A MAJOR new report commissioned on environmental sustainability highlighted that the Irish equestrian industry has a unique opportunity to become leaders in sustainability.

The Horse Sport Ireland (HSI)-commissioned report, Environmental Sustainability: Equestrianism, Equine Breeding and Equine Sport Report, produced by equine environment specialists White Griffin, was launched at the Dublin Horse Show yesterday (Friday) by the Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. (FF).

The Insights Report notes that the equestrian sector’s main areas of impact on the environment included a significant dependence on fossil fuels, used to power generators at events and also fuel horseboxes. Other impacts include the use of water to maintain ground conditions and protect horse welfare, the use of resources, and the use of the land.

The report finds that horses can be beneficial to land and form an important part of the ecosystem. It adds that there is a financial, legal, operational, and commercial imperative for the Irish equestrian sector to become more environmentally sustainable, particularly if it wishes to continue to operate as an Olympic and Paralympic sport.

Key recommendations

The report set out a series of 28 recommendations for the Irish equestrian sector and Horse Sport Ireland which include:

  • Supporting organisations within the equestrian sector to gain a better understanding of the risks, challenges and opportunities of environmental sustainability
  • Devise a strategy to minimise HSI’s own environmental impacts
  • Host an annual event dedicated to sustainability
  • Seek ways to support funding for sustainable measures or incentives for those who make changes
  • Engage all riders on environmental sustainability from youth participants up to the Olympic and Paralympic teams
  • Support research into equine-specific topics
  • Ensure environmental sustainability are on the agenda at Government level for equestrianism.

    • Social license a priority

    Launching the Insights report, Minister McConalogue said: “The protection and enhancement of our equestrian industry across every parish and community, while ensuring that equestrianism plays its part in mitigating climate change, environmental sustainability and social license is a priority for this Government.

    “The insights in this report are the result of dedicated research and collaboration between experts, industry stakeholders, and environmentalists. 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.

    “The solutions lie in knowledge sharing, collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. Our practices must adapt with evolving times, embracing eco-friendly technologies, promoting sustainable land management, and reducing carbon footprint. By taking decisive action, we can ensure that future generations inherit an Irish equestrian industry that is thriving, resilient, and environmentally harmonious,” said the Minister.

    Challenges and chances

    Horse Sport Ireland CEO Denis Duggan said: “The publication of this Insights report will create additional awareness within the equestrian sector about the challenges and opportunities that we face.

    “It is clear that there is very strong support within the sector for taking action to improve sustainability, and HSI will work with all stakeholders to deliver industrywide change across the entire sector.

    “More than two thirds (68%) of those surveyed for the report said environmental sustainability was “very important to them”, while more than eight out of 10 respondents (81%) said that improving waste management and recycling were the most important measures to take. Almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents believe that removing single use plastics will be a very important step to take.”

    The report, commissioned by Horse Sport Ireland in tandem with British Equestrian, provides a baseline for the industry, identifying areas of existing best practice and areas of opportunity.

    The project involved six months of research, site visits and an industry survey, with the consultants White Griffin interviewing a wide range of contributors from the worlds of breeding, competing, livery yards, event venues, suppliers, and riding centres.