“This is the first time we have seen a government minister who is prepared to support the industry and I would urge everyone engaged with the industry to make it their business to attend these meetings,” said Professor Wall. “That means everyone from those with an interest in horses as a hobby or as a profession, to equestrian centre owners, feed mills and anyone else who derives an income from the sector in anyway.”

The HSI chairman said he saw the strategy review, which is being co-ordinated jointly by HSI, the RDS and Teagasc, as the equivalent of the Food Harvest 2020 report in the agriculture sector.