ECONOMIST Jim Power, who is in the process of finalising his report into the Irish Sport Horse Industry, warned that the sector needs to present a united front to unlock substantial government funding.

Power recently competed a tour of top equestrian facilities in Europe as part of his ongoing research.

“We have to aim to match the funding of the thoroughbred sector (€64m). The thoroughbred sector is doing very well and the sport horse side has to aspire to this. Massive investment is needed. I have spoken to civil servants about this and they feel there is no unity of purpose; that the Irish sport horse industry needs to come together, presenting a united front. The approach is too fragmented right now and the Government will not give the support it requires until that aspect is gone.

“Without doubt, the passion is there in the sector but many people in it are not operating on a commercial level. Government should have a role.

“It would be investing in the professionalism of the people and the quality of facilities. I believe that investment would come back many fold. It could become a much more significant part of our equestrian tourism for example.

“It is essential that the Indecon Report’s recommendations are implemented, the structures need to be there for the industry to go forward. The structure of Horse Sport Ireland, upgraded amenities and prize money are all important,” commented the well known economist.

PROFESSIONALISM

Referring to Germany, Holland, Belgium and France, Power said: “It is clear that these nations are way ahead. In The Netherlands for example, they teach equestrian programmes at school level. That’s very practical, horses ABC from the ground up. A lot of the education in the schools is also about the business of horses. What strikes you is their level of professionalism at all levels.”

While in The Netherlands, Power visited Peelbergen Equestrian Centre as well as Stal Hendrix.

“Peelbergen was very interesting as it was an excellent example of the community taking hold of an industry and working together to make it a reality and a commercial success. Basically, the town of Peelbergen got together with about 20 industry players, secured €12m from banks and built magnificient facilities on a green field site. The municipality put in one third. Planning and construction was done very quickly and without problems or delays. They built three indoor arenas, several outdoor arenas, fabulous restaurants and catering facilities and state of the art buildings which are also used for conferences.

“Some 40 people are employed and there is full time general manager. They host 14 world equestrian events a year at present and a number of equestrian events at domestic level every week, a year round schedule. They have facilities for other international events such as concerts and conferences and they get big local crowds in. 2016 was their first full year and recorded a loss, in 2017 they recorded a profit and 2018 is on target for profit. Over the next few years, they will be paying dividends to the investors. This collaborative achievement was mind blowing. Interestingly, prize money is not the big driver, it was not all that different to what you would find offered in Ireland but the emphasis on facilities, on people enjoying a nice experience, was huge.

“I also visited breeder Paul Hendrix who gave me a tour of their facilities which are top notch, really high quality. It showed me what is out there, what Ireland is competing against, but also what is possible.

“Ireland, while an island, has a lot going for it in terms of climate, soil, our massive tradition of the horse in our culture but we need to be aiming for European-style facilities to attract people and investors to the sport,” said Power.

The economist is working on the final stages of his 18-month report, commissioned by a group of key industry stakeholders, led by Malahide international sport horse agent and equestrian coach Barry O’Connor.