The Irish Horse Board is running two seminars on the theme “Breeding and Producing for Market Requirements” on Thursday 12th February 8pm at Haydens Hotel, Ballinasloe and on Friday 13th February 8pm at Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny. Speakers at the seminars will include experts in the field of showjumping, eventing and dressage.

Comdt John Ledingham, ex international showjumper and Chairman of both the EFI Coaching and High Performance Committees will speak on the requirements for breeding and producing showjumping horses for the national and international markets. During his career with the Army Equitation School, Comdt Ledingham represented Ireland on 63 Nations Cups teams, including five Aga Khan Cup wins, and he also won the Hickstead Derby on three occasions.

William Micklem, FBHS, will speak on the market requirements for breeding and producing eventing and leisure horses. He is particularly well qualified to speak on this subject as he supplied Karen and David O’Connor of the USA with the Irish bred eventers “Giltedge” and “Custom Made”. Between them, those two horses have won 12 medals at either Olympic, World or Pan American Games for the USA – “Giltedge” with 7 (a record for a horse representing the USA) and “Custom Made” with 5. William is the author of the recently published “DK Complete Horse Riding Manual”, and he is also a well known coach and trainer, and he was the brains behind the “Ride On” extravaganza at last year’s European Championships in Punchestown,,

Gisela Holstein, international dressage judge, EFI tutor, and trainer will speak of the important factors in breeding and producing horses for the dressage market. Gisela has very successfully produced dressage horses to Olympic Games standard, and the IHB is delighted to avail of her expertise and experience.

Dermot Ryan, Acting Director General of the Irish Horse Board will also give a short presentation on the current trends in breeding in Ireland.

Entrance is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.

Irish Horse Board

Maynooth Business Campus

Maynooth

Co Kildare

ph 00 353 1 5053584

fax 00 353 1 5053562

.