The national governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), has welcomed the new Moving Animal Welfare Forward strategy launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD.
Horse Sport Ireland particularly welcomes the increased focus on equine welfare and the specific measures proposed to build on the recommendations contained in Professor Paddy Wall’s 2025 report.
Earlier this year, HSI made a detailed submission to the Department outlining a range of measures that it believes should be central to the State’s approach to animal welfare, particularly in relation to horses.
Horse Sport Ireland welcomes the extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken by Minister Martin Heydon and his department during the development of the strategy and appreciates the opportunity afforded to contribute.
Speaking on the new strategy, HSI CEO Denis Duggan said: “The welfare of horses is a cornerstone of the work Horse Sport Ireland undertakes day in and day out. We work closely with DAFM and the Minister to strengthen safeguards, and the Department has undertaken extensive research and stakeholder engagement to further enhance animal welfare protections through this new strategy.
“Minister Heydon has consistently prioritised animal welfare, making it a key feature of the Programme for Government and driving the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Wall Report. The publication of this strategy further demonstrates that commitment and provides an important roadmap for continued progress.”
HSI particularly welcomes the commitment to enhance equine traceability through cross-border data sharing, additional traceability checkpoints and improved recording of equine deaths. Robust traceability systems are essential to protecting horse welfare throughout an animal’s lifetime.
Maintaining society’s trust is essential to the future of equestrian sport. Social licence is about more than complying with regulations. It is about demonstrating that horse welfare is at the heart of our decision-making. Public confidence in our sector depends on the highest welfare standards being consistently upheld.
“Collaboration with partners is a strong theme within the new strategy, and we look forward to supporting the Department in further improving welfare standards across the sector. Education remains one of the most effective tools for improving welfare standards and we welcome the strategy’s focus on raising awareness and promoting responsible ownership.”
Social Licence to Operate (SLO)
“Ultimately, the vast majority of people who work with and care for horses maintain the highest standards of welfare. However, we must ensure that those who fail to meet these standards are appropriately penalised. This is essential both to protect horses and to safeguard the future of Ireland’s equine sectors for generations to come,” said Mr Duggan.
Ireland has a global reputation for excellence in equestrian sport and breeding. Maintaining the highest standards of horse welfare is key to protecting that reputation, maintaining public confidence and ensuring a sustainable future for our sector.
Horse Sport Ireland looks forward to working with the Department and stakeholders across the industry to help deliver the aim set out in the strategy.