Irish sport horse breeding is still a potent force

IRISH sport horse breeding is still a potent force, judging by recent wins in the World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses, and in eventing at Blenheim Palace in England.

They came as Horse Sport Ireland said it is imperative we are in a position to capitalise on a belief there will be a dearth of good horses in a few years.

“We reckon the number of registrations this year has fallen back 14% on last year. There was over-production in previous years, and we are probably going back to a more realistic situation for the size of the country,” says HSI director of breeding Alison Corbally. “That 14%, however, is a lot less than some studbooks on the continent, with some experiencing a fall of up to 30%. In fact, there is increasing speculation that there will be a shortage of good horses. We are breeding more competitive horses, and this could provide an opportunity for us.”