Fáilte Ireland has launched a new strategy to develop equestrian tourism throughout the country.

Group product manager Mark Rowlette said: “We are confident that there is great opportunity to grow the equestrian holiday market both in terms of the participant element whether on a trail ride or instructional holiday, or spectators visiting for racing festivals or horse shows.”

The national tourism organisation will hold consultations on the possibilities with service providers, tourism agencies and other bodies such as Horse Racing Ireland, The Irish Horse Board, Horse Sport Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

At the moment, participant-related Equestrian Tourism accounts for 37,000 overseas visitors and generates more than 30m euro (£20.8m, US$42m) each year, owing to the country’s reputation for excellence in horsemanship, breeding and training