Wall wants the industry to get behind the Irish Sport Horse Industry Strategy Committee’s call for submissions as it aims to develop a strategy for the sport horse sector. For the next month, submissions are being sought from those involved in the industry by the committee which comprises representatives from, and is facilitated by, HSI, the Royal Dublin Society and Teagasc.

“If there’s an idea that anyone has, no matter how small, they should submit it,” urged Wall. “We have to make a major change if we’re going to improve the current situation and the three bodies want to be as inclusive as possible, so anyone who has something to contribute should send it in; nobody should feel left out.

“When the sport horse sector is all joined up, it’s bigger than some of the other sectors and deserves Government support.

“We have different segments of the market, but we need to move forward with a bit of mutual respect because everyone has something to contribute.

“The contribution isn’t to rubbish others, but what can your sector of the market do? Think about what’s positive about your sector. The time for moaning is over, so let’s focus on the positives and build on that.”

It’s the first time that HSI, the RDS and Teagasc have worked together for a common strategy and Wall is optimistic about the process, adding: “It’s a good chance to come up with something meaningful. If we’re working together, the likelihood of Government support is greater. This is an opportunity for everyone who has good ideas to put them into the pot and make a contribution.

“There are a lot of passionate people in the industry, but a lot of people aren’t making money and we need to change things to make it more commercial. We’re heading into a new breeding season and we need to make serious decisions about what we’re breeding and what market we’re breeding for.

“The sport horse industry has two main components – the breeding and production elements. The breeders have to be breeding what the producers want and can sell. This process is a great opportunity to get the two lined up.

“The ingredients that make the thoroughbred industry such a success, the limestone land and people, we have the same for the sport horse sector, so there’s no reason why Ireland couldn’t be looked upon a source of excellent horses for all levels.”

Submissions are being sought under four headings – breeding and production; marketing; knowledge transfer and training; and institutional support and policy (see advertisement on A49).

Interested parties are being asked for their opinion on improvements and developments that can be implemented to benefit the sector under those headings. The process will be overseen by a steering group chaired by Prof Pat Gibbons, professor of strategic management at UCD Smurfit Business School.

The group includes Pat Wall and Damian McDonald of HSI, Prof Cathal O’Donoghue and Declan McArdle of Teagasc, and Michael Duffy and Pat Hanly of the RDS.

It’s hoped that the strategy will encourage job creation and sustainable enterprise development, and facilitate where possible export-led growth.

The committee will prepare a draft strategy for the medium-term commercial development of the sport horse industry for the period to 2025.

Submissions should be sent to submissions@sporthorsestrategy.ie or by post to Sport Horse Strategy Committee, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co Galway by 5pm on Friday, March 14th. Further information is available on sporthorsestrategy.ie