Breeder says Commons ban on hunting will hurt Irish horse industry

THE decision to ban fox-hunting in England could lead to multi-million losses for the Irish horse industry, a horse breeder has warned.

Tim Beehan, West Waterford Hunt Joint Master and a major horse breeder, said almost two-thirds of the horses used in British hunts come from Ireland.

“This ban will have a detrimental effect on the Irish breeders of hunting horses because our market will dry up completely,” Mr Beehan said yesterday.

Irish horses most popular with British hunters are the non-thoroughbreds who are not good enough for show jumping.

“They are a nice quality horse with a brain that suits hunting,” Mr Beehan said.

He agreed with the Master Foxhound Association (MFA) that Irish hunting clubs would not allow themselves to be swamped by British hunters following last night’s Commons vote to ban the sport in England and Wales.