THERE are provisional plans to expose European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to thoroughbred racing and breeding when she visits Ireland in the second half of this year, when Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Earlier this month President von der Leyen attended a meeting of the MEP Horse Group in Brussels where she spoke about her own horseriding background and heard from MEP Nina Carberry on challenges currently facing the throughbred industry in an EU context.

Also in attendance were Joe Hernon, chairman of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Associations (EFTBA), and Des Leadon, veterinary consultant to the EFTBA.

Leadon used this opportunity to expand on the value to the rural environment - and society as a whole - that is provided by stud farms. He also highlighted the data provided by EFTBA (to the EU Commission, Council and MEPs) which shows conclusively that there is no justification for prohibiting the transport of pregnant mares after 80% of gestation and no justification for prohibiting the transport of foals for foal heat matings.

Discussions covered the importance of maintaining the sector’s social licence during which Carberry touched on proposals for moving towards an EU-wide digital identification and traceability system for horses.

President von der Leyen spoke of the importance of the human-animal bond that horses provide, as well as her understanding of horsemanship. She outlined her personal equine experiences which range from pony ownership through to competing on high value Hannoverians in California and, on her return to Europe, in major shows such as Aachen.

She broadened these experiences to highlight her understanding and appreciation of the value of equine competitive events to society as a whole and outlined the value of the green environment provided by stud farms.

President von der Leyen expressed an interest in horseriding while she is in Ireland later this year.