HSI has announced that the foal registration fee increase which usually comes into effect in October each year is being waived in 2021 to encourage breeders to register their foals before the end of the year. The normal fee for registering a foal is €62 (IHB member) €98 (non-IHB member) and this price will remain in place until the end of 2021. From 1 January 2022 the fee for registering foals will increase to €111 (IHB member) €148 (non-IHB member).

In acknowledging recent registration difficulties Joe Reynolds also announced that HSI has hired six new staff members to keep up with high demand for registration services, saying: “I acknowledge the delays and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to breeders and owners.

“I would also like to reassure stakeholders that HSI staff are working wholeheartedly to address these delays. We have hired six new members of staff, two of which are now working in the phone unit to deal with customer queries. Staff are also working six days a week to keep up with customer demand.

“I am happy to report that the delays have now largely been resolved and processing is returning to normal timeframes. HSI appreciates your patience at this time.”