PLANS to bid for Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) tenders and further develop export markets were outlined at the Irish Horse Board (IHB) Annual General Meeting on Thursday afternoon.

The AGM, held in Bloomfield House Hotel, also heard a review of the IHB marketing and promotional activities, a financial review, and discussions on future strategies and challenges.

IHB chairman Tiernan Gill opened the meeting, which marked the close of the second year of the IHB marketing and promotion contract from DAFM, by outlining the progress made, despite various challenges.

A major milestone was a marketing trip to China to explore new market opportunities for Irish horses, education and knowledge. This was seen as a benchmark move and the Irish Ambassador in China - Dr Nicholas O’Brien, who later attended Dublin Horse Show - showed strong support for this initiative.

One of the greatest challenges is the current volatility of the US export market, regarded as critical for high-value horses - approximately 700 sport horses were sold there last year - although this market faces significant challenges.

A 15% tariff, combined with a 15% drop in the euro/dollar exchange rate has made Irish horses, and those from other European export nations, approximately 30% more expensive and this significantly impacts both high-end and more affordable horses.

Inward buyer scheme

To counteract this, IHB Director General Alison Corbally said during her presentation that the Board is lobbying the Government for funding for an inward buyer programme, similar to the bloodstock industry.

This scheme would offer support, (e.g., airfare contribution) to encourage new buyers, provide crucial metrics on private sales, which is currently lacking traceability, and increase market effectiveness. Developing new markets for Irish horses and Connemara ponies, such as Canada - a potential alternative to the US - UAE, Scandinavian countries, France and Germany was also seen as a crucial strategy.

She also outlined other marketing and promotional activities undertaken during 2025, such as the launch of the Good Food Ireland Equestrian Culinary Experience, the IHB presence at five-star competitions, such as Kentucky, Burghley and Dublin Horse Show, plus the 100th anniversary of the Clifden Pony Show, live streaming and video promotions and recognising individuals for their contributions, such as Eileen Brennan, Peter Brady, Marion Hughes and Mikey Pender.

It was heard that Brian Hennessey, the IHB press officer, ensured significant Irish successes were covered in national media. Social media presence is growing rapidly, with a reach of 2.5 million in August/September, and achieved a 15% increase in TV coverage this year, despite challenges in gaining mainstream media attention with equestrian sports in competition with golf and GAA.

Patrick Tracey, from Quinlan Associates, presented the auditor’s report and an unqualified opinion was given, indicating satisfaction with the financial reporting.

The IHB’s bid for the full suite of studbook tenders, including operating studbooks such as the Irish Sport Horse studbook, was confirmed. The extended submission deadline is now mid-October. A full AGM report will appear in next week’s issue.