BPAC positions now open to members

The Irish Horse Board (IHB) is a membership organisation for breeders and primary producers of Irish horses and ponies (Irish Sport Horses, Irish Draught Horses, Irish Cobs and Irish Sport Ponies) with in excess of 8,000 currently active members/shareholders.

The IHB is currently in the process of nominating suitably qualified individuals to represent various studbooks on the Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) Breeding and Production Advisory Council (BPAC).

The role of the BPAC is to provide advice to Horse Sport Ireland in support of the development of strategy, policy, funding activity and sustainability in the sport horse breeding sector.

Nominees hold seats for a two-year term and participate in typically four BPAC meetings per year dealing with matters of studbook policy, breeding and production while representing the interests of their specific studbook and the wider IHB membership. Meetings are likely to be held via online platforms and individuals may participate remotely.

All current IHB shareholders or members are eligible and the IHB is now seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified individuals to take on an IHB nominee position on the BPAC for a two-year term from 1 August 2020.

Some of the key attributes required include extensive knowledge of breeding sport horses/ponies, an understanding of breeding policy and issues arising for sport horse studbooks, business acumen to assist the discussion about modern day studbook business, an understanding of EU and Irish legislation related to sport horses, an understanding of the issues on the ground facing breeders, a knowledge of innovative breeding techniques like embryo transfer and genetic testing.

Individuals wishing to express interest should contact the IHB via email to info@ihb.ie or call 045 854511.