HORSE Sport Ireland has suggested it may yield to widespread backlash over its new €60 High Performance levy, but had not yet confirmed a reduction at the time of press.

News of the levy was met with strong opposition from all corners of the horse sport community resulting in a number of complaints and queries to the Board of HSI.

The levy, which is to be paid on every Irish entry to an FEI event, was seen as a step too far with riders already facing hefty costs and fees to compete internationally. The levy was introduced as a means to raise funds to prop up the HSI High Performance programme, which has itself been heavily criticised over the past year.

Contributions to the HP programme from HSI’s main affiliates (Showjumping Ireland, Dressage Ireland and Eventing Ireland) have ceased in recent years due to what the affiliates perceived as a lack of transparency around how the funds were being allocated. Those contributions were made on top of the Sport Ireland allocation to HSI for High Performance, which in 2025 was €900,000.

The new levy was introduced as a measure to make up for this contribution shortfall, however, it was introduced without consultation and was widely criticised as being a ‘money grab’ and one that would hit grassroots and young riders too hard in the pocket.

Fears it would cause a downturn in overall Irish international entries and impact entries at Ireland’s vital few international competitions, were also voiced.

In response to questions about the levy, HSI said the following: “HSI has received feedback over the past week from athletes, affiliates and organising committees regarding the planned HP levy.

“The Board and Management are considering that feedback and will have further updates on the levy in due course. The organisation is committed to maintaining a stable, transparent and sustainable funding model for Ireland’s equestrian high-performance programmes.”

The Irish Field pressed HSI to confirm whether a price reduction or a pause in the levy was on the cards, but did not receive a response in time for print deadline.

Letters to Board

In a letter to the HSI Board, Robert Fagan of Mullingar Equestrian Centre said: “This levy has been imposed without any consultation with affected stakeholders, organisers or athletes.

“It is yet another example of the disrespectful and high-handed attitude of the HSI executive to participants of the sports horse industry. In an already high-cost sport, this additional fee represents a significant and unnecessary burden, one that risks becoming the final straw for many participants.

“Based on our 2025 numbers, this tax would impose almost €30,000 in extra costs on athletes competing at Mullingar alone. For many riders, this level of additional cost is simply unsustainable.

“Introducing a tax that penalises our athletes and undermines participation feels like yet another avoidable blow delivered by an organisation that purports to support and govern our sport.

“Should this levy be applied to Mullingar International competitors in 2026, we will be forced to seriously re-evaluate our position regarding hosting our back-to-back CSI* shows. We consider this decision to impose this levy to be unfair, harmful, and entirely counterproductive to the sustainability and growth of international show jumping in Ireland.”

Mr Fagan asked the Board members whether they, as individuals, supported the levy and at time of print was awaiting a reply.

The Showjumping Ireland Board wrote to the HSI Board asking for the immediate suspension of the levy. “Many athletes compete frequently internationally, therefore the levy becomes punitive, rather than supportive,” they said.

“Athletes and parents of junior riders have already expressed that the costs will likely force them to reduce or stop FEI participation. International outings are essential for talent development, but are now priced beyond reach. This contradicts HSI’s stated aim of broadening the high performance pathways.

“This may also cause difficulties for Irish riders attempting to find employment or positions within foreign yards, as they will now be seen to bring additional expense with them, by virtue of this charge.”

Dressage Ireland (DI) also wrote to the Board of HSI asking for the levy to be suspended. It stated: “This measure runs directly contrary to the goal of supporting and developing HP dressage in Ireland. Our riders already self-fund the vast majority of their international campaigns. Adding a further financial barrier risks discouraging participation at CDI level and weakening Ireland’s representation on the international stage.

“DI remains committed to building a strong HP pathway, but we cannot support measures that undermine rider development. We urge HSI to reconsider this decision and engage constructively with us on a sustainable, athlete-centred approach,” the letter concluded.