AMATEUR riders are a very important sector in the Irish equestrian industry. Like professional riders, they contribute to the revenues of the industry, albeit not to the same level, but nevertheless still in a very substantial way. Some keen amateur riders have bred their own competitive horses and it has paid off. They applied the same general principles as any breeder – crossing a performance mare with a good stallion. Here, riders who have successfully bred their own competitive amateur horses, tell us how the experience paid off for them.

Joanna Curran