FOLLOWING the announcement at the 2018 Irish Horse Board Cooperative Society Ltd (IHB) AGM lat December, the IHB shareholder renewals process will move to an online platform from 2019 in order to deliver administrative efficiencies for all stakeholders.

There will also be a change to the pricing structure of IHB annual shareholder renewals. From 2019, IHB shareholder renewal fees will be set at €35 per annum – an increase of €10 from the original €25.

However, in an effort to encourage IHB shareholders to adopt and use the new IHB online renewal system, a reduced rate of €25 will apply for all online renewals completed prior to May 31st 2019. Eligibility to vote in IHB elections is dependent upon shareholder renewals being paid on or before the cut-off date of May 31st in the year of the election.

Additionally, IHB shareholders opting to pay their annual renewal fees after the cut-off date of May 31st will now pay renewal fees of €30 online, meaning only those who use the only paper-based system will be charged the fee of €35.

IHB shareholders and members will continue to receive discounted Irish Horse Register (IHR) transaction fees; access to the IHR Online; will be eligible to receive free Horse Sport Ireland publications; avail of a 40% discount on Irish Horse Gateway membership fees; and retain voting rights for the annual IHB elections and at the IHB AGM.

Speaking on the announcement, IHB chairman Dr Jack Murphy said: “The IHB is the key organisation for breeders and primary producers of Irish horses and ponies, and active shareholder and membership participation is crucial in order that the voices of these committed individuals can be heard and acknowledged.

“This will facilitate having their views communicated directly to the major stakeholder organisations and policy makers involved in the oversight of the Irish sport horse sector. In order to maintain a strong representation and organisation, the IHB shareholder renewal fee will remain available at the very modest rate of €25 per annum for those who renew online prior to May 31st 2019 and prior to May 31st in future years. I would urge all IHB Shareholders to visit www.ihb.ie and complete the simplified renewal process as soon as possible.”

More information on becoming an IHB shareholder here