Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has officially launched its new 2030 Strategic Plan during an event held at the Sport Ireland Conference Centre in Dublin. The Irish governing body outlined a vision for the future of the national equestrian sector with a special focus on animal welfare, participation, sustainability and high-performance sport.
The document stems from an extensive consultation process involving more than 550 people, 27 affiliated organisations and numerous representatives from the Irish equestrian sector. The strategy aims to guide the development of the sport and horse breeding in Ireland over the coming years, integrating both grassroots sport and high-level competitive structures.
HSI also highlighted the economic weight of the equestrian sector in Ireland, putting its impact at approximately 1 billion euros annually and more than 14,000 jobs linked to the industry nationwide. The organisation also recalled the international presence of Irish horses and riders at Olympic, World and European championships.
The plan identifies five major priority areas for the period up to 2030: sector representation and influence, excellence in breeding and high-level sport, access and development of participation, sustainable growth, and the strengthening of organisation and governance.
The launch was attended by several institutional representatives, including Charlie McConalogue TD, Martin Heydon TD and Patrick O’Donovan TD. During the event, the politicians described the sport horse as “a national symbol and a national asset”, highlighting its relevance to the rural economy and Ireland's international profile.
Charlie McConalogue pointed out that the project will serve as a framework for the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, as well as boosting the development of new generations of athletes. He also highlighted the importance of the sector as a source of employment in rural areas.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Horse Sport Ireland, Dr Pamela Byrne, explained that the strategy seeks to create a modern, welfare-centred model, encouraging collaboration between affiliates, athletes and bodies in the sector. Byrne stressed the need to improve the services offered by the organisation and to prepare the Irish equestrian structure for the technical and sporting challenges of the future.
HSI Chief Executive Denis Duggan stated that this plan represents one of the largest participatory processes in the organisation's history and explained that the strategy revolves around industry cooperation, sporting excellence and governance. He also reiterated that equine welfare and the protection of participants will be “non-negotiable” aspects across all activities linked to the federation.
More information in the following link here.
