Both the Strategy Review and the current elections to the Irish Horse Board give Irish breeders unique opportunities to have an input into decisions that will affect the fortunes of the Irish Sport Horse for years to come.

As a result of the series of public meetings held over the past three months along with individual submissions made by stake holders, a working group put together by Horse Sport Ireland, the RDS and Teagasc will over the next number of weeks, finalise a “Strategy Review” for presentation to the Minister for Agriculture.

The target date for doing this has been moved from July to September and this delay is not a bad thing. It gives additional time for further submissions and also allows for greater consideration on the part of the working group.

Anyone who has not had their say on the subject of where production of the Irish Sport Horse will go from here should not hesitate to do so. It is important that all shades of progressive opinion be included.

Also over the next few weeks breeders in south Leinster and in Connaught have the opportunity to vote on who should represent them on the Irish Horse Board which is trusted with the duty of turning their wishes into action. In all democracies the weakest link is a non-vote and it is no different in relation to Horse Board elections.

You are encouraged to use your vote and follow it with a submission to whomever is elected when the ballot is finalised at the end of this month.

At times negativity has a divisive and stifling effect on the Irish horse breeding scene.

Casting a vote and making a submission are inputs that can make a positive impact. We encourage all our readers to play their part.