On Thursday 5th March 2026 Kildare County Council organised a brilliant Equine Summit for in the Aga Khan stand of the Curragh Racecourse. The event is something Equestrian communities the world over could benefit from so I made recordings of all the presentations and have cut and pasted content from the event brochure below and uploaded the recordings to youtube so you can watch, share and replay the presentations, download the transcripts, replay it with translations to other languages, etc.
Please feel encouraged to share and follow Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Board (Kildare is Ireland’s ‘Horse County’ home to the Irish National Stud where they’ve set up a National Equine Innovation Centre), Ireland’s Horse County tourism board and the legendary Curragh Racecourse and Training Centre (home to Ireland’s five most important flat races, more than 50 world class trainers and offering venue hire and guided tours most days outside of it’s 24 days of racing). who are all doing admirable work in this exciting area to promote Equestrian culture, careers, business and tourism.
Introduction:
“Ireland’s equine industry is not just a cornerstone of our cultural heritage—it’s a driving force behind our rural economies, a global leader in breeding and racing, and a sector brimming with innovative opportunities for the next generation. Join us for an number of engaging panel discussions where you’ll hear from leading voices in the industry about why this sector matters so profoundly to Ireland’s present and future.
Discover how the equine sector sustains thousands of jobs, supports communities, and contributes to our reputation on the world stage. With rapid changes in technology, education, and international competition, new skills are now more vital than ever. If you’re passionate about Ireland’s success or considering your own career path, this is your chance to explore how you can make a difference in a dynamic and rewarding industry.”
Brendan McArdle, MC and Moderator
Brendan McArdle is Advertising Sales and Marketing Manager at The Irish Field and a respected RTÉ showjumping and horseracing commentator. Known for his expert insights and engaging delivery, he regularly hosts major equine events, bringing deep industry knowledge and a dynamic presence to audiences across Ireland’s racing and sport horse sectors.
Welcome
Cllr Carmel Kelly, Cathaoirleach Kildare County Council, Minister James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
AI Summary Notes (helpful summary that’s easy to cut/paste into translators etc):
Key Points from the Video:
- Cllr Carmel Kelly’s Welcome:
- She opens by emphasizing Kildare County Council’s strong commitment to the equine sector as a vital driver of economic growth, cultural heritage, and international excellence.
- Highlights support for career pathways, enterprise development, and educational initiatives to create opportunities for young people and professionals.
- Describes the summit as a platform to build connections, showcase the sector’s future, and explore themes like sustainability, talent nurturing, and innovation.
- Sessions cover breeding, training, education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
- She invokes the Irish saying “We are stronger together” to stress collaboration.
- Extends a warm welcome to international delegates (including from Sweden, Iceland, and other EU countries), noting the event’s global aspect.
- Minister James Lawless’s Address:
- Expresses pleasure at attending this inaugural/first-of-its-kind event, thanking organizers, stakeholders (e.g., Horse Sport Ireland), and international attendees.
- Shares a personal anecdote: his daughter is involved in equine science and works with Horse Sport Ireland(which is presenting/exhibiting at the summit).
- Traces Ireland’s deep historical and cultural ties to horses—from ancient mythology to everyday rural life—positioning the industry as economically significant (comparable to major multinational employers in jobs and GDP contribution).
- Celebrates Kildare as the “home of the horse”, with its world-class racing heritage and competitive equestrian centers.
- Stresses the need for innovation and forward-thinking approaches to secure the sector’s future.
- References Ireland’s participation in the Erasmus+ Young Equine Innovators project, which fosters environmental awareness, digital transformation, and skill-building for young professionals via European exchanges and mobility.
- Officially launches the Equine Career Handbook—a new guide outlining diverse career entry points in the sector, including veterinary science, animal welfare, marketing, technology, farriery, breeding, training, and more.
- Praises the farrier apprenticeship program (emphasizing the adage “no hoof, no horse”) and recent visits to facilities that blend traditional skills with modern innovation.
