HORSE Sport Ireland (HSI) has launched the DAFM Studbook Series for eventing, which will take place from April to September. The series is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under its National Breeding Services, with a total prize fund of €65,000.

The 2024 series will be open to all young horses, provided they are registered in any studbook with a breed recorded.

The Studbook Series targets horses with potential to participate in the World Breeding Federations for Sport Horses (WBFSH) young horse championships at Le Lion d’Angers. Breeders’ prizes will be awarded for leading performance in each class and overall league results. There will also be a prize for the top mare and recognition and support for leading young riders in the form of league prizes.

Sonja Egan, PhD, Head of Breeding Innovation and Development at HSI, said:

“We are delighted to launch this year’s DAFM Studbook Series to support the production of young event horses here in Ireland. This year, the series is open to horses registered in any studbook, and not restricted to DAFM classified horses only. This aims to encourage participation and wider production opportunities available to Irish producers.

“Last year, the weather presented a considerable challenge to the eventing season, and we have worked together with Eventing Ireland to ensure the series is conducted over a longer period of the season, with contingency in place, should we face similar difficulties.

“We are very much looking forward to getting to the beginning of the series and wish all participants the very best of luck in the league.”

Dates listed below and entries are handled through Eventing Ireland: