Horse Sport Ireland are delighted to re-launch the mare/filly x-ray screening scheme for 2022. The scheme proved hugely popular with breeders in the 2020 season where over 200 mares/fillies were screened under the scheme.
This scheme, which is being funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), will provide breeders/owners with an accessible pathway to completing a full set of x-rays for their own personal use:
- Bench-marking the breeding herd
- Support breeding decision making
- Support performance decisions
This scheme has three objectives:
1. Provide breeders with an accessible x-ray screening programme for their own personal use (benchmarking their breeding herd/sales, etc)
2. Document the prevalence osteo-abnormalities the degree of bony changes in the Irish young horse population
3. Use the data as a benchmark for bony changes in the Irish herd and disseminate this information in a scientific journal/scientific conference(s)
The scheme is open to fillies/mares aged 2-5 years, who are registered/endorsed in a WBFSH/DAFM approved studbook and meet the performance requirements. Ponies are also eligible to receive funding under the scheme but must also meet the performance criteria and be registered/endorsed in a DAFM Approved Pony Studbook.
In 2022, Irish Draught fillies are also eligible if both parents are Class 1. The mares/filly’s eligibility status will be determined based on dam line performance or the dam’s progeny performance record. Following a valid and approved online application, Horse Sport Ireland will cover the cost of the screening and notify the selected approved veterinarian.
Breeders/owners may apply for up to two fillies/mares to be included in the screening. This scheme operates on a first come first served basis up to the maximum allocation facilitated by the existing budget allocation.
By completing this form you acknowledge that you agree to provide Horse Sport Ireland with access to the information supplied in this form. This is in accordance with HSI's General Data Protection Policy (GDPR).
Before beginning this application form please ensure you have the following:
o - Filly/Mare Passport & IHR details
o - Accurate dam & sire Information
o - Relevant filly/dam line performance information
This scheme is open to all equines resident on the island of Ireland. The applicant must be the registered owner of the horse subject to this application. This scheme operates on a first come first served basis up to the maximum allocation facilitated by the existing budget allocation. Applicants may apply for up to two equines. Please see terms & conditions for performance criteria and eligibility.
Terms and Conditions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1So6OMy8IIxhXEc-Y0sg6x_Vqz4b7IDWP/view?usp=sharing
Fillies/Mares must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
o Be 2-5 years old
o Be registered/endorsed in a DAFM approved studbook.
o Provide verified results demonstrating the performance criteria outlined below:
Dam, sister or granddam of the young horse must be a 3-star or above mare based either on her own performance or on the performance of her progeny.
Or
Young horse has an HSI estimated breeding value or pedigree index for show jumping of 130 or above. Breeding values for mares are available to their owners and breeders on request from HSI by emailing
genetics@horsesportireland.ie.
o Sires must have an Approved/Preliminary Approved or Recognised/Preliminary Recognised classification in a WBFSH/DAFM-Approved studbook.
o Equivalent pony performance criteria
o Irish Draught mares/fillies by Class 1 stallions out of Class 1 dams
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm 30th September 2022. All images must be returned to HSI by the 7th of October. Applications will be deemed to be invalid if they are incomplete.