Connect, Select & Grow
THE CONCEPT
Connect, Select & Grow (CSG) is an international event series that brings together sport horse breeders, riders and industry professionals through networking, practical education and open discussion.
Launched in Ireland in 2024, CSG has since expanded internationally, building on several years of collaboration between Emma Thorén Hellsten and Michael Doherty in breeder education and knowledge transfer.
Each event is tailored to its audience, venue and partners, with the aim of creating opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships and make more informed decisions.
CONNECT. SELECT. GROW
Connect
Structured networking designed to build meaningful relationships between breeders and other industry professionals.
Select
Expert discussions providing practical insights into breeding, genetics, selection and performance.
Grow
Practical marketing, business and industry insights to help breeders develop their breeding programmes and strengthen their connection with the market.
Connecting Breeders Across Borders
Since its launch in 2024, Connect, Select & Grow events have been held in Ireland, Norway and Denmark.
2024: Tullamore, Ireland
2025: Tullamore, Ireland and Oslo, Norway
2026: Tullamore, Ireland and Herning, Denmark
THE TEAM
Having met in 2021 through a shared interest in podcasting and breeder education, Emma and Michael have since collaborated on breeder education projects and events across Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden. These collaborations ultimately led to the creation of Connect, Select & Grow.
Emma Thorén Hellsten
Bringing together scientific expertise, industry leadership and practical breeder education.
- Sport horse breeding and genetics specialist
- Former Breeding Manager, Swedish Warmblood Association
- Consultant specialising in breeder education, knowledge transfer and strategic development
- Project Manager, Flyinge & Strömsholm National Equestrian Centres
- PhD in Animal Science (genetic evaluation of sport horses) Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Certified practitioner in the Catalyzing Coaching® method
Michael Doherty
Combining hands-on breeding experience, marketing insight and a strong international network within the sport horse industry.
- Sport horse breeder, Quarryfield Farm, Ireland
- Creator and host of the Big Talk For Breeders podcast
- Organiser of international breeder networking and education events
- Host of the RDS Breeders' Talk (Ireland) and Wellington Breeders' Talk (USA)
- Former Marketing Executive, Horse Sport Ireland
- Assists breeders in sourcing broodmares & selling youngstock
INTERESTED IN HOSTING A CSG EVENT?
Connect, Select & Grow offers breeder groups, studbooks and equestrian event organisers an adaptable format for bringing breeders, riders and industry professionals together.
The programme can be delivered as a standalone event or as part of a larger equestrian event.
Working with local partners, we develop a programme that reflects the interests and needs of the audience, combining relevant industry expertise with opportunities for discussion and networking.
If you're interested in bringing Connect, Select & Grow to your country or event, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Emma Thorén Hellsten
emmat.hellsten@gmail.com
Michael Doherty
michael@quarryfieldfarm.com
