THE National Young Breeders Competition, a joint project between Teagasc and Horse Sport Ireland, took place at Kildalton College, yesterday (Tuesday) 19th April. The competition was kindly sponsored by Pegus Horse Feeds and attracted forty five competitors between the ages of 14 and 25 years. Competitors expertise was tested in assessing horses’ conformation, movement and loose jumping and completed a theory paper on all aspects of breeding, stable management, horse health and welfare, and sport. The final aspect of the test was to present a horse in hand on the triangle. Judges on the day were Clem McMahon, Jack Doyle, Tiernan Gill, Maurice Coleman, Phillip Scott, Patrick Hester and Anna Camon.
Competitors had been preparing for the competition through various training sessions since September 2010.
Results are as follows:
| Youth (14-15 Years) | Junior (16 -19 Years) | Senior 20-35 Years) |
| 1st Maeve Farrell | 1st Aoife Crotty | 1st Iris Brazil |
| 2nd Ruth Carey | 2nd Ruadhri O’Cianain | 2nd Amy McCarthy |
| 3rd Grainne Embleton | 3rd Siobhan Schous | 3rd Ciara McIntyre Walsh |
The winners in the junior category and the senior category are joined by a further nine individuals (Juniors: Iona Nichols, Caoimhe Kenny, Niamh Butler, Emer Quinn, Philippa Scott and Aisling Micklis; and Seniors: Naomi Fallon, Conor Higgins, Regina Daniels, Eileen Murphy and Katie McCormack) to go forward for further training in preparation for the World Championships to be held in France at the end of July 2011. Three team members plus a reserve in both age categories will be chosen to represent the ISH studbook in Chazey Sur Ain in July.
A huge thank you goes to sponsors Pegus Horse Feed, all the judges and farm owners who assisted along the way. Thanks also to all at Kildalton College who ensured that all horses were impeccably turned out for the National Competition and all aspects ran smoothly.
A huge congratulation goes to the winners and to all who took part in what was an excellent day of competition.
Anyone wishing to be involved in the Young Breeders programme in the future should contact the Teagasc Equine Team: Wendy Conlon 087 9879083; Declan McArdle 087 6831876; Ruth Fennell 087 9602537; or Norman Storey 087 2222513
Back Row: (l to r)
Frank Murphy Principal Kildalton College; Ruth Fennell Teagasc; David Stone Jr Pegus; Eugene Pegus; Catherine Farrell HSI; Phillip Scott Judge; Wendy Conlon Teagasc; Patrick Hester; Anna Camon and Tiernan Gill judges; Declan McArdle Teagasc
Front row: (l to r)
Winners: Ruaidhri O Cianain; Amy McCarthy; Ciara McIntyre Walsh; Ruth Carey; Grainne Embleton; Maeve Farrell; Siobhan Schous; Aoife Crotty; Iris Brazil