of person receiving invoice (owner)
  • Name and address of person giving invoice (producer/ Vet Clinic etc.)
  • Date of Invoice (must be dated within scheme dates)
  • Invoice Number
  • Name and UELN/Microchip of equine the invoice refers to, which must be the same as the approved equine for the scheme
  • Description of services provided (schooling/livery, ET, X-Rays etc)
  • A total figure for the invoice, provided in €
  • Proof of Payment- invoices not marked as paid or accompanied by proof of payment are not accepted.
  • Only a physical, PDF or scanned copy of paid invoice will be accepted, photographs of invoices will not be accepted.
  • Invoices without the required detail cannot be accepted.

I have been approved for a scheme. When can the training be completed?

Training can only be completed between scheme opening date and closing date.

Training must commence within 10 working days after acceptance date.

Applicants must engage with producers themselves to arrange appointments and dates.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring all requirements under the scheme are completed by the required date. Failure to do so will mean expulsion from the scheme.

Taking Geotagged Videos is compulsory for the starting and schooling schemes.

This app is recommended: ‘Timestamp Camera Basic’

HSI accepts no responsibility or liability for any issues, damages, or consequences resulting from the use of geotagging or any associated applications.

Identification Video

Week 1 of Training

Week 6 of Training

Please see above templates for all required videos for the Starting Scheme

Please note: Horses are expected to be riding under saddle in both videos for the Schooling Schemes and should show advancement of their education in Week 8

Grant payments are made in respect of costs already incurred. Invoices (marked with proof of payment) must include the following:

  • Name and address of person receiving invoice (owner)
  • Name and address of person giving invoice (producer/ Vet Clinic etc.)
  • Date of Invoice (must be dated within scheme dates)
  • Invoice Number
  • Name and UELN/Microchip of equine the invoice refers to, which must be the same as the approved equine for the scheme
  • Description of services provided (schooling/livery, ET, X-Rays etc)
  • A total figure for the invoice, provided in €
  • Proof of Payment- invoices not marked as paid or accompanied by proof of payment are not accepted.
  • Only a physical, PDF or scanned copy of paid invoice will be accepted, photographs of invoices will not be accepted.
  • Invoices without the required detail cannot be accepted.

Funding is drawn down after all documentation is received, reviewed and audited for the entire scheme as per the T&Cs.

Due to the volume of scheme applicants and shows, HSI process scheme and prize payments in entirety for each funded scheme/show/ class/ event i.e.  not on an individual basis.

  • Horses/ponies must be studbook registered (main or supplementary section) with a breed recorded to avail of any scheme funding.
  • Own performance or dam line performance criteria apply to certain schemes.
  • All equines must be registered in the correct ownership for scheme funding.
  • Some schemes require that the animal has completed a studbook inspection.
  • Breeders and producers can also use the production schemes offered to add to dam line performance, adding value to the individual mare and her future progeny.
  • Breeders must upload proof of their equine census in order to avail of schemes (ROI)
  • The detail above and table provided highlights where performance is and is not a requirement of participation, please note that this is not a full list of eligibility terms.
  • Please see list below of schemes and initiatives offered in 2025:
Age groupSchemeValuePerformance?
ConceptionEmbryo Transfer€1,500Yes
FoalFoal ChampionshipPrize FundNo, for foals intended for jumping/eventing. 
2-5Mare x-rayTBC for 2026Yes, for performance breeds (1*), classification for rare breeds.
3-4Loose JumpingPrize fundNo, for fillies intended for jumping/eventing. 
3-4Starting Scheme€1,000No
4-6Schooling I€1,500No
4-6Schooling II€3,000Yes, 2* (1.20m equivalent), classification/studbook equivalent
5+Stallion x-rayTBC for 2026Yes for performance breeds (CSI2*/1.45m); classification for rare breeds.
5-7DAFM Studbook SeriesPrize fundNo but requires performance in jumping/eventing
5-7DAFM Development SeriesPrize fundNo but requires performance in jumping/eventing/dressage/CT and other potential disciplines
5-7Premium Retention Scheme€6,000Yes, own or dam line – age appropriate.
classification/studbook equivalent
5-7LanakenTBCWBFSH Studbooks (ISH & WSI) requires performance in jumping
5-7Le LionTBCWBFSH Studbooks (ISH & WSI) requires performance in eventing
LifespanBreeding GrantPrize fundRequires participation/performance at funded event. Breeders prize at each.
Health & welfareMS-SNP transition (adults)€36Open to breeding studbook registered horses
Health & WelfareMare Breeding Package€200Open to all breeding studbook registered mares
Health & WelfareEnvironmental/Hygiene Sampling>€TBCOpen to all studbook registered breeding horses less than 20 years old

