First comprehensive report on Irish sport horse industry published
Posted: 22 February 2007
Ireland has the highest density population of sport horses in Europe, according to a new report on the Irish equine industry. With more than 53,000 people regularly involved in the industry, an annual expenditure of some €400 million per annum, and some 110,000 Irish sport horses in the country, the industry plays a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of Irish rural life.
The new report entitled ‘The Future of the Irish Sport Horse Industry, Analysis and Recommendations,’ launched by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Coughlan TD on 28 Feb 2007, points to several key issues associated with the sustained development of the industry in Ireland.
Pictured at the official launch (left to right): Karen Hennessy, UCD School of Public Health and Population Science; Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Coughlan TD; Joe Walsh, IHB Chairman; Katherine Quinn, UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine; and Nicholas Finnerty, IHB Director General
“This ground breaking research commissioned by the Irish Horse Board is a major step forward for the industry and will, for the first time, provide factual information on the entire sport horse sector,” said Minister Coughlan. “It provides a starting point from which to look forward and work to establish an internationally competitive and successful Irish sport horse industry.”
The report was co-authored by Karen Hennessy from the UCD School of Public Health and Population Science, and Katherine Quinn from the UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine. The authors explain that several key issues in the industry need to be addressed. “Issues like the fragmentation of the industry, professional standards, elite horse and rider development, the protection of native breeds and the genetic improvement of the Irish sport horse.”
The research commissioned by the Irish Horse Board makes recommendations under eight strategic areas including: Management & Administration of the Industry; Sport and Leisure Development; Education and Training; Marketing, Fundraising and Sponsorship; Business Development; Welfare, Ethics, Safety & Environment; Research; and Breeding.
The report was compiled over two years using all available data and information including industry databases, presentations by industry organisations, questionnaires to industry organisations and industry members, consultations with key stakeholders within the industry and written submissions from individuals and organisations. To offer insights into the breeding and industry structure of industry competitors, a number of consultations and visits to the main European Studbooks were also included in the research.
“The Irish Horse Board looks forward to the immediate development of a strategic plan for the industry and the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Report,” said Mr. Joe Walsh, Chairman, Irish Horse Board.