- Notes departmental support for the broader equine ecosystem, including veterinary placements, education at institutions like ATU (Atlantic Technological University) and CCTU (likely a typo/reference to another tech uni), and programs such as BHS (British Horse Society) courses.
- Concludes poetically by reflecting on the industry’s evolution—from local roots to global stages and back—quoting T.S. Eliot on the idea of returning home “knowing the place for the first time,” renewed and strengthened.
- Thanks participants for ensuring horses remain central to Ireland’s identity and future.
Overall Context and Tone:
This is a formal, optimistic opening to a summit aimed at bridging tradition with modernity in Ireland’s equine sector (building on themes from the prior Minister McConalogue speech you shared, such as generational renewal, innovation, and collaboration). It promotes unity among stakeholders, youth engagement, and positioning Ireland as a global leader in equine matters. The video serves as an inspirational kickoff, highlighting government and local authority backing for the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Minister Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, gives a masterclass in the value of having elected politicians that have a personal passion for horses, equestrian culture and the business.
AI Summary (helpful summary that’s easy to cut/paste into translators etc)
- Opening and Welcome: The minister praises the fantastic venue (The Curragh), the enthusiastic crowd, and the passion for the equine sector. He acknowledges his colleague Minister Lawless (for Higher Education) and highlights their joint work on education, agriculture challenges (e.g., generational renewal), and crossovers like this event. He warmly welcomes international visitors and notes their positive itinerary.
- Pride in Kildare’s Equine Heritage: Kildare has a deep, indelible link to horses (thoroughbreds and sport horses), providing economic, livelihood, and leisure opportunities. The sector drives jobs and passion across generations.
- Evolving Career Opportunities: Traditional entry-level images (e.g., stable work with a fork) are outdated. The industry now includes high-tech roles, such as those in Medi-Record (a company using technology for equine medical records, sharing data, and international applications). Innovation creates computer-based or device-driven jobs that blend passion for horses with modern skills. This needs better communication to parents and young people to counter outdated perceptions and highlight diverse, successful careers (breeding, rearing, training, welfare, etc.).
- Personal Anecdote on Advocacy: The minister shares his 15-year milestone as TD for Kildare South and early efforts to educate policymakers. He recounts organizing a trip for TDs to see behind-the-scenes operations (e.g., at Dermot Weld’s yard, the gallops at the “Old Vic,” support services like equine laundry, vets, farriers, and the National Stud). This opened eyes to spin-off jobs and economic activity, turning skeptics into advocates. It helped justify government support via the Horse and Greyhound Fund (e.g., €80 million this year).
- Economic and Global Value: The sector generates real rural economic activity where other opportunities are limited. It showcases Ireland internationally (e.g., show jumping, eventing at Olympics, upcoming Cheltenham/Ascot). Ireland’s advantages include mild climate, green image, horse lineage, limestone-rich soils (especially in Kildare), and—most importantly—its people as ambassadors.
- Government Investment Rationale: Foals are agricultural produce (80% from farm backgrounds), akin to supporting other farming outputs. Investment supports breeding, racing, sport, welfare, and innovation. HRI’s strategic plan emphasizes welfare. The minister supports evolving initiatives like a potential equine campus in Kildare (building on RACE) and teases collaboration with Minister Lawless for funding.
- Praise for Kildare County Council and Jackie McNamara: The council plays a key role in economic development (e.g., thousands employed in breeding/racing). Carmel Kelly (Cathaoirleach) and Alan Dunny (economic development/planning) are commended. Jackie McNamara is highlighted as a driving force: since the LEO’s establishment (post-2013 reforms), she has delivered multiple hubs (textile, food/drink, innovation, arts/crafts, equine at National Stud, circular economy). This event stems from her vision to foster collaboration, prove benefits of working together, and create a lasting legacy (e.g., regular stakeholder meetings to address shared challenges like skills shortages and attracting the next generation amid full employment).
