WITH just one week until polling day in the 2020 General Election, the big political parties and candidates across the country are pledging their support in building a vibrant sport horse industry in Ireland through additional funding and support.

At a Fianna Fáil agriculture press briefing in Dublin on Wednesday morning, agriculture spokesperson Charlie McConalogue was asked what his party would do for the industry, which is worth €816 million to the exchequer and supports 14,500 jobs.

“We very much value the potential of the horse sport industry and sector and what it does at the moment. But also, in particular, what it can do into the future,” McConalogue said. “There was a stratedgy published, Reaching New Heights, which outlined 32 recommendations in terms of how its potential can be further developed.

“We would fully support that and seek to back that if in government, and we were very much to the forefront over the last year or two as well in terms of trying to push to ensure that additional funding would have be provided – it went from €3 million to €4 million in the last budget.

“And that is going to be needed into the future to back the undoubted potential of the sport horse sector, which isn’t operating to its full potential at the moment, but with support it can do,” the Fianna Fáil spokesperson added.

For the first time, the current government, Fine Gael, have included the sport horse industry in their manifesto. It states: “We have doubled the level of funding for the horse sport sector and will continue to support the implementation of Reaching New Heights, which underpins the sector.”

There was no response from the Fine Gael press office to further questions asked by The Irish Field this week, however, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, TD, pledged to continue his support for the industry. Over the last three years, Ring has allocated €2 million to agricultural shows.

Funding for shows

Speaking to The Irish Field on Friday, Minister Ring said: “Over the last two years, I have allocated €2 million to the Irish Shows Association. I created this funding initiative because I understand their importance as rural community events.

“The shows are a much cherished fixture in the rural calendar. I am very supportive of these types of shows. They provide a welcome boost for local economies and attract visitors to enjoy our rural towns and villages. There is always a strong equine representation at the shows.

“I’m aware that some of the shows have been under financial pressure and I know that this money has had a really positive impact in helping them keep afloat.

“I plan, if re-appointed as Minister for Rural and Community Development, to continue support for the Irish Shows Association. In fact, one of the first things I would do, if returned, would be to open up the scheme again in order to provide support for the 2020 shows,” Ring concluded.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan was asked by The Irish Field if he could reassure those connected to equestrian sport that his party would support the equine industry if in government. He replied: “Ireland excels at horse breeding and horse sport. It employs a lot of people and brings joy to a lot of people. It’s a huge part of our culture and we would seek to continue that. It’s important we do it right and to the highest standards of animal welfare.”

However, the Greens’ support for equine pursuits does not extend to fox hunting. “Our position is against the hunting of wild animals and we have always been consistent on that. There are other forms of hunting, such as drag hunts, which we don’t have a problem with.”

Sustainable multi-annual funding

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry was asked what he would do for the sport horse industry. “If re-elected I would like to ensure that the horse sport industry funding from the state is increased across all sectors and disciplines annually to continue to allow the industry to develop. Going forward I believe a framework of sustainable multi-annual funding has to be put in place,” he told The Irish Field.

“The Irish Sport Horse industry is a vital part of Ireland’s economy. We need more incentives in general right throughout the industry from breeding and registering to showcasing and competing. If we can improve equestrian facilities nationwide, along with more incentives for internationals to travel to purchase with extra annual events, to assist showcasing Irish breeding and their abilities, then we can continue to see this vital sector evolve and grow,” Lowry added.

Animal welfare

A question to Labour from this publication was answered in terms of the thoroughbred industry only, but their manifesto also references animal welfare. “Labour will ring-fence part of the Betting Levy to fund animal welfare inspectors to ensure only the highest practice is permitted in any sports or pursuits involving animals and to reform the situation of unwanted dogs.”

Fine Gael’s manifesto also touches on horse welfare, stating: “We will oblige all local authorities to act appropriately to deal with horse welfare issues. We will develop additional urban horse welfare programmes, working with local authorities and charities involved in equine welfare to provide stabling facilities and educational programmes.”