HORSE Sport Ireland released a statement on Thursday to reassure breeders that the registration unit continues to operate as normal. “The passporting system and timelines have been unaffected by the recent developments involving the organisation going into examinership.”
HSI said it had been made aware of a false narrative claiming that passports and registrations will not be processed as a result of these recent developments, adding: “This is categorically false and applications are not affected.”
Breeders were reminded that the early bird pricing of €155 for a foal passport registration with pedigree and €170 for a foal passport with pedigree and naming ends on Monday, August 31st. After that date, breeders will pay €210 and €255, respectively.
The Irish Field understands that all DAFM schemes and sponsorship delivered by HSI will continue to proceed as normal.
Staff briefed
The staff at Horse Sport Ireland were told the news at an all-staff meeting on Monday afternoon. It is understood it came as a big shock and the fear of redundancies lingered as the examiner took hold of the business on Tuesday.
In a statement to The Irish Field on Monday, August 24th, HSI said the decision to seek examinership “follows the crystallisation of a substantial legacy liability relating to the defence of a longstanding legal action brought by Studbook Development Ireland Limited t/a Warmblood Studbook of Ireland against various defendants, including HSI.
“Having considered all the available options, and taken professional legal and financial advice, the Board believes that Examinership provides the best available opportunity to protect the organisation, preserve employment and secure its long-term future.
“Horse Sport Ireland continues to operate, and management will work constructively with the Examiner, employees, funders, creditors and other stakeholders throughout the process.”
Department stance
In response to questions from The Irish Field, Sport Ireland said it will work with the examiner and HSI on future funding and for the continuation of High Performance teams. Sport Ireland said it was made aware of the immediacy of the legal and financial issues in June 2026.
“In 2026, Sport Ireland provided HSI with €1.16 million in Core funding and €945,000 in High Performance funding. Total High Performance funding for the LA28 [Olympic] cycle is projected to be €3.735 million.
“Sport Ireland will work with HSI to ensure the continuity of sporting outcomes, including those that concern the Irish High Performance equestrian teams. Sport Ireland understands this is a challenging and uncertain time for staff. We note management have committed to working constructively with employees throughout the process, as well as with the Examiner, funders, creditors and other stakeholders,” the statement added.
On Friday, a spokesperson from the Department of Agriculture said: “While the Department was aware that HSI was experiencing financial challenges, on August 14th it was advised by the Board of the fact that attempts to secure bank funding to meet debts primarily linked to an ongoing legal case was unsuccessful and of the subsequent Board decision to petition the High Court for Examinership.”
“Strong oversight”
The spokesperson added: “The Department has very strong oversight and controls in place with HSI to monitor HSI’s performance and ensure the delivery of services that HSI is contracted to deliver on behalf of the Department. The Department has no information to suggest that public funds are at risk or knowledge about future HSI staffing matters.”
HSI was notified that its renewal tender for the DAFM National Breeders Service had been accepted on July 31st. However, it is understood that no contracts have been signed.