- Call for Greater Collaboration: The equine sector excels but operates in silos (e.g., separate associations for owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, ITBA). Shared vision and challenges (e.g., competing for skilled youth) require agility and joint efforts. The minister draws parallels to his Food Vision 2030 strategy: stakeholder-led (31 groups input), owned by participants, with subgroups for sectors. This approach doubled agri-food exports (from €10bn to €20.8bn). The equine sector could benefit similarly—Jackie has “lit the fire”; stakeholders should seize it for better outcomes.
- Closing: Wishes everyone an excellent day, thanks Jackie for her legacy-building initiative, and encourages turning today’s gathering into ongoing collaboration.
Overall, the speech is an enthusiastic endorsement of the equine industry’s economic importance, innovation potential, welfare focus, and need for unity. It positions the event as a catalyst for a more collaborative, forward-looking future in Kildare’s world-renowned equine hub.
Launch: Young Equine Innovator’s Guide to a Career in the Equine Industry
Nina Carberry, Member of European Parliament. Nina Carberry is a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Midlands Northwest with Fine Gael and the European People’s Party. She serves on three EU committees: Transport and Tourism, International Trade, and Budgets. A former champion jockey and 2011 Irish Grand National winner, as well as breeder, trainer, TV personality, and author, she brings deep equine and entrepreneurial expertise to European policymaking.
Orla Casey, Young Equine Innovators a European Perspective – Momentum Innovate + Educate
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AI Summary/Notes:
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development – Kildare County Council
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Click here to view the Talkatoo Transcript (you can copy/paste this into a translator like Google Translate to follow along in any language):
AI Summary/Notes:
Panel 1: Ireland’s Equine Industry: Opportunities & Outlook
Objectives of the panel: * Understanding of the structure, scale, and future direction of the Irish equine industry. * Explore the dynamic structure and vast scale of the Irish equine sector, hear directly from leading figures and decision-makers, and discover the career pathways shaping the next generation. * Offer unique insights into racing, breeding, sport horses, veterinary, and education, and a clear understanding of how this industry underpins rural communities and drives economic growth. * Explain why attracting fresh talent is now more crucial than ever—making this session essential for anyone considering their future in a thriving, globally recognised field.
Panelists
Prof. William Hynes, Managing Director, KPMG Future Analytics, Ireland. William is a Chartered Urban Planner, Surveyor, and Spatial Economist with extensive experience leading strategic economic and development projects. He has coordinated 20 EU research projects, lectures at UCD, and led the Kildare Skills Strategy 2024–2030 for Kildare County Council.
Joe Osborne, Director – Godolphin Flying Start. Joe Osborne served as Managing Director of Godolphin Ireland from 1994–2025 and held director roles across Godolphin’s global entities. He is a director of Godolphin Flying Start, involved since its 2002 launch, and also serves on the boards of the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and the Irish Farriery Authority.
Denis Duggan, CEO, Horse Sport Ireland. Leading the national governing body for equestrian sport and the Irish Sport Horse/Irish Draught studbooks. Former Macra na Feirme CEO and Enterprise Ireland executive, he focuses on breeding innovation, welfare, and digital services like HorseSource.
Carol Nolan, Director of People and Industry Education, Horse Racing Ireland. Carol founded HRI’s Careers and Racing Education Department in 2015. Her mission is to expand access to racing and breeding career pathways nationwide, supporting employers, stakeholders, and individuals across the sector.
Joey Cullen, Marketing Director, Goffs. Joey was been the Marketing Director at Goffs since 2011, previously he expanded global markets for Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. A University of Limerick Equine Science graduate, he has worked at Hollywood Park Racecourse in California and Taiki Farm in Japan. He leads Goffs’ marketing efforts, strengthening client relationships and driving sales across all bloodstock sectors.
Sharon O’Regan, CEO, Weatherbys Limited. Sharon became CEO of Weatherbys in 2025 after serving as Deputy Chief Executive and General Manager of Weatherbys Ireland. With over 25 years in breeding and racing administration, she brings deep expertise and strong stud book partnerships, driving growth and diversification across Weatherbys at the heart of the Thoroughbred industry.
