Sport horses export to China a first
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.”
The breakthrough was an export agreement signed last July allowing Irish horses to complete 30 days quarantine in Ireland before departing to China where they undergo another 30 days in quarantine. Previously, Irish sellers had to quarantine horses in the Netherlands, which was costly and prohibitive.
The consignment was organised by Michael and Josephine O’Hagan, with quarantine at Paul and Eilidh Hyland’s Milland House Stud, at Monasterevin, Co Kildare, approved by the Department of Agriculture. The jumping horses are Castlefield Maximus, bred and produced by Jim O’Neill for his son Ger near Bennetsbridge, Co Kilkenny, and You Two Kelly, by Warrenstown You 2, out of the Diamond Serpent mare Krafty Kate. Raymond Carroll from EIS International handled shipping.
Mr O’Hagan said, “It is one of the most difficult markets that I have ever worked in. We made a conscious decision to give China a good chance, and last week’s shipment was the first positive result, after many near misses.
“I think that to work in this market you need two things: Patience and more patience... We are lucky enough to have a great team of people working alongside us here in Ireland and also in China. This didn’t happen overnight. It has taken almost two years to build the relationship with our Chinese clients... and that was exceptionally quick by their standards.” Mr O’Hagan confirmed he is actively sourcing horses for his next consignment.
“From talking to Irish breeders and indeed to some European trainers who are in and out of China, the good old-fashioned, Irish-bred horse is what is needed. It reinforces what I think Irish producers already know. Irish horses were known the world over for being able to get inexperienced riders out of trouble. They were a terrific ally in competition. The standard of rider in China is improving and therefore so should the standard of their horses.”
