Irish Horse Board Co-Operative Society

The Irish Horse Board is a co-operative society with over 15,000 shareholders. The Irish Horse Board is the representative Co-operative Society for breeders in Ireland and is a member of The Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893-1978 (as amended). The Irish Horse Board is available to assist all their member breeders with any issue relating to their breeding and production enterprises, from challenges with sales, accessing information or funding to assisting them to sell their horses either privately or through sales companies.   

The Irish Horse Board plays a crucial role in the promotion and marketing of Irish equestrianism and Irish horses, both domestically and internationally. As the official government body for the promotion and marketing of the Irish Sport Horse industry, the Irish Horse Board is dedicated to showcasing the exceptional quality and versatility of Irish horse breeds to a global audience. Through strategic marketing campaigns, our press office and participation in international horse shows and events, the Irish Horse Board works tirelessly to raise awareness and appreciation for Irish horses and the work of the breeders producing them.

For individuals looking to purchase an Irish horse, the Irish Horse Board offers a range of services to assist in finding the perfect equine companion. From providing sales videos of talented horses for sale privately to information on public auction sales listings to offering guidance on transport and logistics, the Irish Horse Board is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to bring a piece of Ireland’s equestrian heritage into their lives.

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Meet

The Board

The Board of the Irish Horse Board is elected by members of the five electoral regions.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Irish Horse Board Co-operative Society is Mr Tiernan Gill.

The current Board Members of the Irish Horse Board are:

  • Tiernan Gill (Chairman) 
  • Comdt. Geoff Curran
  • Ms Helen Kelly
  • Ms Marguerite Ryan
  • Ms Marion Hughes (Vice Chairperson) 
  • Mr Pat McCarthy 
  • Mr Liam Lynskey
  • Dr Jack Murphy [Ministers nominee]
  • Mr Neil Henry
  • Mr Adrian Bourke

The Irish Horse Board Co-Operative Society was established in 1993 as the Irish breeders representative body. Since 2023 the Irish Horse Board is responsible for the delivery of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine’s National Marketing service. This strategically vital role is to promote and market Irish bred horses, Irish breeders and producers and Irish equestrian success worldwide to protect, enhance and build the reputation of the sport horse industry, to increase National and International exposure of the Irish Sport Horse Industry and to maximise the economic return to breeders relative to expenditure.

The IHB ran the National Breeding and Marketing schemes since 1993. In late 2007, Horse Sport Ireland was established to bring the sport, breeding and leisure sides of the Sport Horse Sector together.

In 2008 a Special General Meeting of the Irish Horse Board Co-operative Society approved the Irish Horse Board’s integration with Horse Sport Ireland. In 2008 the maintenance of the Irish Horse Register became the legal responsibility of Horse Sport Ireland; this remains the situation to date.

IHB Registered Address

Irish Horse Board Co-operative Society Limited,
The Paddocks,
Kill,
Co. Kildare,
W91K197

IHB NOMINATIONS FORM FOR REGIONS 2 and 4Download

Ireland – Land Of The Horse

A short video showcasing why Ireland is perfect for the breeding and rearing of high quality sport horses.