Horse Sport Ireland launched the thoroughbred percentage (TB%) scheme to incentivise the breeding of sport horse foals with greater than 70% thoroughbred blood. This Scheme was initially introduced as analysis of foal registrations from 2015-2019 demonstrated that only 5% of foals produced in Ireland are more than 75% Thoroughbred blood. At the HSI eventing breeding conference (2018) elite event riders and trainers emphasised the need for greater TB blood in the production of eventers. Many successful breeders also emphasised the need for a large proportion of thoroughbred blood to produce successful CCI5* event horses. There is an evident gap in the sport horse market for horses of greater thoroughbred blood percentage. The scheme seeks to improve the availability of quality ≥70% thoroughbred foals by supporting and identifying breeders seeking to address these market needs. The scheme increases the genetic variability available to sport horse breeders focusing on the eventing discipline providing greater scope for genetic gain.
Horse sport Ireland are providing a grant of €300 to the first 80 breeders that register a foal with more than 70% Thoroughbred blood in 2020. Payment will be made in 2022, to the breeders of qualifying foals, on registration of the foal with a DAFM studbook by 31st October 2022.
If the scheme is oversubscribed, mares that have a significant performance record (meet HSI 2* or above criteria) or mares that have produced performance progeny will take priority in the scheme. Breeders can check their foals TB% using the IHR online hypothetical mating platform.
Please log onto the IHR online login page at https://breeding.horsesportireland.ie/Public/SearchAnimalPub.aspx
Once you’ve logged in you can then type in the stallion/mare’s name in the horse search box and her details including TB% are detailed under the hypothetical mating.
Please CLICK HERE for the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Eligibility
Foals MUST have 70% or higher of Thoroughbred blood to be eligible for this scheme. HSI shall have final adjudication of the foals’ TB percentage.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis once they have met all the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be the registered owner of the mare subject to the application and must subsequently be the recorded breeder of the foal.
Applicants must be resident in the Island of Ireland including Northern Ireland.
Mares are registered/endorsed in a DAFM-Approved studbook.
Mare must have been inspected by DAFM-Approved studbook*.
Stallions must have an Approved/Preliminary Approved or Recognised/Preliminary Recognised classification in a WBFSH/DAFM-Approved studbook.
An application must be submitted before the 30th September 2022.
In the event of oversubscription to the scheme the awarding of the grant will be allocated to the mare with the best performance ratings or Estimated Breeding Value’s (EBV). HSI will also ensure that a balance across disciplines is achieved.
HSI reserve the right to use performance standard equivalents.
Foals must be registered in a DAFM-Approved studbook before the 31st October 2022.
Prior to draw-down of the €300 payment in 2022 the applicant may be required to provide;
Evidence of DAFM mare/DAFM/WBFSH stallion classification
Evidence of DAFM mare inspection
Evidence of ownership of the mare/ breeder of the foal
Have proof of DAFM foal passport submitted to a DAFM Studbook by 31st October 2022
Payment will be made in 2022, to the breeders of the qualifying foals, on registration of the foal with a DAFM studbook by the 31st October 2022.
Checklist
The form is digitally signed
The applicant is the registered owner of the mare.
The mare is inspected in a DAFM-approved studbook.
The stallion is Approved / Preliminary Approved in a DAFM/WBFSH -approved studbook.
The foal must have 70% or higher Thoroughbred blood to be eligible for this scheme.
IBAN (International Bank Account Number -a combination of letters and numbers that usually include your bank account number and sort code - this can be found on your bank statement or using banking online)
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm 30th September 2022. Applications will be deemed to be invalid if they are incomplete.