THE Irish Horse Board (IHB) again hosted a very impressive trade marquee as part of its remit under the contract with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine for the promotion and marketing of the Irish Sport Horse industry.
This year, the Irish Horse Board increased its international client base by collaborating with other state agencies and inviting more international customers to attend the show. A primary aim is to identify potential overseas customers and encourage them to come to Ireland to purchase Irish horses.
In this regard, the focal point of the IHB’s presence was ideally situated in Simmonscourt overlooking the arena where all the young horses and ponies competed, so as to optimise traffic from those with serious equestrian interest.
The marquee also played host for networking events and, at one such event, IHB Director General Alison Corbally addressed a large group of Irish Draught and Connemara breeders, producers and clients, which tested the capacity of the marquee.
Corbally outlined the services that the IHB can offer international clients and their role in promotion and marketing of the Irish horse industry on the international stage.
This event proved to be very fruitful for Irish breeders and producers, connections were made and deals were executed. Some horses have already been shipped to their new overseas homes.
Enterprise Ireland
On Friday the international delegates from Enterprise Ireland’s Equine Innovation Trip attended a reception hosted by the Irish Horse Board. This followed on from the inaugural event last year and ongoing collaboration since. It proved to be an excellent opportunity for like-minded businesses to expand into overseas markets and develop their products and business models on a global stage.
Further activities included Comdt. John Ledingham leading members and international visitors on an informative course walk prior to the ‘Sport Ireland Classic’ international competition.
Leading international rider and Puissance winner Mikey Pender signed autographs and chatted to his young fans about their ponies on Saturday, while IHB Director Comdt. Geoff Curran, winner of the RDS Stakes on Saturday, joined the Irish Horse Board on Sunday morning where he was met with queues of fans looking for his autograph.
Mikey Pender signs autographs at the IHB stand at the Dublin Horse Show \ IHB
Showcase
When asked about the week at Dublin, Corbally said: “We have received tremendous feedback from industry stakeholders and breeders regarding the support and opportunities the IHB are providing to date. The professional videos have been an enormous success this year in progressing links with new clients, which we have met at overseas trade events.
“The press coverage, newsletters and social media all combine to showcase the best of the industry and its success abroad, which encourages more customers to look toward Ireland for the upcoming auctions and horses.
“The private enclosure in the IHB stand facilitated a number of deals to be completed at the show and offered a discreet location new professional partnerships to ignite.
“Demand is strong for the right Irish Draught, Connemara pony and from high-performance riders as they search for their next top competition horse or pony across all disciplines – but they must be produced and ride very well. We look forward to growing initiatives to link overseas customers with more Irish bred and produced horses.”