Agricultural shows in Bandon, Dunmanway, Barryroe and Baile Bhuirne are among 71 equestrian bodies awarded funding under the 2026 National Breeding Services grants schemes.

The Bandon show was allocated €1,000, the Dunmanway Show €1,500, the Barryroe Show €2,500, and the Ballyvourney/Coolea Show €1,000. Elsewehere the IDHBA Cork/Kerry Branch were granted €1,900, the Ballindenisk Show €10,000, and Millstreet Equestrian €59,650.

The Breeding Grant Scheme provides prizemoney to breeding and production classes at shows across the island of Ireland. In total, €600,000 was awarded to 71 equestrian bodies across the country from the Department of Agriculture.

Minister for Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon joined Horse Sport Ireland chief executive, Denis Duggan, and head of breeding, innovation and development, Dr Sonja Egan, in Poppy Blandford and Aidan Killeen’s Grangebeg Farm in Kildare for the announcement.

‘Ensuring that the Irish horse remains of the highest quality and that exceptional work continues to be done by Ireland’s breeders in producing top quality young horses for all markets is so important to breeders and producers around the country’ said the minister.

Denis Duggan said that demand for grant funding remains ‘incredibly strong’, with 100 applicants for funding this year.

‘This funding plays a crucial role in the breeding and production of the next generation of Irish horses by supporting young horse classes at shows across Ireland’s 32 counties. The Show organisers are largely volunteer organisations who rely on this funding to support their efforts across the country.’

Head of breeding, innovation and development at Horse Sport Ireland, Dr Sonja Egan, spoke of the organisation’s gratitude.

‘We are grateful to Minister Heydon and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their continued support of this initiative, as well as to the dedicated staff in HSI’s Breeding Department. Their work ensures that show applicants, and subsequently breeders and producers, receive this vital funding, which rewards excellence in breeding and production while strengthening the development of Irish-bred and produced horses, here in Ireland.

‘This scheme has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from support for 22 shows at €120,000 in 2018 to more than 70 shows and over €600,000 allocated in 2026.

‘We are particularly proud that this initiative continues to provide extensive and direct support to breeders. All funded shows must allocate a portion of their awarded funding to the breeders of successful horses. This ensures that breeders are recognised and rewarded for their decisions, even long after a foal or horse has been sold. This principle remains central and reflects our commitment to supporting the full HSI Young Horse Production pathway.’