A LIVELY panel discussion dedicated to show jumping now and into the future, the importance of a good training system and the potential of the lucrative American market dominated the afternoon session of the Equine Hedge School.

Speakers for the session included American-based Galway showjumper Andrew Bourns and his father Richard, who gave an insight into the profitable American market.

Crowd favourite for over 20 years, international show jumper Geoff Billington, spoke of his lengthy career, which included taking part in two Olympic Games. The colourful character entertained the audience, recalling fond memories, friendships and commenting on the growing professionalism of the sport.

Veterinary surgeon Emma-Rose Conroy of Euro Stallions Ltd, opened the session with a presentation on equine reproduction. She provided mare and stallion owners with practical tips described as ones that “will save time, money and energy.”

Conroy said: “A good place to start at the beginning of the season is with a pre-breeding exam from the outset, especially if your mare’s previous history is not good.”

Paying close attention to a mare’s cycle early on in the season, ensuring she has a healthy body condition score and deciding on the method of insemination early are all vital. The veterinary surgeon explained that breeders must consider logistics, time and conditions when choosing what method of insemination will work best for their mare, whether it is frozen, chilled or live cover.

While choosing a stallion to suit a mare was described as being of paramount importance, Conroy underlined the significance of a good dam line adding: “There is no point in thinking you can breed a superstar by just using a good stallion. The mare ultimately has more to play.”

Meanwhile, Tiernan Gill of Gill’s Driving School of Ballina in Co Mayo was on hand to inform attendees about obtaining the correct licence for transporting horses to equestrian events.

Drivers of a vehicle towing a horse box must now hold a BE driving licence and an equine certificate for the horse on board. The new regulation, which is in place since January 1st 2016, is now being enforced.

Show jumper Geoff Billington was the first of the panel to address the floor, initially reminiscing about his early show jumping days including memories of buying a pony in a syndicate for £10 and getting a lift to shows at the age of 12.

“My parents had no interest in ponies so I got a lift to the shows every weekend. There was this snotty nose kid who beat me nine times out of 10 - his name was John Whitaker, and he’s still beating me.”

Billington was on his first British team at the age of 19 but of all the horses that have gone through his hands, he spoke most fondly of It’s Otto. The horse that brought him to two Olympic Games was sent to him in 1992 by an owner who gave him a half share in the horse and went on to win over £700,000 in prize money.

When asked about the changes in the sport over the last 20 years, Billington believes it is more professional nowadays.

“In the olden days, each country had a couple of stars. When you went to a big show, there was a group of eight or nine riders that would win every class. Nowadays if there is 50 in a class, 40 plus of those riders have a chance at winning - even the amateurs are professional now.”