February Guest: Meta Osborne

Host Wendy Conlon will be joined by Meta Osborne on Tuesday February 11th at 8.30pm. The topic for discussion: 'Is welfare about more than just good husbandry?'

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. 

A well-respected veterinarian specialising in mare reproduction, Meta became senior steward at the Turf Club in 2016, the first female to do so. Meta has completed a Masters in Animal Welfare, breeds at Tinnakill House Stud alongside husband Dermot Cantillon, and is a recipient of a Hall of Fame award from the ITBA in 2024 recognising their breeding achievements. 

Meta provides a platform to share knowledge alongside Australian Karen Luke via the podcast 'Changing Rein' which aims at 'building better, more sustainable horse sport' chatting to guests, and with horse welfare at it's heart.

 Courses planned for March & April. Booking is now open!

Young Breeder training will resume in the coming weeks. Training is open to those aged 15-30 years of age. 

2025 will focus on building confidence in the assessment of conformation, movement, and jump traits. The next World Championships is to take place July 16-19, 2026 at the State Stud Celle in Germany. 

Join the conversation. 

Keep an eye on the website and social media (Equine Young Breeders IRE) for information on the 2025 events. Contact wendy.conlon@teagasc.ie if you have any questions. Always delighted to welcome new participants. 

A number of changes in relation to identification checks on equines before applying for export certification are to be implemented on Monday Feb 10, 2025 by DAFM.

Those exporting equines should make themselves aware of the changes. The objective is to ensure all equines are certified for export to the EU or the UK by DAFM are subject to an identification check by exporters prior to application for a health certificate. The requirements regarding an equine's fitness to travel are also addressed. These requirements are in addition to the health certification process, further details of which can be found at gov.ie-Export of Horses

Please email any queries regarding this Trader Notice to horseid@agriculture.gov.ie

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) is a contagious viral disease that can affect all equine animals. Ireland is currently free from this disease, but it is in wide circulation worldwide including in mainland Europe, and therefore poses an ongoig threat of introduction to Ireland. 

The virus can be spread by mating (natural cover or artificial insemination), respiratory tract secretions from infected animals, contact with aborted foetuses and associated tissues and fluids, or contact with contaminated equipment or fomites (any inanimate object that, when contaminated with or exposed to infectious agents can transfer disease to a new host). The recent lack of EVA vaccine availability may contribute to an increased risk of a disease outbreak, which if it were to occur, may have significant negative consequences for the Irish equine industry. 

The grant supports 

• the conservation of traditional farm outbuildings, including roofs, walls, structural repairs, windows, and doors.
• the repair of other traditional farming structures such as walls, gate pillars and gates, walled orchards, cobbled yards and masonry dungsteads.

From Teagasc Equine Specialist Team Wendy Conlon and Seán Keane

wendy.conlon@teagasc.ie   and   Sean.E.Keane@teagasc.ie