The theme of the conference was 'Building on the Strengths of the Irish Horse'. Delegates were told that since 2004, when changes in the format from long to short were introduced, the percentage of thoroughbred in Irish event horses declined to 38%. This is a worrying trend, that experts say needs to be addressed. "Breeders can be blamed for the fall in the use of the thoroughbred stallions, but really it's an industry problem. They get little financial return for producing foals by-thoroughbreds, soit's not worth their while. At the end of the day, they have to make a living and will do what they can to make that happen. Breeders get no recognition for producing foals bred by thoroughbred horses," Norman Storey, former equine specialist at Teagasc. told the Veterinary Ireland Journal.
展开▼