Click here to view the Talkatoo Transcript of Panel 1 (you can copy/paste this into a translator like Google Translate to follow along in any language):
AI Summary/Notes:
AI Summary of Panel 1 (helpful summary that’s easy to cut/paste into translators etc):
Key Discussion Points
The panel opens with each panelist introducing their background and role, then moves into broader themes via structured talk and Q&A.
- Diverse Career Pathways and Education:
- The industry is portrayed as a meritocracy where passion and hard work trump background—no “parental influence” needed to rise (e.g., many top figures started modestly).
- Opportunities span hands-on (breeding, training, farriery) to professional (marketing, strategy, tech, veterinary, welfare, administration).
- People can change careers multiple times within the same sector (e.g., from stable work to tech/education roles).
- Programs like Flying Start, HRI’s jockey transitions, and Weatherbys’ progression paths are highlighted as success models.
- Emphasis on attracting diverse/youth talent amid full employment and competition from other sectors.
- Innovation and Technology:
- AI and tools aid tasks (e.g., cataloging at sales, predictive analysis, genomics for breeding/traceability).
- Tech draws younger generations but won’t replace hands-on expertise (e.g., physical horse assessment remains essential).
- Genomics, data sharing, and digital transformation support sustainability and efficiency.
- Challenges Facing the Sector:
- Skills shortages — 76% of equine businesses struggle with recruitment.
- Succession planning — Denis Duggan shared that HRI research identified that ~65% of equestrian businesses in Ireland lack identified successors.
- Social license — Welfare perceptions, social media risks, and threats like potential Olympic exclusion for equestrian sports.
- Need for better youth engagement, infrastructure, and community integration.
- Collaboration and Recommendations:
- Top priority: cross-sector collaboration (equine with education, ICT, logistics, tourism).
- Ideas include national equine campus development, tourism initiatives (e.g., “Horse Country” linking to rural economies), and international exposure.
- Kildare’s economic study stresses skills, education, and infrastructure investment.
Audience Q&A Highlights
- Accessibility for people with disabilities (e.g., lobbying for adapted riding school funding).
- Talent retention and athlete transitions (e.g., HSI/Sport Ireland programs).
- AI’s role — supportive tool, not a replacement for traditional skills.
Overall Tone and Takeaways
The discussion is optimistic and forward-looking, celebrating Ireland’s global equine leadership (breeding, racing, sport) while acknowledging real hurdles like labor shortages and public perception. Panelists stress unity, innovation blending tradition with tech, youth pathways, and community/welfare focus to ensure long-term sustainability. The panel reinforces the summit’s theme: the equine sector offers viable, evolving careers and economic value, but requires collaborative action to thrive.
This aligns with the event’s goals (as seen in the opening welcomes) of showcasing “pathways and possibilities,” fostering stakeholder ties, and positioning Kildare/Ireland as a hub for equine excellence.
Panel 2: The Team Behind a Champion
Objectives of the panel: * Exploring Diverse Careers in the Irish Equine Sector: The Irish equine industry presents a broad range of career options. * Clarify the variety of professional paths available in the equine industry. * Showcase personal stories and successful career journeys. * Offer practical guidance and expert advice on entering and thriving in the field. * Inspire attendees to consider rewarding roles within a globally respected industry.
Panelists
Ross O Sullivan, Dual Purpose Kildare Based Horse Trainer, Ross O’Sullivan Racing. Ross O’Sullivan’s career is rooted in Irish racing. A former amateur jockey for 12 years, he refined his skills during five years with Jessica Harrington and three with Colm Murphy. He now runs a disciplined, results-driven training operation, sharing authentic behind-the-scenes insights with visitors through Horse Country.
Valerie Keatley, Head Girl, JP Murtagh Racing. Valerie grew up surrounded by horses in County Kildare and held her own trainer’s licence for six years. Over a decade ago, she joined Johnny Murtagh at Fox Covert Stables, where she has become an integral member of the team and now serves as head girl.
