Equine Young Breeders (IRE) Programme
The Equine Young Breeders Programme (IRE), initiated in 2005, is a joint initiative between Teagasc and Horse Sport Ireland funded by Department of Agriculture Food and Marine under national breeding services. The programme is aimed at those between the ages of 14/15 to 30 years who are interested in assessing, exhibiting, and breeding performance horses. Participants do not have to be breeders themselves or even come from an equestrian background. An avid interest and an eagerness to participate and learn is all that is required.
The skills and knowledge learned serve as a foundation for those with an interest in developing their knowledge of the horse. These skills are transferrable when purchasing a new horse/pony; deciding about which mares/stallions to use for breeding; assessing offspring; presenting horses for inspection, sale, show or competition.
The Programme provides a platform for young people to meet with their peers and make contacts both nationally and internationally with like-minded individuals who share their love for horses.
The main activities involve training days and every other year national and international championships. Irish teams have enjoyed an excellent success story at World Championships over the years with highlights including 2009 Studbook Bronze; 2013 Studbook Reserve World Champions; 2022 Studbook World Champions, and many more accolades for age category teams and individuals over the years. Only those aged 16-26 years of age are eligible to be selected for World Championship participation (i.e. 2026 Championships are open to those born 2000-2010). Learn more in the flyer linked below.
Download the Equine Young Breeders (IRE) (2024) Flyer (PDF)
Facebook: Equine Young Breeders IRE
Instagram: ire_young_breeders
Read more about International Young Breeders (IYB)
WBFSH International Young Breeders World Championships 2026
The 2026 Championships are planned for Germany at Landgestüt Celle, July 16-19 2026. Landgestüt Celle provides an historic and iconic location for the 2026 World Championships.
WBFSH International Young Breeders World Championships 2024
Team representing the ISH Studbook at the 2024 World Championships in Denmark with team trainers. Front row left to right Philip Scott, Ben Kavanagh, Sarah Kavanagh, Hazel McInerney, Edward Hennessy, Tiernan Gill; Back row l to r Maria Cairns, Gillian Burke, Colin Doyle, Caoimhe Healy and Wendy Conlon (Teagasc).
Summary of the Irish Studbook Team performances at the 2024 World Championships.
Full results of the WBFSH International Young Breeders World Championships.
WBFSH International Young Breeders World Championships 2022
World Championship winning team representing the ISH Studbook at the 2022 World Championships in Denmark with team trainers. Left to Right Tiernan Gill, Colin Doyle, Camilla Snow Coyne, Amy Finn, Aoife Kirby, Wendy Conlon, Shane Donohoe, Edward Hennessy, Maria Cairns, Philip Scott
Summary of the Irish Studbook Team performances at the 2024 World Championships.
Learn more about some of the previous young breeders over the years, what inspired them to get involved and the benefits they gained.