Concern as use of thoroughbred stallions for breeding declines

THE Government-established agency for equestrian sport and breeding has expressed concern about the decline in the use of thoroughbred stallions for breeding sports horses.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) claimed foal registration figures showed that just 12% of Irish sport horse foals were the progeny of thoroughbred stallions.

HSI chairman Joe Walsh — a former agriculture minister — said the percentage of foals by thoroughbred stallions had declined from 23% in 2005.