Sport horses export to China a first

The Irish ambassador to China has hailed as an "important step" the arrival of the first Irish sport horses under a ground-breaking export protocol.

The shipment of two show jumping horses and four ponies is hoped to open a lucrative market, teaming the honesty and capability of the Irish horse with ambitious Chinese riders.

Ambassador Paul Kavanagh said: “The safe arrival in China of a shipment of quality Irish horses after they completed pre-export quarantine at home in Ireland is very good news. It is a very important step in developing the market in this country for Irish horses across all categories, a longstanding and active priority of the Government of Ireland. All concerned deserve congratulations. The highly-professional co-operation of the Chinese authorities is much appreciated.”