Connect, Select & Grow returns to Tullamore’s Bridge House Hotel on Thursday, February 26th, 2026. Now entering its third Irish edition, the event has established itself as a popular and well-regarded forum for engaged sport horse breeders. This year’s event is sponsored by BB Equestrian - providers of premium stables, jumping equipment, and feeding systems at affordable prices.
Hosted by Ireland’s Michael Doherty and Sweden’s Emma Thorén Hellsten, the 2026 edition of Connect, Select & Grow will feature four focused sessions:
CONNECT
A networking session designed to help attendees build meaningful industry connections, clarify individual goals, and share practical experiences within their group.
SELECT – STALLIONS
Pieter-Jan Stijns, Belgian breeder, founder of Equisem and Chief Data Officer with HorseTelex, will demonstrate his selection tool and explain how to assess the true success of a stallion’s offspring.
SELECT – ARMY EQUITATION SCHOOL
In its centenary year, Commdt. Geoff Curran will discuss how the Irish Army Equitation School acquires horses, and the key qualities prioritised across each discipline.
GROW – FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION
Delivered by Emma Thorén Hellsten, this hands-on workshop is designed to drive growth by sharpening priorities, strengthening decision-making, and translating insight into action.
The event runs from 6pm to 10pm and has a capacity of 100 attendees. Tickets can be purchased until February 19th, but may close sooner if event capacity is reached. Attendees will also have the chance to win industry spot prizes.
Hotel accommodation: If booking a room in the Bridge House Hotel for the night of Thursday 26th February, please call the hotel and reference this event to avail of their corporate rates (subject to room availability - early bookings are encouraged).
