March Guest: Dr Joe Collins

Host Wendy Conlon will be joined by Dr Joe Collins on Tuesday February 11th at 8.30pm. The topic for discussion: demystifying bone chips, cysts, OCD and more. 

The webinars are provided free to access both live and, technology obliging, also as recordings. Those who join the live webinar can submit questions during the delivery. 

Joe will be familiar to many for his regular articles in The Irish Field. He has undertaken many roles over the years transitioning from veterinary practice to educational, advisory and policy roles. Joe's early career involved clinical residency focusing on orthopaedics and continues to have a keen interest in this topic.

 Booking for Equine Breeding & Reproduction Course closes soon!

Young Breeder training welcomes those aged 15-30 years of age. The next World Championships takes place July 16-19, 2026 at the State Stud Celle in Germany - eligible for those born 2000- 2010. 

Join the conversation. It is not all about the competitive elements. #learning #making new friends

An enthusiastic group gathered at Greenogue Equestrian Centre on March 1st to enter Spring with a greater understanding of linear scoring assessment. Ian Cassells generously brought along 3* and 5* eventers for the group to assess stripped of tack, and under saddle. Ian provided plenty of insights into the feel he gets from the horses as a rider, and how he manages them as individuals, while Philip Scott and Teagasc specialists explained the process of linear scoring. 

The next training session is Sat. April 5th at Ardeo Sport Horses.Keep an eye on the website and social media (Equine Young Breeders IRE) for information on further 2025 events. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions. Always delighted to welcome new participants. 

A case of Foot and Mouth Disease was diagnosed in Germany on January 10^th.  On March 6th 2025 Hungary confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, its first case in many decades. The disease was detected in a dairy farm in Northern Hungary, close to the Slovakian border. The virus serotype is not known yet and investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection. There have been no movements of foot-and-mouth susceptible species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, buffalo, camelids) into Ireland from Hungary or its neighbours Slovakia and Austria since 1st Jan 2025. 

Horses cannot become infected or ill from FMD.  However, they, and their transport vehicles could facilitate spread of the virus.All equine owners are encouraged to exercise additional vigilance at this time in particular around animal and transport hygiene and biosecurity. Equine movements from Hungary or Slovakia into Ireland are strongly discouraged whilst this outbreak is ongoing.

From Teagasc Equine Specialist Team Wendy Conlon and Seán Keane

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