Dr. Marcus Swail, Equine Veterinary Surgeon – EquiVET Ireland. Marcus Swail is an equine sports medicine veterinarian, founder of EquiVET Ireland, and long-time team vet for Irish Sport Horse teams. He has attended multiple Olympic and World Equestrian Games and frequently presents at major international veterinary conferences.
Nicole Groyer, Equine Nutritionist – Connolly Red Mills. Nicole, an Animal Science Equine graduate, is a key member of the Connolly’s RED MILLS nutrition team, providing international technical support. With broad industry experience, she works closely with sport horse stables, stud farms, and trainers, supporting customers through tailored nutrition advice, forage analysis, and diet planning.
David O’Callaghan, Thoroughbred breeder, Yeomanstown Stud. David O’Callaghan is a leading bloodstock professional and manager at Yeomanstown Stud in Co. Kildare, renowned for breeding elite thoroughbreds and champion stallions like Dark Angel. He has played a key role in Yeomanstown’s global reputation for producing top-class runners and commercial success at major sales.
Click here to view the Talkatoo Transcript of Panel 2 (you can copy/paste this into a translator like Google Translate to follow along in any language):
AI Summary/Notes:
Panel 3: Innovation & the Future of Equine Careers
Objectives of the panel: * As technology transforms the equine sector, this panel explores how innovation is reshaping everything from animal welfare to data-driven performance analysis: * Offer Insightful perspectives from pioneering leaders at the forefront of equine innovation, revealing how emerging technologies and forward-thinking approaches are shaping the future of the sector. * Demonstrate inspiring career pathways for those eager to make their mark in fields such as equine genomics, veterinary advancements, smart data analytics, sustainable nutrition, and digital record management. * Offer insights to attendees that are passionate about animal welfare, technological transformation, or expanding the boundaries of equine professions the many dynamic roles and new opportunities available within a rapidly evolving industry.
Panelists
Anne-Marie O’Brien, CEO & Founder, Equimetrics. Annemarie is a former champion trainer, leading amateur rider and current owner and breeder of flat and NH horses along with her husband Aidan. She is CEO of Equimetrics ltd, a company that is developing smart wearable technology for the Equine industry and is a current board member of HRI.
Dr. Kevin Corley, Director & Founder, Veterinary Advances. Kevin Corley is an equine specialist veterinarian and co-founder of EquiTrace, a global equine technology company. EquiTrace delivers AI-driven health compliance through EventPass for major US competitions and a leading stud management platform used by stud farms worldwide. Kevin continues to practise and lecture internationally in equine critical care.
Prof. Emmeline Hill, Equine Genomics University College Dublin & Co Founder, Equinome. Professor of Equine Genomics at UCD; co-founder of Equinome and lead researcher behind the Thoroughbred “speed gene,” applying genomics to performance, breeding and welfare.
Wendy Conlon, Equine Specialist, Teagasc. Wendy Conlon is an Equine Specialist with Teagasc, Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority. She supports horse owners and breeders through advisory services, knowledge transfer, and industry engagement, with a focus on equine management, equine health, and sustainable production systems.
Pierce Dargan, CEO & Founder, Equine MediRecord. Founder & CEO, Equine MediRecord (now within Business Infusions), the first regulator-approved digital platform for equine welfare/anti-doping compliance — used by Breeders’ Cup, The Saudi Cup and more. Named in Ireland’s “30 Under 30.”
Emelie Andersson, Founder, Ridhjälpmedel. An equestrian instructor with 14 years’ experience in riding education for people with disabilities, specialising in adaptive teaching and inclusive sport. An entrepreneur and innovator, she has earned a New Entrepreneur Scholarship and awards from DHR and the Swedish Inventors’ Association, pioneering advances in adaptive equestrian assistive equipment.
