2026 NBS Breeding Initiatives Launched

Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to announce the opening of the 2026 National Breeding Services schemes, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. These schemes contribute to the Young Horse Pathway delivered by Horse Sport Ireland. This pathway is open and available to all studbook breeders, producers, and owners in Ireland, and provides breeders with support for the breeding and production of sport horses.

These schemes provide support for all aspects of the sport horse sector with something for all breeders and all studbooks at virtually each stage or age of the horse’s life; from conception to 7/8 years. They also provide opportunities for horse and pony breeders nationwide to add value to their herd, in terms of both breeding, performance and market value. Not only do these schemes play an important role in supporting breeding and production, but also the health and welfare of the national herd, education, and knowledge transfer.

It is important to recognise that not all horses are bred or produced for a career in top sport; and the vital role that these horses play in our industry. These differences in breeding goals are well encapsulated in the schemes and initiatives offered, where many of the schemes do not require participating animals to have a performance record to participate. Additional focus has been placed on breeding and production initiatives available for ponies, where performance equivalents are in place across initiatives where relevant.

We have undoubtably seen an increase in the number of breeders engaging with these schemes over the previous years and continually encourage all breeders to look at the below table or indeed talk to the HSI Breeding department if they are interested in applying for a scheme and want to understand what the best fit for their breeding programme might be.

CLICK HERE for scheme list and applications.

Summary criteria:

• Horses/ponies must be studbook registered with a breed recorded to avail of any scheme funding.
• Schemes emphasise the importance for good breeding decisions, and that is borne in several ways, such as studbook registration and sire criteria.
• Applicants must upload a screenshot of the Equine Operator profile (ROI) /NI breeders a valid EEN.
• Own performance or dam line performance criteria apply to certain schemes.
• All equines must be registered in the correct ownership for scheme funding.
• Breeders and producers can also use the production schemes offered to add to dam line performance, adding value to the individual mare and her future progeny.
• The detail above and table provided highlights where performance is and is not a requirement of participation, please note that this is not a full list of eligibility terms.
• All training and production schemes require the submissions of time stamped and geotagged videos in order to avail of funds.
• Applicants in receipt of €5,000 or more will be required to submit a tax clearance certificate

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under National Breeding Services

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