Training & Education
Irish Sport Horse Skillnet
The Irish Horse Board is delighted to announce that a grant of approximately €420,000 has been secured to develop a training network for breeders. The network will be funded by the enterprise-led support body, whose mission is to enhance the skills of people in employment in Irish industry to support competitiveness and employability.
The IHB submitted an application for funding to Skillnets in September 2007 with a view to developing a comprehensive, structured training programme for sport horse breeders. This application has now been approved and the IHB hope to include the following in their training programme
- Market knowledge and promotion
- Veterinary care
- Nutrition
- Mare management
- Care
- Handling and production of young stock
- Mare and stallion assessment/genetics
- In addition it is hoped to develop a structured system for the training of inspectors and judges through the Sport Horse Breeders Training Network
Commenting on these developments, Nicholas Finnerty, Director General of the Irish Horse Board stated, "The Irish Horse Board has identified a need for increased emphasis on the training and education of breeders. This funding will facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive training programme for sport horse breeders and will be invaluable in the future development of the industry".
The Irish Horse Board would like to thank all of the breeders that contributed to the Skillnets application. The IHB are also indebted to the Sport Horse Breeders Steering Committee for their valuable input into the successful application. Further details on the Sport Horse Breeders Training Network will be announced over the coming months.
