THE Teagasc and Horse Sport Ireland Young Breeder Seminar takes place this coming Wednesday, April 4th, at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone. While the seminar is aimed at young people between the ages of 14 and 25, the content is sure to be of interest to parents and industry professionals who are keen to attract bright young people into the industry.
One of the highlights of the day will be the trade and assessing horses panel with a panel of renowned experts – William Funnel, Tiernan Gill, Andrew Hughes and Barry O’Connor.
Book your place at Wednesday’s seminar HERE. If you are experiencing problems, contact Wendy on wendy.conlon@teagasc.ie or 087-9879083.
WILLIAM FUNNELL – INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPER
William is a world-renowned show jumping rider with over 20 years’ experience at the top of his sport. He has won over 20 international titles and has represented his country all over the world at the highest levels, earning a gold team medal at the European Championships in 2013 with Billy Congo. The Billy Stud is a joint venture between William and his wife, international event rider Pippa Funnell, and Donal Barnwell. Together they have developed a successful breeding program for the production of home-bred British sports horses.
What would you tell your 20-year-old self? “Don’t be frightened to try things, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Be your own person and make your own decisions. Make sure you judge your own horse’s like you would everyone else’s with a critical eye and never double a negative.”
TIERNAN GILL – BREEDER & PRODUCER
Tiernan is probably best known as a well-established ribbon holder in the youngstock show classes around the country culminating regularly in championship titles. He is multi-disciplined, also providing licence acquisition training and advanced driver training nationally and internationally. Tiernan also coaches and trades in show horses, show jumpers and eventers.
What would you tell you 20-year-old self? “Talk to people who are successful, ask questions, study more, education is the key to success. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they provide a learning curve.
ANDREW HUGHES – ENNISNAG STUD
Andrew is part of the dynasty of the extended Hughes family which has been synonymous with breeding top-class horses as far back as the 1930s. Andrew worked at nearby Ballylinch Stud for 18 years but 15 years ago began to establish his own band of elite broodmares to produce future jumpers. The pedigrees and damlines of the broodmares are top-drawer, proven lines. Andrew also trains thoroughbreds successfully and is passionate about empowering young people.
What would you tell you 20-year-old self? “Start breeding in your 20s, be more ruthless in critically selecting stock in the early years, and don’t let your heart rule your head.”
BARRY O’CONNOR – SALES AGENT & COACH
Barry O’Connor is well known and very well respected in the industry both at home and globally as an agent, producer and coach. Based between his home in Malahide, north Co Dublin and a second yard in Belgium where he focuses his winter operations, Barry runs one of the most successful show jumping dealing yards in the country.
More recently Barry has been the driver of a report on the sport horse industry with economist Jim Power due to be published shortly with the ambition of improved investment by the government in the sport horse sector.
What would you tell you 20-year-old self? “Working in the horse industry can be a very rewarding life but you must have a clear vision of what’s needed to create sustainable income.
“Negativity, old wives tales and fairytales can be left at the door.”
AGENDA
12.45pm: Registration Opens
1.15pm: Welcome/Opening Address
1.20pm Careers Options & Pathways in the Thoroughbred Sector Chairperson: Leo Powell, The Irish Field; Cathal Beale – C.E.O. Irish National Stud; Timmy Hillman – Tattersalls Newmarket & Castledillon Stud; Clodagh Kavanagh – Godolphin Flying Start; Guy O’ Callaghan – Grangemore Stud
2.10pm: Group Energiser
2.15pm: Careers Options & Pathways in General Industry Chairperson: Wendy Conlon; Annie & Kate Madden – FenuHealth; Barbara Murphy – Equilume and UCD
2.45pm: Careers Options & Pathways in the Sport Horse Sector Chairperson: Crea English; Judith Faherty – The Irish Field; Catherine Flanagan – Horse Sport Ireland; Michelle Kenny – River Lodge Eventing
3.30pm: Supper Break
4pm: Breeding, Trade & Assessing Horses William Funnell – International Rider; Billy Stud; Tiernan Gill – young horse producer; Andrew Hughes – Ennisnag Stud; Barry O’ Connor – trader & coach
5.50pm: The Young Breeders Programme David Bourke; David Browne; Arianna Mezzapelle; Vera O’Callaghan
6pm: Close