BREEDERS’ Elite Studbook, previously known as the Studbook for Irish and European Sport horses (SIES), is establishing an office in Northern Ireland.

SIES was approved as a studbook by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland back in 2009 and was renamed as Breeders’ Elite in 2013. It was set up and operated by Dutch-born Henk Minderman and family from offices in Britain.

Breeders’ Elite has previously been available to Irish breeders, however current developments mean that Breeders’ Elite will open an office in Northern Ireland, which will be able to register horses and produce passports on site.

At the end of 2024, Minderman approached the Northern Ireland Horse Board (NIHB) to discuss the possibility of establishing an office in Northern Ireland. Discussions revealed that it would not be possible to amalgamate Breeders’ Elite with NIHB, despite them both being affiliates of Horse Sport Ireland.

The desire to offer choice to breeders has led to a separate Breeders’ Elite NI office being located within the complex at the Embankment Road, under the management of Chris Bogle and Hugh McCusker, who have had discussions with and sought approval from DAERA, as well as the GB competent authority, DEFRA.

These discussions have now concluded, with agreement between all parties and a UELN format has been established for use in the NI office.

This will mean that breeders north of the border now have a facility to obtain full pedigree passports in Northern Ireland. Additionally, Breeders’ Elite NI will be able to hold its own stallion and mare grading inspections in the near future. In keeping with the ethos of Breeders’ Elite, grading will be based on soundness and pure performance ability, while also considering functional conformation and suitable temperament.

Commitment

Commenting on the arrangement, NIHB chairman Hugh McCusker said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to facilitate the new Breeders’ Elite office in Northern Ireland. This new hub will allow us to strengthen our commitment to breeders and promote excellence in equine breeding across the region.”

Director General Chris Bogle added: “Breeders’ Elite believe in the power of quality breeding, the Northern Ireland office will be no different, we are dedicated to supporting local breeders in their pursuit of excellence and ensuring that our equine heritage thrives for generations to come.

“We are excited to engage with the equine breeding community in Northern Ireland. This office will serve as a hub for breeders, providing access to resources and information when they need it most. Launching our office in Northern Ireland is just the beginning. We are looking forward to collaborating with local stakeholders to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability within the equine industry.”

Knowledge

Minderman has dedicated his life to sport horse breeding; moving to England in 1979 and bringing with him a wealth of knowledge of continental breeding. Over many years, he has built a reputation as a breeder of top-class sport horses and, along with his wife Louise, established Renkum Stud over 35 years ago. Minderman also has plenty of experience with studbooks, having also founded the Anglo European Studbook (AES) in 1993 and developed it over the course of 20 years until 2013.

The Dutch man’s CV also includes founding the Young Horse Championships at Addington Manor and he was awarded the BEF Meritoire Award for his contribution to breeding in 2010.

The Breeders’ Elite Studbook is accredited to the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses and currently lies 14th in the show jumping category in the world rankings, with stallions owned by some of UK’s biggest names featuring amongst their clients.

The move is hailed as exciting news for breeders, with the opportunity to expand the GB-Ireland market.