AS part of its 30th Anniversary celebrations, the Northern Ireland Horse Board (NIHB) hosted an exclusive evening of recognition and reflection, welcoming 190 of the most influential figures from across the equine industry. The event, held on Wednesday, October 8th, honoured the outstanding contribution of those who have shaped and strengthened Northern Ireland’s equine sector over the past three decades.
Held in the elegant surroundings of Edenmore Country House and Golf Club, the evening provided a fitting backdrop for an industry built on dedication, heritage and world-class achievement. Attendees represented every corner of the equestrian world - from show jumping, eventing, dressage, endurance riding and showing, to Olympians, breeders, producers, officials and equestrian journalists. Each guest received a bespoke commemorative medal, acknowledging their personal and collective role in advancing Northern Ireland’s equestrian excellence, before enjoying a lively reception and buffet, where stories of triumphs and milestones were warmly shared.
“Ireland is renowned as the land of the horse and, for a country as small as ours, we certainly perform at the very top,” said NIHB Chairman, Mr Hugh McCusker. “Our industry contributes over £220 million to the Northern Ireland economy each year, despite receiving limited government support. The continued success of our equine sector is a testament to the passion, skill and dedication of the individuals we are recognising tonight.”
Established in 1995, the Northern Ireland Horse Board has been instrumental in promoting equine breeding, welfare and education, as well as providing essential support and representation for riders, producers and breeders across all disciplines. The organisation continues to play a vital role in ensuring that Northern Ireland remains internationally competitive and respected within the global equine community.
NIHB Breeder Awards
The evening also celebrated excellence in breeding through the presentation of the 2024 NIHB Breeder Awards, recognising individuals whose horses have achieved distinction at national and international levels.
The Show Jumping Breeder Award went to John McKibbin of Leestone Sport Horses. Some notable successes included a CSIO5* win at Al Shira’aa for Leestone Mylord Trumps.
The Eventing Breeder Award was accepted by Lisa Rosbotham of Keonan Stables, in honour of her late father Woods Rosbotham’s mare Rosalent, winner at the prestigious CCI5* Kentucky (USA) Three-day-event with Oliver Townend.
Pony breeder and producer Aldyth Roulston (second from left) receives her awards at the NIHB Industry Reception. Pictured with Aldyth is her partner William and NIHB Directors Grace Irwin (left) and Valerie McCallister (right)
The Dressage Breeder Award was presented to Patricia Connon of Roundthorn Sport Horses for her outstanding achievements in dressage.
The Showing Breeder Award was presented to Brian Clingan, for the acclaimed Mulberry Lane, winner of the 2024 Supreme Products Supreme Horse of the Year and Show Hunter Champion titles at HOYS.
The Pony Breeder Award was presented to Aldyth Roulston, respected pony breeder and producer, who has produced ponies for all spheres of equestrianism and up to European Championship levels.
An award was presented to Niamh McEvoy, in recognition of her fantastic results both nationally and internationally in 2024.
A special recognition award was also presented to Adrian and Shirley Hurst of Hurst Sport Horses to acknowledge their history-making success at the 2024 RDS Dublin Horse Show with Tattygare Me Me Me. This mare won the Supreme Ridden Hunter Championship, as well as the Four-Year-Old Ridden Hunter Championship, Ridden Hunter Mare Championship and Lightweight Ridden Hunter Championship.
The celebration marked not only a reflection on 30 years of progress, but also a renewed commitment to the future of the Northern Ireland equine industry - one built on excellence, innovation and community spirit.