Current Market Demand
Mr. Paul Larkin
Paul Larkin has been involved in ponies and horses all his life. He partook in show
jumping, hunting and pony racing as a child. He took out his amateur jockeys licence at
16 years of age, was joint point to point champion for Northern Ireland in 1985.
Paul and his brother Val went to America in 1986 where they set up Larkin Brothers
International Horse Breaking. During their time in America they handled more than 9,000
horses and held a number of contracts for some of the most impressive breeding
operations in California.
The brother’s established Larkin Bros. International Ltd. In October 1997. by 1999 they
had sold over 1 million euros worth of Irish sports horses to the USA. In 2002 they
opened up the European market being the first to sell export Irish horses to Latvia.
Paul and Val Larkin own the fantastic jumping mare Ado Annie, who won 6 World Cup
Qualifiers and jumped in 3 World Cup finals and European Championships. The mare is
by Errigal Flight. Paul and Val still have the dam who is still breeding at 23. Paul’s
international bloodstock firm has sold 24 horses to the USA by Errigal flight on the
strength of Ado Anni’s performance.
The Larkin brothers have a full brother to Ado Annie who they hope to stand as a stallion
next year. They also have another full brother which is a foal and two full sisters to Ado
Annie. Despite the current fashion of European warmbloods the Larkin’s are determined
to retain fillies from these tough Irish Draught performance pedigrees, insisting that they
pass durability, athleticism and a good brain onto their progeny. Breeders, producers and
competitors are realising now the importance of keeping the old Irish bloodlines.
Ado Annie as a three year old with Paul
Ado Annie at the European Championships
at San Patrignano
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The market requires well bred, well handled, correct quality horses. Horse should be
conformationally correct and have a good step.
Handling the young horse
One of the most important things for Paul when buying or selling horses is the level of
handling they have received. When buying foals it can be very hard to see them move
correctly on account of lack of handling. This can easily be resolved by a little time and
effort from the breeder/seller of the animal.
Criteria to be met include the following:
 Easy to catch
 Leading correctly in hand
 Quiet to pick up all four limbs
Regardless of selling the foal or not this is vital in the later development and training of
the horse.
Breeding information
Every horse by law now requires a passport. Have your foals marked at an early age and
have a passport available for the purchaser to view. Buyers demand passports.
Pedigree is of great importance and knowledge of relatives that are competing
successfully either nationally or internationally is of great benefit when selling. The
breeder/seller should be up to date on the pedigree of the horse and be familiar with it
when asked by a prospective purchaser
Breed Quality
Assessment of mare and stallion conformation and movement is critical. A quality sport
horse has many roads to divert to if it is not good enough to make the top. Avenues which
can be availed of include
Show Jumping
Eventing
Amateur jumping
Hunting
Riding (leisure)
Showing
Dressage
Riding school
The influence of proven foreign bloodlines on the Irish mare seem to Paul to be ideal for
show jumping or eventing. At present the quality Irish sport horse with temperament and
ability is the most marketable horse in the world, unfortunately these are few and far
between. For the many who are not able to make the top there is always a good demand
for the Irish horse internationally for the amateur and leisure markets.
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Promoting your stock
Is selling at home still an option?
Yes, once it is marketed correctly.
Marketing involves:
 Horse well handled
 Pedigree available
 Photographs- good quality
 Video clip of horse (can be sent to the potential customer, or be available
to e-mail)
 Advertising (national press, word of mouth, websites, competitions –
showing young stock)
 Contacting Buyers and sellers through guide
In Paul’s opinion we need to be more selective in our breeding policies as at present he is
finding it harder and harder to find the quality Irish sport horse who is well handled and
schooled, capable of meeting current market demands. Mare and stallion selection along
with proper handling is critical for the future success of the industry.
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