A TOTAL of 120,912 horses are registered on the Department of Agriculture’s equine database.

The number was published on Friday by Minister Martin Heydon in a report on Ireland’s equine population, based on the returns of the equine census.

“The census return rate of 78% is the highest since the census was introduced and means that my Department now has the most accurate picture yet of our equine population,” he said. “This information is vital to ensure the ongoing health and welfare of our horses so that we can respond swiftly to disease risks, prevent outbreaks and ensure high standards of care.”

The headline figures in the report are:

• Total equine population: 120,912

• Total active equine premises: 22,593

The average number of horses listed on a census return was five but when nil returns were removed that figure went up to seven. A total of 88% of premises listed 10 horses or less. In addition to providing vital statistics on Ireland’s equine population, Minister Heydon further explained how important the census returns have been in the development of the new central equine database: “Strong traceability is essential for the welfare of our horses, while gaps in traceability allow for neglect and mistreatment without accountability. The census returns that have been submitted over the last 12 months have been converted into herd profiles and will form the basis of our new central equine database, which will be transformational for the sector.”

It is virtually impossible to put a definitive figure on the number of horses in Ireland. A 2013 report commissioned by Horse Sport Ireland and conducted by UCD estimated the total horse population in Ireland at approximately 180,000. These figures were compiled using a number of sources, such as Central Statistics Office data, the records of approved horse registration organisations and surveys of a wide range of parties in the industry itself.

The new central equine database can be viewed by keepers at MyAgFood.ie.