Mr. Flor Madden:

We thank the committee for the invitation and for the opportunity to address it this evening on the challenges to the Irish horse industry. The RDS equestrian mission, and therefore the mission of the Dublin Horse Show, is to support the Irish sport horse breeder and producer through the following steps: first, by showcasing the best Irish-bred horses; second, by developing a marketplace for Irish-bred horses; third, by encouraging the highest standards in breeding for purpose, horse welfare, ethical training and effective horsemanship; fourth, by demonstrating the benefits of the horse-human relationship for modern day society; and, fifth, by promoting showjumping by hosting an international show to the very highest standards.

While the industry is broad and diverse, it is also fair to say that it is extremely interlinked and interwoven. If there is complexity in the industry, it arises from the fact the value chain is long and it is difficult for an individual to be an expert in all areas from breeding the animal, producing it to be ridden and competing with it at elite levels, and that is just from the horse. Humans can be breeders, producers or competitors and the competence of each link in the chain determines the overall result, both economically and in-competition.

The RDS runs more than 130 competitions at its flagship event, focusing on developing each of the links in the chain. From foals and lead rein competitors to horses and riders representing their country in the Nation's Cup to the full spectrum of breeds, age groups and equestrian organisations, they are all represented at the Dublin Horse Show. Consequently, the RDS is well placed to identify the shared challenges for the Irish sport horse industry across social, educational, economic, high performance and breeding programs. The serious challenges facing the industry include a the lack of capacity in riding schools currently. There has been a reduction in the number of coaches available to the sporting organisations. There has been deterioration in the standard of riding outside youth high performance programmes. The cost and difficulty in getting insurance for equestrian activities is another challenge.

There is difficulty in finding capable and available individuals to start, produce and train horses. There has been an increase in the proportion of the population who have no direct experience of animals. There is an inability to find or afford competently produced ponies and horses. There is inefficient processing and administration of equine passports. There has been a lack of engagement with Irish sport horse or draught breeders on the development of the breeds and studbooks. There is a lack of strategic development and support for equine facilities

There is a need for the industry to have a service-led organisation to address shared industry challenges, skill gaps and weaknesses in the industry value chain. The industry should have a unified approach, taking input from industry stakeholders and ensuring it reflects the needs of affiliates. Any overarching or umbrella body must provide accountability to the industry, increase stakeholder engagement, use industry resources efficiently and engage stakeholders in strategic planning. Furthermore, it should be answerable to its affiliates, hold an annual general meeting where its executive and directors report to the affiliates and have a board of directors populated by representatives of the affiliate organisations.

The role of the Departments which control the funding of programmes is a necessary part of the governance structure of any such organisation. The Ministers for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media should have one appointment each on its board of directors, with the Northern Ireland Sports Forum taking another. The current structure, therefore, could be viewed as unbalanced.

As the RDS prepares for its 150th Horse Show, we would like to see an efficient passport system that allows breeders to sell their animals, buyers to register as owners and show organisers to determine eligibility for competitions based on studbook rules. We would also like to see investment in coaching to ensure that children are safe and competent to compete, support for a national register of equine therapists, the development of capacity in the riding school sector and support for the high performance affiliates through programme development, along with ensuring that Ireland’s horse culture continues to play a role in the social and educational development of its people.

As I have mentioned, the RDS works with all stakeholders and all of those appearing in the session this evening are resolute in their determination to work together for the betterment of our sports and industry. They are of one mind and are also here to ensure all the other associated affiliates concerns are relayed to the committee. The RDS thanks the committee for this opportunity and looks forward to the questions and input as I defer to my colleague, Mr. Robert Draper, from the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association.