HORSE Sport Ireland putting the blame of delayed passports back on breeders who are at breaking point is not going to do anything to restore faith in the organisation.

That appears to be what the passport issuing organisation did in a statement yesterday (Friday). “HorseSource has in part been a victim of its own success,” said HSI about the new online passport system that was launched at the end of July, aimed at streamlining the process of applying for and receiving passports.

HSI said that it was expected only about 30% of breeders would avail of HorseSource during its first year of operation. When or where was that communicated to breeders? During an interview with this paper in July, the chief executive, Denis Duggan, said: “We are encouraging everyone to do the online application. If you can do your banking online, you can use HorseSource. If you can do your motor tax online, you can use HorseSource.”

A paper application costs an extra €25 (on top of the cost of €184.50) and takes more time and effort, so it is logical that the vast majority of breeders went online, like they were repeatedly asked to do.

HSI also said that breeders have been returning their foal kits four times faster than in previous years, adding to the backlog - but it must have occured to them that the amount of time breeders lost when the passport system was shut down from May to July, due to the migration of data from the old system to HorseSource, was going to cause an issue.

These issues have attracted enormous discussion and anger from individuals in the industry at all levels and are firmly on the political agenda too. I am hopeful that Horse Sport Ireland will continue to issue regular updates, keeping their customers updated, but it is only worthwhile if not pushing the blame around the table.

RIP to a legend

The equestrian community gathered in their hundreds this week to bid a final farewell to the legend that is Captain Con Power, who died after a long illness. While gathering tributes, it was evident how much of a mark he has left on the sport in Ireland. He was part of a golden era of show jumping on the national airwaves and he inspired many generations after him. Above all, he was an out and out gentleman, who had a hello for everyone. My deepest condolences to Margaret, Robert, Elizabeth, his granddaughter Emma, daughter-in-law Hannah, siblings and extended family and friends. The Captain’s legacy will live on. RIP. See a full tribute on pages 94-95.