HORSE Sport Ireland has announced that it intends to establish five equine discussion groups under the new Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine knowledge transfer programme.

HSI staff member Michael Doherty has been approved as one of the facilitators for the scheme by the Department and each facilitator can set up a maximum of five groups, with between 12 and 18 members.

Michael Doherty, who has an equine business degree from NUI Maynooth, has been working with HSI for five years where he has been involved in key projects such as CapallOir - HSI’s online database and the Irish Horse Gateway.

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Damian McDonald said: “This new scheme is a big opportunity for the sport horse sector. While there are challenges with some of the terms and conditions of the new scheme, which are largely due to EU requirements, we need to make it work. Michael has a huge passion for sport horse breeding and for working with breeders. He will aim to set up a group in each of the five Irish Horse Board regions.”

Teagasc, and a number of private facilitators, are also planning to establish groups but the full list of facilitators has yet to be published by the Department. It is understood that in total 14 equine facilitators have been approved.

In order to be eligible for the scheme, breeders must be over 18, have a premises registration number and have at least two mares. Farmer breeders cannot be members of more than one discussion group so those who are already involved in a dairy, beef or sheep group cannot join an equine group. This is one of the basic rules laid down by the EU in relation to the scheme.

The programme requires a significant commitment from breeders with members having to attend at least five meetings as well as completing a farm improvement plan. However on successful completion, members will receive an annual payment of €750 per annum for three years.

Any breeder who is interested in participating in one of the groups can contact Michael Doherty by e-mail mdoherty@horsesportireland.ie or telephone 045854528.