Horse Sport Ireland open Department of Agriculture-funded DAFM Studbook Series

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to launch the 2024 DAFM Studbook Series for Show Jumping taking place in nationwide from April to July. This Series is delivered by Horse Sport Ireland, and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) under National Breeding Services. The 2024 series is open to all DAFM-approved studbooks with a total prize fund of €89,300.

Following extensive feedback, the 2024 Studbook Series will implement several positive changes towards young horse production, horse welfare, course design and promotion:

• The series will take place over four two-day and three one-day shows, with a break occurring over the RDS qualifier dates.
• Each leg will have a new maximum height allowance to facilitate the gradual production of young horses.
• The open water will be removed from the 5-year-old course and remain as (optional-)compulsory for 6- and 7-year-olds.
• A groom’s prize will be introduced for the first time to recognise the vital role grooms play in maintaining the health and wellbeing of young horses participating in the series.
• The DAFM Studbook series will be livestreamed for free internationally on the Clipmyhorse.tv platform, during the event. HSI will post all clear rounds on their online platforms thereafter.

All riders/breeders and producers must familiarise themselves with terms, conditions, and eligibility of the DAFM Studbook Series HERE.

Classes for 5-year-old, 6-year-old and 7-year-old horses will be held at selected venues throughout Ireland listed below.

In this series riders, breeders and owners will be rewarded for their breeding and production decisions through several class and league-based prizes. There will be a total prize fund of €89,300 for the series. Breeders’, and for the first time, grooms’ prizes will be awarded for leading performance in each class and overall league results. The recognition and support for leading young riders remains in place following its success in 2023.

Sonja Egan, PhD, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development had this to say on the DAFM Series launch:

“There has been much considered review and reflection on the format of the series and what the industry wishes to achieve from it. Following engagement with Show Jumping Ireland, producers, breeders, course builders, the Lanaken Chef d’equipe and other participating stakeholders the series will see several beneficial changes in 2024.

These adaptations are aimed at reducing congestion in the calendar, improving production opportunities for breeders/producers nationwide with revised maximum heights for each leg. This will, most importantly act to mitigate welfare issues related to over phasing and over jumping horses at critical stages of development while recognising the vital role that grooms play in supporting the horse and rider combinations to be on top form for each leg.

Finally, riders and producers have consistently highlighted the value of national and international livestreaming as a mechanism to promote their stock. The Clipmyhorse.tv platform will support this in 2024. The Horse Sport Ireland Team and I look forward to the delivery of this initiative and meeting you all out throughout the series!”