A number of horse breeders and producers from the area had been to Germany on a Teagasc educational tour and following their return, wanted to continue to share information and learn from each others experiences. This resulted in the formation of the group. There are 24 active members. The group is facilitated by Ruth Fennell, Teagasc Equine Specialist Advisor. The group meet every six to eight we
eks. Meetings usually take place on a member’s farm. A number of visits have been made to outside centres including the Army Equitation School, Highland View Lodge Stud, Jack Doyle’s yard, Somerton Equine Hospital and earlier this year we visited a number of stud farms viewing stallions for the breeding season. At the outset the group elected a chairman, Mr. Tom Horgan and a set of aims were draw up. The first aim was to access the breeding stock owned by members. Their own mares were assessed based on loose movement, conformation, past performance and pedigree. A frank and honest assessment was made by two industry experts – this was the groups starting base. Following on from this the group set about improving their skills in assessing a horse’s conformation, loose movement and jump. Various industry experts assisted members in this including the Army Equitation School, Peter Leonard, Jack Doyle and Tom O’Dwyer. Now members had the improved knowledge and skills to better assess not only their own stock but also potential stallions and their progeny. The requirements of the current market were discussed with industry professionals on visits to other farms and a better understanding of how members should market their animals was shown. Industry experts have given talks on various topics including animal health, nutrition, equine dentistry, preparing foals for sale, turnout and preparation of animals for the show ring, preparing mares for the HSI inspections, starting the young horse on the lunge and loose jumping the young horse. The group is now working towards producing horses that meet the market requirements, whatever sector of the market that may be. In order for these enterprises to be viable they must be profitable. It is hoped that the newly acquired skills and knowledge that the group members have received will increase the chances of reaching their goals.
