Horse Sport Ireland granted court protection, interim examiner appointed

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the all-Ireland national governing body for the equestrian sector, is facing financial difficulties and has been granted protection by the High Court. Directors initiated the process, leading to the appointment of an interim examiner, chartered accountant Joseph Walsh.

An independent expert believes HSI can be saved through examinership. The company, which employs 47 full-time staff, is heavily reliant on grants from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Sport Ireland, receiving €2.1 million from the latter in 2026 alone. HSI is recognized by various sporting bodies, including Sport Ireland and the Federation Equestre Internationale.

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while the company was unable to pay its debts, an independent expert was of the view that it could be saved through examinership.

Historically, HSI had minimal reserves to buffer against trading losses. However, recent major legal costs from defamation proceedings have exacerbated its financial strain. The company's original objective since its 2006 establishment was to serve as a centralized national body for the entire sport horse industry. Directors are listed as having brought the petition for the interim examiner's appointment.

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the formulation, acceptance and confirmation of proposals for a scheme of arrangement, in conjunction with the introduction of additional capital or support of DAFM and Sport Ireland would offer a reasonable prospect of survival.