HORSE Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to continue the following national breeding initiatives in 2021, which are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Mare Upgrade Scheme

The Mare Upgrade Scheme facilitates breeders who wish to purchase performance damline fillies or retired performance mares from abroad for breeding purposes. Following a valid and approved online application, HSI will cover the cost of veterinary pre-purchase screening and transport back to Ireland. HSI will also provide access to a dedicated breeding scheme advisor to provide practical help in navigating the process.

For a full list of terms and conditions and to download an application form please visit https://www.horsesportireland.ie/breeding/initiatives/

Deadline for applications is October 31st 2021.

Embryo Transfer Scheme

The Embryo Transfer Scheme aims to increase genetic improvement. The scheme will benefit the owners of performance mares, or mares that have already produced top-class performance horses, through the support of the Embryo Transfer process. Many of these mares may not otherwise be available to contribute to the breeding of sport horses in Ireland as their owners may wish for them to remain in competition or they may be incapable of carrying a foal to term.

A specific Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) category was introduced in 2019 and is offered again this year. Performance ponies are also eligible to receive funding under the scheme. For a full list of terms and conditions and to download an application form, please visit https://www.horsesportireland.ie/breeding/initiatives/

Following a valid and approved online application, a payment of €600 per embryo will be payable to the owner, upon submission of a veterinary declaration confirming that the recipient has been scanned in foal and a receipt from the clinic. Applicants will receive €300 in 2021 and a further €300 in 2022 on provision of proof of the foal’s passport.

The embryo transfer must take place at a designated clinic after March 1st 2021 and an application must be submitted before August 27th 2021.

X-Ray Screening Scheme

The mare/filly x-ray screening scheme provides breeders/owners with an accessible pathway to completing a full set of x-rays for their own personal use. X-rays are useful for:

  • Bench-marking the breeding herd.
  • Supporting breeding decision making.
  • Supporting performance decisions.

    • Breeders/owners may apply for up to two fillies/mares to be included in the screening. Following a valid and approved online application, Horse Sport Ireland will cover the cost of the screening and notify the selected approved veterinarian. For a full list of terms and conditions and to download an application form please visit https://www.horsesportireland.ie/breeding/initiatives/.

    The deadline for applications is October 31st 2021.