Department gains most accurate snapshot of Ireland's horses with Equine Census

Following the most recent report on the Equine Census with the highest return rate since its establishment it offers the most accurate snapshot of Ireland's horse population.

The recent census found there are 120,912 horses reported in Ireland. File photo

In a recently published report, the Equine Census has returned the most accurate picture yet of Ireland’s horse population.

The minister thanked all equine owners and keepers for their engagement with the census and stated that this is very positive for traceability: “The census return rate of 78% is the highest since the census was introduced."

This information is vital to ensure the ongoing health and welfare of our horses so that we can respond swiftly to disease risks, prevent outbreaks and ensure high standards of care.

According to the census, the equine population comprises 120,912 animals, with a total of 22,593 active equine premises, of which 88% listed 10 horses or less. The total number of thoroughbreds reported by the census amounted to 30,887 in Ireland, with 4,159 of the holdings declaring the presence of thoroughbreds.

“Strong traceability is essential for the welfare of our horses, while gaps in traceability allow for neglect and mistreatment without accountability. The census returns that have been submitted over the last 12 months have been converted into herd profiles and will form the basis of our new central equine database, which will be transformational for the sector,” minister Heydon explained.

The county with the most horses, according to the collected data, was Co Galway with 13,640. Galway was also the county with the most equine premises, 2,906.

Cork came second in the country for the number of horses and equine premises, with 12,298 horses and 2,294 holdings. Tipperary came third with the most horses at 9,528, but fourth in the most equine premises with 1,362 listed locations, according to the census.

Kildare came fourth in the most horses with 8,779, and Wexford came fifth with 4,937 horses listed via the census. For most premises, the remaining spots went to Co Mayo, which was listed third at 1,702 premises, and fifth was Co Clare with 1,135.

Kildare also contained the most returns to the census listing thoroughbreds, totalling 4,438 across 373 premises with an average of 12 thoroughbreds per holding. Louth contained the least amount of horses per county, with only 1,102 listed via census returns.