The provision of Marketing Services for the Sport Horse Sector in Ireland

Description

The mission of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is to serve the Government and people of Ireland by leading, developing and regulating the agri-food sector, protecting public health and optimising social, economic and environmental benefits. The current programme for Government includes a commitment to support the development of the sport horse sector. DAFM provides funding in respect of marketing the Irish Sport Horses, both nationally and internationally. As the current contract will expire in December 2026, there is a requirement to tender for the supply of this service to commence on 1st January 2027. Therefore, DAFM is requesting tenders for the supply of a National Marketing Service to the Irish sport horse sector from suitable Organisations / Bodies. The industry document ‘Reaching New Heights’ set out recommendations to develop the sport horse sector. It defines a ‘Sport Horse’ “as a riding horse of a single breed or a combination of breeds used for (or intended to be used for) recreational and competitive activities other than racing.” It notes “the primary objective of the industry is to breed and produce horses capable of competing at the highest levels in equestrian sport and also providing the foundation of a leisure and recreation industry in Ireland. The industry is a substantial business engaging people from all walks of life, both young and old, from hobby to professional levels.” The Contracting Authority considers that the term ‘horse’ also refers to ‘pony’. Recommendations in the strategy included a requirement to establish a horse marketing body to promote and market all aspects of the Irish sport horse sector on a global scale. The National Equine Marketing service will: i) promote and market Irish bred and produced sport horses ii) protect, enhance and build the reputation of the sport horse industry iii) increase National and International exposure of the Irish Sport Horse Industry iv) maximise the economic return to breeders