Horse Sport Ireland continues the Embryo Transfer Scheme for 2021

Horse Sport Ireland is happy to announce the reinstatement the Embryo Transfer Scheme in 2021 following its success over the previous four years.  This scheme, which is being funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), aims to increase genetic improvement by maximising the genetic potential of Ireland’s top-class performance mares.

The scheme is open to mares that are 3 years or older, are registered/endorsed in a DAFM approved studbook and meet the performance or progeny performance requirements. The embryo transfer must take place at a designated clinic after the 1^st March 2021 and an application must be submitted before the 27^th August 2021. A payment of €600 per embryo will be payable to the owner, upon submission of a veterinary declaration confirming that the recipient has been scanned in foal and a receipt from the clinic, applicants will receive €600 in 2021 . Ponies are also eligible to receive funding under the scheme but must also meet the performance criteria and be registered in a WBFSH/DAFM Approved pony studbook.

A specific Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) category was introduced in 2019 and is offered again this year. The scheme for the TIH is open to mares that are 3 years or older, are registered in a DAFM approved studbook and recorded as a Traditional Irish Horse. The stallion must also be a Traditional Irish Horse and Approved either a WBFSH or DAFM Studbook.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must comply with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine legislation for equine foal passport registrations to be eligible to participate in future Embryo Transfer Schemes. All foals must be registered within 12 months of birth where proof will be required.

Mare owners can apply for funding for up to 2 embryos under the scheme in 2021.  Semen used for the embryo transfers must be from stallions which are Approved in either a WBFSH or DAFM horse /pony studbook.

This initiative has been developed in line with recommendation R.1.2 from Reaching New Heights which advocates the increased usage of AI and ET in order to accelerate the dissemination of superior genes.  The scheme will benefit the owners of performance mares, or mares that have already produced top class performance horses, through the support of the Embryo Transfer process.  Many of these mares may not otherwise be available to contribute to the breeding of sport horses in Ireland as their owners may wish for them to remain in competition or they may be incapable of carrying a foal to term.  We are very grateful to the Department of Agriculture for their support with this initiative.

Click here for terms and eligibility criteria, if you would like to apply for the scheme please complete the form below.

For further information on the Embryo Transfer Scheme please contact Lorraine Mc Mahon on 045 854517. Email lmcmahon@horsesportireland.ie