HORSE Sport Ireland (HSI) has launched the 2024 Participation Grant for its sporting affiliates, a scheme that was introduced in 2020, to increase participation in equestrian sports.

The purpose of the grant is to stimulate growth in terms of participation numbers across various disciplines, through quality experiences, environments and supports.

It seeks to support projects that drive increased participation through initiatives that create a positive environment, aiming to make equestrianism more accessible, increase participation of women and provide support, resources and knowledge transfer to all members of the horse sport sector.

Now in its fifth year, the HSI Participation Grant has supported around 45 projects so far, with over €300,000 invested in grassroots equestrianism.

These projects have included training events for members, non-members and volunteers; education for equestrian instructors, as well as for officials and organisers; setting up and reestablishing Irish Pony Club Branches; launching the youth equitation programme, Elevate by Dressage Ireland and the Irish Pony Society; and development of the Showjumping Ireland Sportsman membership.

HSI said it has been, and continues to be, delighted to support these programmes that foster the development of equestrian sport at grassroots level.

Applications for funding are welcomed and anyone interested is urged to contact any of HSI’s sporting affiliates for further information.

For more details on funding that has been awarded to date, visit the HSI website: www.horsesportireland.ie