Susan Finnerty

IN the latest development over the ongoing covering certificate issue, Horse Sport Ireland issued a statement saying they have no plans to change the current system.

The issue of covering certificates and DNA ownership still looks set to dominate the Stallion Owners Society annual general meeting, which has now been brought forward to take place before the upcoming stallion inspections.

A controversial clause, regarded by several owners as effectively giving Horse Sport Ireland ownership rights to their stallions’ DNA, in the inspection application form has led to an impasse between HSI and the society.

Owners are concerned that registration by DNA will eliminate the necessity for covering certificates, regarded as a safeguard for securing stud fees. However, a Horse Sport Ireland spokesperson said yesterday: “Covering certificates have been and remain another integral component of the IHR registration process and there are no plans currently to change any of this operating system”.

While that statement may allay immediate concerns over the future role of covering certificates, the society is still awaiting a response from HSI on the DNA issue.

“The last time we met HSI was on December 3rd, where a number of questions were asked about this whole DNA issue and we still haven’t received any answers,” said its chairman Michael Murphy. “If we could just sit down and iron this out before the inspections, but we’ve heard nothing from Horse Sport Ireland since. We’re very disappointed with the way they’ve treated us.”

The HSI spokesperson stated that measures such as DNA profiling, Universal Equine Life Number (UELN) and mandatory microchips were required for animals registered within the Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draught studbooks.

“In keeping with EU and Irish legislation, Horse Sport Ireland continually monitors all such developments in order to ensure best practice in the interest of all stallion and mare owners. For the sake of clarity and completeness, owners of stallion candidates at Horse Sport Ireland Stallion selections, are currently requested to provide blood samples for studbook purposes such as ensuring the availability of accurate DNA profiles.”

Murphy is one of several owners with stallions entered for the upcoming HSI inspections which they have indicated they will boycott if the DNA issue is not resolved beforehand.

This year’s inspections begin in four weeks' time on March 25th at Cavan Equestrian Centre but according to the Wexford stallion owner, he is still awaiting the optional advance veterinary inspection results.

“You need to give owners at least two months to get their horses ready for the inspection but there has been nothing back about the X-rays yet. We don’t know whether the horses’ X-rays are right or wrong, there’s been no receipts for the entry fees. We don’t know what’s going on in Horse Sport Ireland.”

The Stallion Owners AGM will take place in the Horse & Jockey Hotel next Sunday, March 8th at 2pm.

“It’s open to all stallion owners who are very welcome to attend,” concluded Murphy.