HORSE Sport Ireland (HSI) has announced almost €600,000 will be awarded to 86 equestrian bodies, societies and show organisations across the equestrian community in 2025 Breeding Grant Scheme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under National Breeding Services.

A total of 86 initiatives will be funded this year from the increased budget of €595,820, which has risen by €75,820 from 2024’s total of €520,000. The Breeding Grant Scheme provides prize money to an array of young horse classes at shows all over the country.

Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Minister Timmy Dooley, T.D, joined HSI Chief Executive, Denis Duggan, and Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development, Dr Sonja Egan, in Banner Equestrian Centre, Ennis, Co Clare, along with grant awardees representing Scariff Show, Banner Equestrian Centre, Clarecastle Show and the Irish Draught Horse Society to announce the allocation of funds to this year’s worthy recipients.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Dooley said: “It is a testament to applicants, and to the funding provided by DAFM as delivered by HSI, that this €600,000 is the highest amount provided to this initiative and I was very pleased also that there are 86 successful applicants. The sport horse industry in Ireland is in a very healthy position and this extra funding will only serve to strengthen that position.”

Denis Duggan said: “The demand for this scheme continues to rise each year, with over 100 applicants for funding in 2025. We are delighted to be in a position to support 86 shows in total with this DAFM fund. This funding plays a pivotal role in the breeding and production of the next generation of Irish horses by supporting young horse classes at rural shows.”

Dr Sonja Egan added: “The Breeding Grant scheme hones in on the breeding and production of young horses, with opportunities for breeders and producers to produce and add value to their horses in every corner of Ireland.”

The Dublin Horse Show is the largest funding recipient with €220,000 allocated to Ireland’s flagship five-star event for 2025.

The Irish Breeders’ Classic and Millstreet (for three separate shows) will each receive €35,000, while the Young Event Horse Series – held at four different locations in June and July – has received an allocation of €17,950. Clarecastle Show, now cancelled this year due to a date clash, had been allocated €20,000 before it’s cancellation.

The Irish Shows Association has been granted €15,500 in another boost to the additional €1 million in funding announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development this week, and the Traditional Irish Horse Association (TIHA) will receive €15,000. See www.horsesportireland.ie for the full list.