The Irish Sport Horse (ISH) Studbook Young Breeders team members were crowned world champions at the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses International Young Breeders World Championships in Ermelo, Holland. The event was held from 7 to 9 July, 2022.
Since 2005, Teagasc has partnered with Horse Sport Ireland to provide the ISH Young Breeders training programme. Teagasc Equine Specialist Wendy Conlon manages the programme with support from Horse Sport Ireland and DAFM. The success of the programme hinges on wider industry collaboration. Jack Doyle, Tiernan Gill, Andrew Hughes and Philip Scott have provided their expertise in recent months.
Barnfield Equestrian, Belmont House Stud, Boleybawn Horses, Cooley Farm, Derryglen Stud, Enniskerry Horse Farm, Ennisnag Stud, Gill Group, Hughes Horse Stud, and Kilconnell Stud opened their gates to host training sessions.
The eight-person team were chosen for the International Young Breeders World Championships following national selection. Championships comprise of four disciplines: a theory paper (feeding/nutrition, stable management, breeding/reproduction, equine health and international sport) followed by conformation and athleticism (loose movement and jump) as well as trait assessment.
The competition concludes with presentation of horses in stance, walk and trot, which tests participants’ showmanship skills, control, and ability to encourage the best performance from the horses in the situation. Teams are also tested on their abilities to groom, plait and present a horse. Although this does not affect the overall score, it is an aspect in which contestants take great pride. The senior ISH team earned third place in turnout.