HORSE Sport Ireland says it is not yet in a position to give comparative figures on the number of FEI entries made by Irish riders since the introduction of its High Performance levy and the same period last year.

It also says it has not received any communication from riders seeking employment overseas regarding them being discriminated against due to the levy - despite this being a fear raised by many.

HSI also confirmed this week that the levy is applied per horse, per event, and not per class.

By way of example, a rider may enter a horse at a CSI4* event and start that horse in multiple classes over the course of the show. This would generate multiple FEI “starts”, while the levy would apply once only for that horse and rider combination at that event.

HSI has previously confirmed it expects to generate €240,000 from the levy, based on previous annual international entries. That total equates to approximately 5,300 FEI entries per year.

Answering questions on the matter, a spokesperson said: “There will be no change to the levy, as announced on December 9th, 2025, at a price of €36.50 excluding VAT (€45 net).

“This levy amount, as was communicated in December, ensures that HSI maintains compliance with Sport Ireland’s funding criteria, while also reducing the High-Performance Levy cost to athletes. HSI understands that this High Performance Levy will impact athletes financially and understands that it has the potential to impact their planned schedules.

“HSI has not received any communication from athletes regarding Irish riders being discriminated against regarding employment, but would encourage them to do so if this is the case. Comparatively, however, major nations in Europe and around the world also use similar administration fees, pre-show entry.

“The levy pricing, however, was amended and reduced by 25 per cent in December and reflected both the needs of the athletes to have a lower levy amount, as well as the financial realities of running a High-Performance programme.

“As previously communicated, the sports themselves need to partly fund their High-Performance programmes to unlock the required funding from the State through Sport Ireland.

“The current model for High-Performance equestrian sport in Ireland has broken down as key Olympic affiliates have stopped remitting the necessary funds to HSI in recent years. This levy brings stability to the system and the funding model, and will ensure the continued delivery of an Olympic High-Performance programme.”