w Initia
connects the world to the Irish horse. Launched by
Horse Sport Ireland in May 2013, this sales channel for
sellers of Irish-bred horses and ponies began operating
commercially in September 2013.
producers in Ireland to sell high-quality Irish-bred horses
and ponies in international markets; to give foreign
buyers increased confidence in buying horses and
ponies in Ireland; to assist foreign buyers in sourcing
reputable providers of other services; to provide market
feedback to Irish breeders and producers.
them to advertise horses or ponies for sale. One year's
membership costs 99 plus VAT for an unlimited
number of adverts. All revenues are reinvested in
building the brand internationally. All horses must be
registered in an approved studbook and have recorded
pedigree. To find out more visit the site at
www.irishhorsegateway.ie
Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, to
be part of the Gulf States Trade Mission from 26th
October to 1st November, 2013. The delegation for the
Trade and Investment Promotion Programme included
officials from the Department, Bord Bia, Enterprise
Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland, Irish
Thoroughbred Marketing and the Embassies of Ireland
to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Approx.
60 representatives from Irish businesses also travelled
with the group. The trade mission visited equestrian
clubs and facilities in Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the group visited the King's
Stud of His Majesty King Abdullah Bin A'Aziz Al Saud.
The objectives of the trade mission were to develop
relationships between Ireland and the Gulf States in the
equine sector; promote Ireland's image as a source of
thoroughbreds and sport horses and a strong equine
education provider; encourage the Diaspora to promote
Ireland's equine sector; and to promote Horse Sport
Ireland.
HSI Chairman Prof. Pat Wall; Stephen O'Leary; Teagasc Chairman Dr Noel Cawley; Ian Dodson, Digital Marketing Ireland; Cera
Ward, Google; Shaun Delaney, Fáilte Ireland; Fintan Phelan, Teagasc; Declan McArdle, Teagasc; and Damian McDonald, HSI CEO.