Forthcoming Seminars for the Equine Industry
In March the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise will be holding a number of seminars and events for the equine industry.
The first of the equine seminars is entitled ‘Breeding for Price, Pedigree and Performance’ and is on Thursday 7th March 2013 at Down Royal Racecourse commencing at 7.30 p.m. This seminar is aimed at all those with an interest in the production of Sport Horses.
Speakers for this seminar include Mr Declan McArdle of Teagasc who will discuss market requirements and costs of production. Alison Corbally, Director of Breeding and Programmes with Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) will give an update on HSI Breeding Policy and the CapallOir database. There will also be a session about the prevention/management of a range of conditions in young stock which can affect performance.
The theme of the second seminar is ‘Advances in Equine Husbandry’. This should be relevant for all those interested in horses, Thoroughbred or Sport Horse. Dr Barbara Murphy of University College Dublin will discuss the Equilume mask used for advancement of the breeding season in mares. Mr Andrew Poynton will discuss new farriery products. Other topics for discussion will include Bedding Alternatives, the security of tack and equipment and sources of Irish Sport Horse performance information. This seminar will take place on Thursday 21st March 2013, again at Down Royal commencing at 7.30 p.m.
Space will be available at this seminar for trade exhibitors wishing to put new equine products on show. Potential exhibitors interested in having a display at this event should contact Rachel McGuigan at Rachel.McGuigan@dardni.gov.uk or on 07748 338279 by Wednesday 13th March 2013.
Attendance at these seminars is free of charge but in order to assist us with arrangements at the venue please confirm attendance with Rachel McGuigan at Enniskillen Campus on 07748 338279 by the Monday preceding the event.
Two evening health and safety sessions on risk assessment for equine activities are taking place on the 12th and 13th March 2013 at 7.30 p.m. The first of these delivered by ‘Health and Safety Works’ is scheduled to take place at the Beechlawn Hotel and the second evening which is a practical session will be at an equestrian venue. Booking for this course is essential and this should be done with Rachel McGuigan by Wednesday 6th March 2013.
A Farriery Workshop, delivered by Andrew Poynton, which is open to all farriers is taking place at Enniskillen Campus on Friday 22nd March 2013 from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Those interested in attending this workshop should pre-book their place with Rachel McGuigan on 07748 338279 (Rachel.McGuigan@dardni.gov.uk) by Friday 15th March 2013.
CAFRE, Event Management students are organising a Showjumping Demonstration delivered by Ian Fearon at the Riding for the Disabled Association Indoor at Coleraine on Tuesday 26th March 2013 at 7.30 p.m. Tickets for this event, for which there is a charge of £10 per person can be obtained from Laura Smith on 028 6634 4603 or laura.smith@dardni.gov.uk .
Other courses on offer include Artificial Insemination for Equine Technicians and testing for the Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Transport of Animals (Horses) by road. Further details can be obtained from Enniskillen Campus.