Click here to view the Talkatoo Transcript of Panel 3 (you can copy/paste this into a translator like Google Translate to follow along in any language):
AI Summary/Notes:
Panel 4: Equine Tourism: Showcasing Ireland to the World
Objectives of the panel: * Discover how equine tourism is opening doors far beyond Ireland’s borders, creating exciting career pathways across the globe. * Showcase how the dynamic blend of heritage, horsemanship, and hospitality is creating exciting opportunities and driving demand for skilled professionals both in Ireland and internationally. * Invite you to discover how you can actively contribute to and thrive within this globally expanding sector , whether your passions lie in travel, animal welfare, or pioneering guest experiences. * Share insights on shaping the future of equine tourism, and learn how you can unlock its international potential for your own career journey.
Panelists
Laura Magee, CEO, Horse Country. Laura Magee, CEO of Horse Country, leads Ireland’s immersive equine tourism initiative, showcasing behind-the-scenes experiences at top stud farms and training yards. A CAFRE Enniskillen alumna with experience in racing and hospitality, she develops unique visitor experiences that celebrate Irish equine heritage and broaden public access to the industry.
Shauna Harrington, Visitor Experience Coordinator, Kildangan Stud (Godolphin).Supporting daily breeding operations in Godolphin Ireland’s Stud Office. Shauna also runs Horse Country Tours, welcoming visitors and showcasing Ireland’s thoroughbred heritage. With industry experience and a passion for storytelling, she helps connect people with the history and tradition of Irish bloodstock.
Evan Arkwright, Racing & Sponsorship Manager, Curragh Racecourse.Evan Arkwright is a seasoned Irish racing executive at The Curragh Racecourse, serving as Racing & Sponsorship Manager. He manages major national and international sponsorships and develops racing programmes, drawing on previous management roles with Weatherbys Ireland and the Emirates Racing Association. Arkwright has worked at The Curragh since 2002.
John Osborne, Director of Equine Welfare & Bloodstock, Horse Racing Ireland. John Osborne is Director of Equine Welfare & Bloodstock at Horse Racing Ireland, bringing deep veterinary, breeding and racing expertise. Formerly CEO of both the Irish National Stud and HRI Racecourses, he has held influential leadership roles shaping industry standards, strategy and welfare across Ireland’s thoroughbred sector.
Aideen Morrin, Co-Founder of Stories Ireland DMC. Globally respected expert in incentive travel, events and luxury group experiences. With 25 years’ international experience, Aideen has curated award-winning programmes for global brands and served on the boards of SITE Ireland and the ITOA.
Dr. Ingibjörg Sigurðardóttir, A leading academic in rural tourism and equestrian studies, with expertise in equestrian tourism, rural innovation and small business development. An Assistant Professor shaping research, teaching and curriculum at Hólar University, contributing internationally through published work, project leadership and industry engagement. A recognised specialist advancing Iceland’s equestrian tourism landscape.
Click here to view the Talkatoo Transcript of Panel 4 (you can copy/paste this into a translator like Google Translate to follow along in any language):
AI Summary/Notes:
Closing Session – Reflections & Looking Ahead
Panel Reflections
Objectives of the Closing Session: * A review of the most significant insights and achievements from today’s sessions. * Discussion of new directions in education, training, and innovation identified during the event. * Guidance on where to find professional support, placement opportunities, and mentorship in the sector.
Panelists
Cathal Beale, CEO, Irish National Stud & Gardens & Chair, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ITBA)
Eileen Cullen, Head of Innovation and Training, Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB)
Alan Dunney, Director of Planning, Enterprise, Economic Development, Kildare County Council
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Click here to view the Talkatoo Transcript of the closing session (you can copy/paste this into a translator like Google Translate to follow along in any language):
AI Summary/Notes:
Equine Career Guidebook
Delegates all received a copy of a very informative new Kildare County Councils’ Equine Career Guidebook – “Your pathway into Ireland’s equine industry’. These are being distributed across Ireland to schools, careers advice centres, etc.
