EQUINE farmers in Ireland have access to several grants and schemes aimed at supporting breeding, production and infrastructure development. Here are some of the key opportunities currently available:

National Breeding Services Schemes

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has opened applications for the 2025 National Breeding Services schemes, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

These schemes are designed to support breeders, producers and owners in the breeding and production of sport horses. They cover various stages of a horse’s development, from conception to seven to eight years of age, and offer opportunities to enhance the value of equine stock through breeding and performance initiatives.

As of this week, all of the schemes except the Embryo Transfer scheme, the Environmental Testing scheme, the High-Performance Stallion X-Ray scheme and the Stallion Health Screening scheme are available, the rest are already oversubscribed and have waiting lists.

This year, all scheme applicants must upload proof of 2024 Equine Census as part of the application process. Applications will not be accepted without proof of valid Equine Census. Closing dates are subject to availability under the maximum budget allocation, schemes may close earlier owing to oversubscription.

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3)

Tranche seven of TAMS 3 opened on March 31st and will remain open until June 6th.

In March 2023, the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme, under new Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) was opened for applications for the equine sector.

TAMS provides funding for capital investments on farms and will be in place for five years with a budget of €370m.

The grants will assist all eligible farmers to improve equine housing, training facilities and fencing.

What are the main points causing rejection of applications for equine?

There are several rules to remember when it comes to making your TAMS application, and failing to comply with these rules will result in your application being disqualified or a claw back of grant aid.

Throughout TAMS III, there are rules which are universal and extend across all applications, while each of the sub-schemes have their own specific rules as well. DAFM reported the following two rules in particular causing rejection of equine applications:

  • Applicants have not had a minimum of 5ha of land (either owned or rented) declared on the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) or equivalent in the year of application or preceding year as required.
  • The 5ha rule for equine also requires a minimum of three equines declared on the equine census or equivalent on the year preceding application, with no exception.

    • Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Scheme

    The BISS scheme provides income support to farmers practicing sustainable agriculture. Payments are based on the number of eligible hectares farmed, with the aim of ensuring a viable income for farmers committed to sustainable practices.

    Applications for BISS must be submitted online annually. Farmers can apply for grants and schemes related to equine investments through the BISS application portal, with a closing date of May 15, 2025.

    For more information on BISS scheme, visit the DAFM website.

    Teagasc Student Maintenance

    For those pursuing full-time Level 5 or Level 6 courses in agriculture, including equine studies, Teagasc offers a maintenance grant to assist with living costs. The grant is means-tested, and applications for the 2025 academic year are open until September 30, 2025. Students are encouraged to explore the opportunities that best align with their operational needs and goals.