CHANGING mindsets, sharing knowledge and providing education were the standout messages from the panel presenting the Horse Sport Ireland (HSI)-commissioned report, Environmental Sustainability: Equestrianism, Equine Breeding and Equine Sport Report, unveiled at the RDS Library.

There was also an emphasis on ensuring the horse sport community did not regard the report as criticism of past practices or a means to force change.

The project involved six months of research, with consultants interviewing industry stakeholders, conducting site visits and conducting an industrywide questionnaire with the resulting report identifying best practice, challenges and opportunities in adopting environmentally sustainable practices within the sport horse community.

Ruth Dancer of White Griffin, who conducted the research and prepared the report, said it was reassuring how many survey respondents wanted education and information about adopting sustainable practices.

“There is a common misconception that horses don’t have an impact on any of this but they do. Emissions from transporting horses and running generators at events, the use of water on the land, the use of resources to produce feed, tack and supplements and the use of the land all have an impact on the ecosystem,” she said.

“But none of this means we have to stop what we are doing. This report is not a means to force change, or create a bubble of negativity around the industry, it’s about thinking about our impact and learning about what we can do.

“There will of course be regulations coming down the track and this gives us time to prepare. It’s also about social license, younger generations expect us to do the right thing and protect the environment for the future.

“What is very reassuring from our survey is that 95% of respondents wanted educational resources, they weren’t looking for money, they just wanted to know what they could do, so it’s clear that the equestrian community can be a shining light going forward.”

Reducing emissions

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue, TD spoke of the role and responsibility of the equine sector in terms of the government’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve a 25% reduction in emissions by 2030.

“This will require a significant change and the equine sport sector has an important role in that,” he said.

“The Irish equestrian industry has a deep-rooted history in our culture, it is not just a source of pride but also a critical contributor to our economy. Exports of sport horses and thoroughbreds were worth more than €400 million to the economy last year, with an estimated €185 million in sport horse export sales.

“We must view this report as an opportunity for growth, not as a critique of past practices. We have a responsibility to act decisively, to protect our natural resources, and to ensure that the industry thrives without compromising the environment that sustains it.

“By taking decisive action now, we can ensure that future generations inherit an Irish equestrian industry that is thriving, resilient, and environmentally harmonious.”

Schemes

When asked about committing further funding to assist HSI in implementing the recommendations, the Minister said it was premature at this point but noted that in many instances, changes made toward sustainability are cost neutral or cost positive, such as rainwater harvesting, and commended industry leaders Connolly’s Red Mills, Tipperary Equestrian Centre and Coolmore for initiating these practices and setting an example for the wider industry.

Also speaking on funding change, Ms Dance said that in her experience there has been a shift in attitude, and people were no longer using lack of funding as a reason not to do anything about sustainability.

Denis Duggan, CEO of HSI, said it was also important to note a number of existing schemes available to support adopting environmental best practice and encouraged those interested to engage with Horse Sport Ireland.