“This guidebook was commissioned by Kildare County Council and produced by IFAC. The Equine Career Guidebook serves as an accessible roadmap for young people seeking sustainable careers in the equine sector. This guide is designed to provide a clear, practical overview of career and business pathways across Ireland’s equine sector. It outlines key industry areas, explains role types and required skills, and highlights training, education, and enterprise supports. Each section provides clear, practical information to help explore options, identify pathways, and plan next steps”.
I haven’t been able to find a link to access a copy of the book online (as soon as I can I’ll edit this and add the link to downloading a copy) but a quick read has me thinking there’s some great content here and it would make an excellent script for a series of career advice videos that would have a lot more impact on young people and help share the passion of those professionals who provided the career case studies as well as helping promote the industry as a bit more modern and technologically advanced than can be achieved with a print copy only book.
Exhibitors included:
Connollys Redmills & Foran Equine
Equitation School, Irish Defence Forces
Race (Racing Academy & Centre for Excellence)
Networking
The event was brilliant for networking and in the morning it was noticeable that the delegates were enjoying it a bit too enthusiastically (you’ll hear the MC trying to quieten them a few times in the recordings I made even though I used a noise cancellation AI to queiten the background chatter!) and there were guests who had travelled into Ireland from Sweden and Iceland.
Horse Music
The Irish Horse Tourism industry is expanding rapidly and we could very soon see a day when it’s bigger than the Irish Horseracing industry which is the envy of the world and has done the foundational work to create this huge tourism opportunity which will create a virtuous cycle that drives Equine sector growth eg. visitors investing in Irish horses, people all over the world trusting & buying technology developed with and by Irish horses, etc). The Irish are of course known the world over for their music ((the iconic Riverdance show alone has performed to more than 30 million and the recordings for the show have been watched by more than 3 Billion) but the unique relationship Irish music has with the horse is still to be revealed to the public.
I’ve found most visitors to and citizens of Ireland don’t realise that the Irish are the only surviving sovereign nation in the world that has a musical instrument (the Irish Harp or ‘cláirseach’) as its official national emblem/symbol and they don’t know why this musical instrument was on the green flags that led its rebellions. Today the Cláirseach appears on the presidential standard, coat of arms, passports, official seals, and other government insignia and it’s easier to find a Leprechaun than a bar counter that doesn’t have a harp on it!
The huge traditional repertoire of tunes (more than five thousand have been catalogued) survived unimaginably tough penal laws (eg. the famous proclamation from Queen Elizabeth I in 1603 ordering Lord Barrymore to “hang the harpers, wherever found, and destroy their instruments”) and yet most people have never had the musical experience you can have when riding a horse explained to them and it’s easy for a masterful Irish percussionist to help you experience this in an unforgettable way in a social setting. For whatever promises the digital world offers in business it’s still these social environments that make valuable trade relationships and not dulll boardrooms…
Music for people who love Horses
We want to help the equine industry in Ireland to use music to better connect with our tourists and most of this can be achieved by just sharing stories about the history and origin stories of our musical heritage. The Equestrians who gave the Irish our Equestrian Culture and Traditions all played music to, about and with their horses and it’s obvious when you hear a musician forensically examine the music and songs. After that you can spot evidence for yourself wherever you hear Irish music being performed eg. a typical Irish traditional music session will often include tunes and songs about horses (Beeswing), race days (The Curragh Races), fairs (Spancil Hill), Gambling (Bottle of Smoke), etc, etc.
It’s my ambition that every Equine Tourist visiting Ireland will get to experience a traditional Irish session that introduces them to this and more eg. I want them all to experience a bodhran player explaining how when riding a horse the rider and horse are sharing a rhythmic experience like a reel in 4/4 time. I want to have them experience musicians performing songs and tunes about horses and equestrian culture and so I brought the legendary Rea MacGrabhann (who has performed for decades in Irelands top tourist destinations attractions including Oliver St. John Gogartys in Dublins Temple Bar and Dick Macks Bar in Dingle) with me to the Equine Summit to play a few tunes with me.
