Ireland’s equine population stands at more than 120,000, according to a new report published by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD.

The figures are based on returns from the national equine census, which recorded a 78 per cent response rate, the highest since the census was introduced in 2021.

The Minister said the strong level of engagement gives his Department the most accurate picture yet of the country’s horse population. “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,” he said.

The census recorded 120,912 horses across 22,593 active equine premises. Most premises listed small numbers of animals, with 88 per cent reporting ten horses or fewer.

The returns have now been converted into herd profiles forming the basis of a new central equine database, which the Minister described as “transformational for the sector”. The database, available to keepers through MyAgFood.ie, will link horses to their registered premises and require operators to keep profiles up to date. New registrations will be added while deaths and exports will be removed.

Minister Heydon said strong traceability is essential for animal welfare. “Gaps in traceability allow for neglect and mistreatment without accountability,” he said. The new system will introduce control points over time, meaning horses cannot be presented for sale unless they are listed on their profile.

Minister of State for Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan TD said the reforms would improve water quality and environmental protection by tackling long-standing gaps in equine management. “They will safeguard public health and provide essential evidence to inform future national policy,” he said.

The Department confirmed that 6,360 holders of equine premises registration numbers did not respond to the census despite reminders. These registrations have now been made dormant and will not be able to register foals or export horses.

The move to a profile-based system represents a major reform in equine traceability. The Department acknowledged that inaccuracies will be inevitable until the system reaches full potential but urged keepers to review their profiles and ensure they are kept up to date.