INDUSTRY funding and Brexit were high on the priority list for Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture, Andrew Doyle, TD, when speaking at the Irish Horse World Awards on Monday.

The first Minister in attendance at the awards lunch for 13 years, Doyle opened his address by nodding his cap to the vast reach of the industry countrywide. “While we are here in Kildare, we could host this event in any county, because the sport horse industry has such a huge reach, and it is important to rural economies all around,” Doyle said.

“It supplies 14,000 jobs and is worth over €800 million to the economy. It is certainly not to be underestimated, and sometimes it falls under the shadow of the thoroughbred industry which seems to gain significant most exposure at times and certainly receives more funding.”

Referring to the Reaching New Heights report and the more recent Indecon Report which looked at the structure of Horse Sport Ireland, Minister Doyle wished members of the new board of HSI well.

“To go back to the money – and put it on the record – the Department is fully committed to seeing the recommendations of both reports progress and to assist, where possible, to facilitate implementation.”

Referring to Brexit, Minister Doyle said the equine industry faces a “formidable challenge”.

“The equine business relies on a long standing agreement which allows tariff free and untethered movement of horses between the UK and Ireland. This season the situation in relation to importing or exporting horses is potentially much more complicated than that with other live animals, but you can be assured that we are, as a government, and we will continue to work with and for this sector for the a bright future for the industry despite these challenges.

“It is imperative that all stakeholders in the industry work together in facing the challenges that lie ahead in order to make sure Ireland remains to the fore of this highly competitive global industry.”

Photojournalist Ruth Rogers was honoured with a special recognition award for her contribution to the equestrian industry over the last 50 years.

She was the first woman to win a National Press Award and has received the International Salon of Photography Gold Medal Award, Pacemaker Photograph of the Year, and three Benson and Hedges Photograph of the Year Awards, among others.

A former member of the Greyhound Racing Board and director of many of its tracks nationwide, Ruth also served as a member of the greyhound control committee.

Her name is synonymous in Connemara Pony circles and she has reported and photographed shows over the years for The Irish Field among other publications.

See all the awards winners on pages 86-89