LAST week, in Horse Sense, we briefly discussed the use of drones in equestrian sport and reminded drone users of their responsibilities to ensure safety. The use of drones by amateurs is becoming more and more prevalent in Ireland - in the course of the last month, two horse owners in my local area have purchased a drone.

In Ireland there is currently no way to monitor amateur or recreational drone users and there are those all over the country using drones “recklessly and inappropriately”, according to drone expert Ian Kiely. This poses a huge concern for horse owners and farmers in relation to the safety and welfare of their animals and the security of their property.