WE all know political candidates love - and need - to get their message across to as many possible voters as possible. With Election 2020 in full swing across constituencies nationwide, it represents a golden opportunity for the Irish equestrian community to get across a strong message of our own.

Now is the time to nationally highlight the need for a fair and equitable share from the public coffers for the country’s €816 million sport horse industry, which provides over 14,500 full-time jobs and has 56,000 active participants - a sizeable population cohort whose opinions and views must be taken into account.

Much lobbying has gone on behind the political scenes in recent years from Horse Sport Ireland, combined with leading industry figures. However, this is a lobby that needs every voter and voice to be heard, so when political candidates come calling, take a moment to tell them the impressive number of jobs accounted for in our industry and that there’s the opportunity to create thousands more with more investment. Any substantial investment in the vibrant sport horse sector would be returned multi-fold to the Irish economy.

We are already punching way above our weight in economic value terms and it’s high time that was recognised by the political forces that will make up the next Dáil.

Love of the horse and interest in all things equine is not the preserve of the chosen few. Some of the most disaffected sectors of Irish society are as keen on horses as the most privileged, and through education and training there is a role for everyone to play.

Our indigenous industry spins off thousands of ancillary jobs through breeding, producing, riding, sales, feed, vets and farriers and will play an even bigger role given half a chance.