OVER 200 equine breeders and veterinary practitioners from all over Ireland and further afield made their way to Tinakilly Country House in Co Wicklow for the Irish Equine Reproduction Symposium recently.

The two-day event consisted of a half-day breeders’ event and a day and a half devoted to a veterinary conference. All aspects of the programme were applicable to both the thoroughbred and sport horse sectors.

The programme concentrated around the ‘non-pregnant mare’ and was delivered by a stellar panel of renowned international experts including Karen Wolfsdorf (USA), Patrick Brogan (NL), James Crabtree (UK) and Camila Scott (UK), along with Irish-based speakers Orla Doherty, Simon Hennessy, Emmeline Hill, Lisa Katz, David Crosby, Niamh Lewis, Siobhan Mullan, Osvaldo Pascotini and Julie Storme. Sponsors included Connolly’s Red Mills, Duggans Veterinary Supplies, Forte Healthcare, Irish Equine Centre, IMV Imaging, Labstock Microservices, Plus Vital, Sidekick and Paniolo.

The event, backed by the local organising committee of the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction XIV and the Irish Equine Veterinary Association, provided opportunities for veterinary practitioners to engage with the panel of speakers and industry representatives.

Ireland will host the 14th International Symposium on Equine Reproduction in Dublin from August 1st-6th 2027.

Niamh Lewis of the local organising committee said: “Given Ireland’s rich history in horse breeding it is an honour to host such a prestigious event, bringing experts from all across the globe to Ireland to discuss the cutting edge of equine reproduction research.”