Environmental Testing Workshop takes place at RACE, with expert input from Irish Equine Centre

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) hosted the first Environmental Testing Workshop on Friday, 17th April at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE), bringing together members of the equestrian community to learn about best practice in maintaining safe and healthy environments for horses.

The event was hosted in collaboration with the Irish Equine Centre and provided attendees with the opportunity to avail of environmental testing through the Environmental Health Scheme. The workshop, and overall Environmental Scheme, is funded through National Breeding Services, by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and delivered by HSI.

The scheme offers testing valued at approximately €630 per applicant, fully funded for those who attended the workshop. Applications remain open to those who did not attend, with testing available through HSI subject to a 50% contribution towards the cost.

A key feature of the day was an expert-led presentation delivered by Alan Creighton of the Irish Equine Centre, who outlined the environmental testing process and its role in identifying potential risks within equestrian settings.

This was followed by a practical walkthrough of the RACE facilities, including the barns, hay storage areas and horse walker, where attendees were given guidance on sampling techniques and practical measures on how to improve hygienic standard in their own yard and how to reduce the risk of pathogenic build-up. This is to aid in contributing to a healthier environment for foals to be born into and reared in.

Also in attendance were Caoimhe Corry and Debbie Gray, Chief Executive of the Irish Equine Centre, highlighting the collaborative approach across the sector in supporting equine health and welfare.

The workshop saw strong engagement and provided attendees with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to implement improvements within their own environments.

Speaking following the event, Alan Creighton from the Irish Equine Centre said:

“it was great to engage with the sport horse group on the day. We passed on many of our experiences both in terms of dealing with outbreaks of disease but also in terms of practical preventions and tips which prevent disease in the first place. Everybody present asked meaningful questions and we hope the answers can be implemented for the betterment of their businesses.”

Horse Sport Ireland would like to thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for its continued support, as well as the Irish Equine Centre and RACE for facilitating the event.

For more information about the Environmental Health Scheme or to apply for testing, please CLICK HERE

Testimonials

“I really did enjoy the workshop. I have to say I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going in, but I found the lecture delivered by Alan Creighton to be very informative. The practical element was an added bonus — it was particularly valuable to walk through the yard and stables and see, first-hand, the issues he had discussed during the lecture. All in all, it was a morning very well spent. Thank you again for your hospitality, and I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again soon.”

“I found it very informative. Alan knew his stuff and was realistic. The venue was great as we could see a real yard in action with pros and cons to their design.”

“Everyone on the team was lovely and welcoming. I would love more events like it in the future.”

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