Teagasc Equine Newsletter 

December 2023

The Let's Talk Equine webinar series continues on Tuesday, December 12th at 8.30pm. 

Niamh Melody of Nire Valley Connemaras, and Alicia Devlin Byrne  joined the webinar last month to chat about 'Nurturing Natives, and Native Crosses'. Niamh described the development of predominantly one of the family’s marelines which began for them with the mare Canal Laurin, right up to the present whereby two of her granddaughters are resident on the farm. Niamh gave her perspective on the qualities she felt were important in the mares over the years, and showcased a mareline which has demonstrated versatility, quality and underlines the importance of the mare. Niamh also emphasised the responsibility of the breeder to have clear breeding goals.

Alicia herself a talented producer showcased a selection of Connemara Ponies, Irish Draughts,

and Crosses explained the qualities that she appreciates as a rider, and the potential markets for

each. Alicia has a wealth of experience and success with her horses and ponie over the years

and brought these insights to the discussion. 

All previous episodes in the series, and registration to attend live webinars, are available

at www.teagasc.ie/letstalkequine; follow the button link below. 

Short Courses 2024 - 

NEW DATES & Evening Sessions

Autumn 2023 courses are wrapping up presently. Short courses for sport horse breeders will get underway again in January and February 2024. Intended for those, 18 years of age or older.

Equine Breeding/ Reproduction:

This course begins on January 18th 2024.

Objectives are to provide information so that informed decisions can
be reached to embark on a sport horse breeding enterprise and to
educate in the fundamentals of equine breeding, and reproduction
husbandry.
Four evenings (6.30pm - 9pm), January 18th, 23rd, 25th, and 30th are delivered
online through Zoom, followed by one full workshop day on farm, February 1st in the environs of Kilkenny city (two farms).

Blended Learning Equine Foaling & Neonatal Health:

This course begins on February 13th 2024. 

Objectives are to create awareness of all aspects of preparation for foaling, normal foaling, and recognising dystocias (difficult labour) and to provide information to assist breeders in managing the basic health care needs of neonatal foals while recognising signs of illness.

Two evenings (6.30pm - 9pm), Feb 13th and 20th, are delivered online through Zoom, followed by one half day workshop, Feb 27th (1.30pm - 4.00pm), on farm (Co. Kildare). 

Further information can be found by following the links below. 

Young Breeder Training December 2nd 2023

The final young breeder training activity for 2023 takes place on Saturday December 2nd from 10.30am to 2.30pm. 

Young Breeders to visit Newton Stud (Ballywalter Stables) 

Farm of April, Bertram, and Harry Allen

Very excited to bring young breeders to Co. Wexford to view and discuss a selection of horses which may be future Aloga auction candidates, or perhaps mounts for Bertram and Harry Allen in time. 

Objectives are to assess conformation and athleticism traits, whilst also learning about the production system of Ballywalter / Newton Stables. 

There is a very short window remaining to book if interested in attending. Open to those aged 14-30 years of age. 

The programme is a joint programme between Teagasc and Horse Sport Ireland funded by Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. 

From Teagasc Equine Specialist Team Wendy Conlon and Seán Keane

[email protected]   and   [email protected] 

Teagasc

Oak Park, R93 XE12, Carlow