STRONG interest from breeders nationwide taking part in the first Equine Knowledge Transfer (Discussion) Groups, funded by the Department of Agriculture in a €100m package that includes the beef, dairy and sheep sectors, has been hailed as “a game-changer’’ for Ireland’s €700m sport horse industry.

With 15 faciilitators appointed to manage the groups, several informal sessions have already been held in some areas ahead of the official start of the three-year program on June 1st next.