In its latest statement, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has attempted to frame its handling of the new HorseSource E-Passport system as a case of being “a victim of its own success.” HSI’s explanation claims that high demand for the new online system has caused delays and backlogs in passport processing. Yet, this reasoning leaves more questions than answers, and breeders aren’t buying it.

First, HSI points to the unprecedented volume of applications, noting that over 5,600 applications have been received in just 16 weeks, representing nearly 75% of the total passports issued for 2023. But this attempt to portray a “surprise surge” conveniently ignores the fact that HSI launched the system mid-summer during peak breeding season—a time when applications naturally increase. For breeders, it’s hard to see how HSI could have overlooked this predictable surge in demand.

HSI’s data-driven explanation tries to quantify the number of applications currently in various stages, with 1,485 foal kits awaiting return, 1,026 DNA samples in the lab, and 915 passports still awaiting validation before printing. However, these figures don’t explain why some breeders have been waiting six months or more, nor do they address the inadequate communication and constant misinformation breeders are experiencing. One breeder remarked, “I’ve been waiting since February—they told me the passport was in the post, only to find out it wasn’t even printed yet.”

HSI claims breeders have returned marking charts “four times faster” than last year. But it’s hardly surprising that breeders would work faster when they’ve already faced months of delays and have sales or transport deadlines hanging in the balance. As one breeder put it, “Horses are staying extra weeks at breeders’ expense… Who’s going to cover the costs of cancelled transport?” These delays aren’t just bureaucratic—they’re financially crippling breeders, who are expected to bear all the added expenses.

HSI also notes that it “stopped accepting applications under the old system” to transition fully to HorseSource, creating what they describe as a backlog. But again, this decision seems to ignore basic planning principles. Pausing applications without a clear transition plan or added resources led to a bottleneck of applications that HSI was, by its own admission, unprepared to handle. As one frustrated breeder observed, “Enough of the promises and PR spin—move aside and let someone who can actually do the job step in.”

HSI’s comment about “working tirelessly” to resolve the backlog falls flat when you consider breeders’ ongoing issues with getting clear responses from HSI. Many report spending hours on hold only to receive vague assurances or conflicting updates. One breeder shared, “Thirty hours on hold just to be told my foal’s passport was ‘almost ready.’ Well, ‘almost ready’ doesn’t pay the bills.” If HSI truly acknowledges customers’ concerns, it would offer straightforward, actionable timelines for resolving the backlog and open lines of communication—yet here we are, reading more apologies with no concrete plan to back them up.

The organisation’s decision to disable comments on social media for these announcements speaks volumes. While HSI claims to be listening, the inability to engage directly with breeders only reinforces the perception that they’re avoiding accountability.

HSI’s assurance that “unrealistic expectations” were to blame for initial delays doesn’t account for the reality that, despite its apologies, processing times are still extending beyond what’s reasonable. Breeders, meanwhile, are absorbing all the impacts without compensation or even clarity on when things will improve. “It’s amazing how quick they are to blame us,” another breeder notes, “but we’ve followed every step, done all the paperwork, and yet we’re the ones left holding the bill.”In the end, this response only confirms what breeders have suspected for some time: HSI’s decisions reflect poor planning and a lack of foresight, and breeders are the ones paying the price.

Until Next Time,

Shane