HORSE Sport Ireland says it has been engaging with Government since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East in relation to the impact that rising fuel prices are having on the sport horse sector and on equestrian sport. A HSI spokesperson said: “Since oil prices have increased sharply, Horse Sport Ireland has been expressing the serious concerns of those in the sector to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD; the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon TD; and to Department officials.

“We highlighted that, by its very nature, the sport horse sector requires vehicles and machinery that consume significant volumes of fuel. The movement of horses, both domestically and internationally, for competition and for sale is fundamental to the viability of businesses and individuals across the industry.

“Rising diesel costs are increasing the cost of attending events, exporting horses, and participating in international competitions, with serious consequences across the industry.”

Linked to fuel prices, HSI also highlighted the knock-on effect on fodder costs, which is likely to arise in the coming months, noting that the cost of grass-based feed will inevitably increase in line with rising fertiliser and fuel prices.

HSI said it has requested that Government ensure the sport horse and equestrian industries are included in any dispensations or supports afforded to the horse racing sector, the wider agricultural sector, or transport operators.

“Horse Sport Ireland will continue to highlight the issues facing the sector and to engage with Government on behalf of all those who ensure our sport and sector continue to function as a vital part of Ireland’s national and rural economy,” the spokesperson concluded.

Close eye

Among those who will be keeping a close eye on the effects of any problems on the national road network over the weekend are riders and supporters heading to two national championships.

Today, the Irish Pony Club Mackey national hunter trials are taking place at the Ballycahane Equestrian Centre in Co Limerick where the first riders in the first of 10 competitions, the Under 12s’ pairs, are due to start at 8.30am. The competition will end with the senior singles’ championship in which last year’s winner, the Laois Branch’s Megan Adams, will wear the No 351 bib.

Tomorrow, members of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs will be heading to the Nuenna Farm Equestrian Centre in Co Kilkenny for the Connolly’s Red Mills AIRC national hunter trials championships. Here, where they have a later start time of 10am, there are eight classes scheduled, commencing with the RC80 open pairs and concluding with the RC110 and RC120 championship