The Final Young Handlers Series qualifiers took place on Tuesday the 18th of September at the National Ploughing Championships, Screggan, Co Offaly. There was a total prize fund of €10,000 for the final. The aim of this Championship was to assist in the development of the skills of young handlers to prepare and present horses for show and sale. The Economic Contribution of the Sport Horse Industry to the Irish Economy 2017 highlighted that since 2012 the involvement of young breeders (≤ 30yrs) in the sport horse industry has declined from 8.1% to 3.7% in 2016. In 2016 just 0.19% of breeders were less than 20 years of age. The Championship is aimed at encouraging more young breeders/producers to become involved in the industry. It will also provide a unique opportunity for young handlers that are new to the industry to become involved in breeding initiatives and to gain contact […]