Music for Horses that people love
Horses are intelligent noble creatures that don’t just have an incredible affinity for music but through the use of tech (like vital sign monitors, AI machine learning, etc) can now compose music that is healthy, healing and can help with how we train, race and breed them. The music that you will automatically play in the healthy healing autonomous vehicles of the future is being developed today in the stables of horses and by those responsible for transporting the world’s most transported animals to the world’s richest races! Check out the Sound and Vibrational Healing chapter of the free Horse Tech Market Report by Sharon Quigley from the Academy of Sound Therapy for more on this and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to add music to your horses and/or develop custom sound tracks to play in your stables.
Job boards
It was great to see these big jobs boards around the room – a great idea for event organisers – but I thought it would be helpful to share the adverts online so below you can see details of ones I managed to snap pictures of:
Livery yard + Riding School Team Member. Dunbyrate Sto. Kildare. http://www.DunbyraseRquestriaan.ie
Working Student. Richmond Park Stud, Limerick. RichmondParkStud.ie
Yard Manager + Head Instructor and Assistant Trainer for small National Hunt Yard. Crossogue Eq, Thurles. http://www.CrossogueEquestrian.ie
Freelance Instructors. BHS Working Student Positions. Cherry Orchard Equine Centre. Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10. CherryOrchard.ie . Michelle Leonard yardmanager@cherryorchard.ie / Edel Maher edel@cherryorchard.ie
Training Eagala fundamentals Equine Therapy. Kilcloon Co Meath. 3-7th June ’26. We know you know horses we should you how to be a part of their team helping people. Louise 085 858 9995.
Stud Groom. Co Kilkenny &. co Tipperary. Work includes yearling prep, foaling and all general stud farm duties. Ana O’Brien 0868331816
Racing Yard ground staff. Co Kilkenny. Duties include the care of racehorses, going racing and travelling with runners + general yard duties. Paddy@carrigauogracing.com
Course Opportunities. Equine L5 & L6 with BHS Qualification. Leitrim College of FE. Carrick-on-Shannon. Co Leitrim . Infor@leitrimcollege.ie 086 4611905 & 089 266 7813
Riding Instructor. Carrickmines Equine Centre. Dublin. CEQ.ie
Yard Staff. Rathaster Stud. Naas. Co Kildare. http://www.RathaskerStud.com
Groom. Belmont Stud, County Offaly. http://www.BelmontHorseStud.com
Pony Groom. Ronnoco Dump. Maynooth. http://www.CianOconnor.com
Yard Assistant. JAG Equestrian. Naas Co Kildare. Full & Part Time – Flexible Options. Julie Ann 085 7278043
Equine Assisted Services. Stewarts Care. Kilcloon County Kildare. StewartsCare.ie Terri.brosnan@stewartscare.ie
Horse Volunteer. Barretstown. Ballymore Eustace, Kildare. Spend the day (9-4pm) or half leading horses on gentle treks and crating magic moments for children with serious illnesses. recruitment@Barretstown.org
Breaker wanted. Irish Sport Equine. Co Laois, http://www.IrishSportEquine.com
Reproduction Vet. Belmont House Stud. Belmont, County Offaly. http://www.BelmontHouseStud.com
Show Jumping Groom/Rider. Richmond Park, Limerick. http://www.richmondparkstud.ie
Army Groom, The Defence Forces, McKee Barracks, Dublin. Military.ie armyhorses@defenceforces.ie
Exercise Riders & Grooms. Duties include riding out, travelling with horses & all general yard duties. rhickey@bawnmoreracing.ie
Cours Opportunities. FE/HE/Online learning/short courses. CAFRE. Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. http://www.cafre.co.uk Follow @DiscoverCafreEquine.
Show Groom. Hadley Sporthorses. Galway. http://www.hadleysporthorses.net
Further reading about the KCC Equine Summit
Kildare County Council to host Equine Summit at Curragh Racecourse
Irish Horse Board congratulates Kildare County Council on Equine Summit 2026: