Department launches new equine herd profiles and census

They are another step in equine traceability and welfare by linking every equine to a physical location, a responsible person and tracking movements from birth to death or export

The herd profiles will track sales and exports, allow access to grants and supports and allow operators to complete the 2026 Equine Census.

The new Equine Herd Profiles and the Equine Census 2026 have been launched by the department.

The Equine Herd Profiles are another step in equine traceability and welfare by linking every equine to a physical location, a responsible person and tracking movements from birth to death or export.

The herd profiles are an operator’s view into the New Central Equine Database of the equines that are deemed to be under their care and control and linked to their Equine Premises Registration Number (EPRN). 

As part of the Equine Census 2026, operators will receive a hard copy of their Equine Herd Profile. Operators are advised that the deadline to complete and submit the 2026 Equine Census is July 31, 2026.

Minister Heydon said the launch of the New Equine Herd Profiles underscores the Government’s continued commitment to improving equine traceability and welfare.

“We said we'd act on the Wall Report — and we have. The New Equine Herd Profiles are proof that this Government listens to the equine sector and delivers for it. Ireland's horse industry is world-renowned, and we intend to keep it that way.

"Smarter traceability, stronger enforcement, and better technology are all part of how we protect this sector's reputation and back its growth," he said.

Operators can check their profile and complete their census return by registering with MyAgfood.ie. Operators need to ensure that their profile is up to date by reporting movements of equines onto or off their establishment.

Profiles will be required to keep track of sales or exports, to access supports or grants and to complete the 2026 Equine Census.

Since 2024, the Equine Herd Profiles have contained nine traceability checkpoints in the equine traceability system where an active equine premises number or database check is carried out.

These nine checkpoints include registrations, accessing veterinary medicines, registration updates, access to grant aid, export checks, inspections, entering sales catalogues, the census and death notification.