Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
294. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of new horses that joined the Defence Forces school of equitation in 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of horses that left the school of equitation in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if funding has been provided in 2022 to purchase additional horses. [58512/21]
View answerThe mission of the Army Equitation School is to promote the Irish Horse through participation in international competition at the highest level. The Army Equitation School has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years and, through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish Horse.
The Army Equitation School continues to source suitable Irish bred horses that meet the required standard as judged by the School's Horse Purchase Board. Horses are acquired through either purchase or lease agreement.
In 2020 three (3) new horses were purchased and one (1) horse leased by the School. The School have purchased four (4) horses to date in 2021 and also leased one (1) additional horse.
Five (5) horses left the Equitation School in 2020 with an additional two horses leaving the School to date in 2021.
The School currently has a stock of 39 horses made up of show jumpers and eventers.
The School’s budget allocation in 2021 for horse acquisitions was set at €450,000. While the budget has not yet been set for horse purchases in 2022, I am satisfied that the current arrangements allow the School to maintain its competitiveness at national and international events.