Initiated in 2025, HSI launched the Mare Breeding Package. DAFM has notified the industry of an EVA vaccine shortage hence the focus must include screening to preserve herd health. Venereal screening should be commonplace in horse breeding; however, the sport horse sector has a notoriously lower uptake versus thoroughbred counterparts. Use of a certified veterinary practitioner ensures the procedure is safe, accurate, and in the best interest of the animal’s welfare. In addition, it also gives the breeder the opportunity to avail of a subsidised reproductive health screening and scanning scheme for their active breeding sport horse mares during the 2026 covering season. This scheme is open to all active breeding studbook registered mares carrying their own pregnancy in the sport horse sector (performance, rare and leisure studbook breeds) during the 2026 covering season. This scheme is open to all studbook registered mares (horses or ponies) and subsidises the cost of the pre-breeding scanning and health screening along with the post cover scans up to the 28-day scan.

Initiated in 2023,  Horse Sport Ireland and the Irish Equine Centre collaborated on the delivery of the sport horse environmental/hygiene testing scheme. This scheme was designed to support the prevention of enteric and respiratory disease in young foals. The scheme involves a farm visit by a microbiologist and/or environmental scientist to sample various aspects of the applicants breeding premises (foaling stables, foal paddocks, water, and fodder). These samples are analysed and reported back to breeders with regards to the hygiene status of the communal areas and the presence of any pathogens in the environment and the quality of forage. This preventative approach is more cost effective than being reactive and can greatly reduce treatment, loss of time in development of the animals, labour costs and loss of breeding outcomes for stallions and mares. In the thoroughbred industry, this scheme has been shown to reduce the incidence of disease in young foals by identifying any disease-causing microbes in communal areas, water, and forage, and rectifying any issues which may have arisen.

In 2025, HSI initiated anti-doping testing for horses participating in DAFM funded production events. This is vital funding which supports the integrity of DAFM funded young horse production classes and maintains welfare standards in monitoring the use and absence of controlled and banned substances. These substances could artificially improve performance or mask a performance issue. This initiative is integral to the maintenance of animal welfare and in support of appropriate young horse production, and HSI is delighted for its continuation in 2026.

In terms of schemes that don’t provide financial support to breeders or incur a small fee by the applicant; one of the consistently arising industry discussions is the concern regarding young people and their involvement, or lack of involvement in the industry.

The Young Breeders programme delivered in collaboration with Teagasc was described by most regional groups as a vital initiative during recent roadshows, owing to the quality and accessibility of the programme. The programme is recommended young people who are interested in horse management, breeding and assessment. The programme focuses on young horse conformation and performance assessment, horsemanship theory, horse handling and tours of yards that would ordinarily be closed to the public.

It is a joint initiative offered between Horse Sport Ireland and Teagasc, where Wendy Conlon in Teagasc has carefully curated the programme over several years to provide a balance of equine education, camaraderie, and fun for the participants.

HSI operate the breeding affiliate/society governance project, which enables relevant bodies to obtain support from a governance expert to develop in their own governance journeys. This includes but is not limited to constitutional updates, child safeguarding policies, human resources, board management etc.

HSI looks forward to supporting breeders and producers through the young horse pathway in 2026 and wish to acknowledge this funding of these scheme under National Breeding Services from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.