Changes in traditional horse breeding

Kilkenny: The traditional breeding of the Irish Draught mare with a thoroughbred stallion is being replaced by the increased usage of European breeds.

Teagasc national horse specialist Norman Storey said it is one of the substantial changes that have taken place in the Irish sport horse industry during the past decade.

“Also a decade ago, artificial insemination was almost unheard of. Now up to 25% of mares are inseminated with either frozen or chilled semen,” he said.