IN 2025, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) received 5,797 pedigree foal passport applications and issued 4,778 completed passports. Of the total applications, 5,785 had a foal kit sent to the applicant (12 to go out imminently) and, of the 5,148 returned foal kits, 4,778 have been completed with 104 currently undergoing quality control checks. The remaining applications’ DNA samples are with the laboratory for analysis. 637 foal kits have not yet been returned from breeders to HSI for pedigree applications, which is 11 per cent of all applications.

Of the 4,746 passport applications, where the DNA samples have been returned to HSI from the laboratory, 98 per cent are processed and complete.

A further 5,000 applications were also processed through the Horse Source system, which was launched in 2024, covering services such as changes of ownership, amendments, importations and other statutory documentation.

According to HSI, ‘2025 proved a transformative year for Horse Source, Horse Sport Ireland’s digital passporting and registration platform, which has now established itself as a reliable and efficient service for sport horse breeders nationwide’.

“It was a major technological shift for the sector,” said HSI Chief Executive, Denis Duggan.

“Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draught breeders can now apply online and, in 2025, have confidence that their passports are processed promptly.”

Duggan acknowledged that the introduction of a new system was not without its challenges, particularly during peak breeding periods when timely documentation is critical.

“Breeders needed a service they could rely on at key times of the breeding season. We took that feedback seriously and acted quickly,” he said. “Historically, passport processing times regularly exceeded three months. Today, through HorseSource.ie, passports are being issued within three weeks of receiving a valid DNA sample.”

HSI attributes the improved turnaround to an investment in staffing and customer support, alongside continued development of the platform’s underlying technology.

“We increased staffing across the department and established a dedicated customer care team,” Duggan explained. “That has allowed us to respond more quickly, resolve issues efficiently and provide a level of support that reflects the importance of breeders’ work.”

The improvements have been particularly significant for breeders preparing foals for sale, where delays in paperwork were having serious commercial consequences.

“A key priority was ensuring that breeders heading to the sales could secure foal passports and documentation in a seamless and timely manner,” Duggan added. “This year, we have seen a marked improvement in turnaround times, helping breeders keep their businesses running smoothly.”

HSI has confirmed that further enhancements to Horse Source are planned, with additional features to be rolled out for breeders in the coming period. The organisation says its ongoing focus is on supporting industry needs, strengthening traceability and building long-term confidence in the national federation’s systems.

“Irish breeders, horses and athletes are at the heart of a world-leading sport horse industry,” said Duggan. “They deserve a system that reflects that standard. HSI remains committed to continuously improving Horse Source so it remains a dependable tool for breeders, not just now, but well into the future.”