DEVINE Equestrian is spearheading a unique cob genotyping project which will be of great interest to visitors at their Open Day this Friday, July 29th.

Brigid Devine and her family will be on hand to welcome all in attendance to their unique Irish Cob Stud Farm, possibly the only one of its type in the world.

"The Irish Cob is a native Irish breed of horse. They are sturdy, hardworking horses and for hundreds of years were part of our agricultural heritage and pulled wagons and carts all around the Irish roadside by the travelling community. Today they excel in almost every aspect of equestrian sport and are found all over the world. Sadly with dwindling numbers the breed is now at a critical stage," explained Brigid.

Multiple agencies involved

Devine Equestrian breeds cobs exclusively in Ireland's native piebald colour and are currently working with multiple agencies in a bid to genotype this rare breed of horse.

"By genotyping the breed not only will the breed standard be protected but it will also help to preserve our remaining pedigree bloodlines. Prior to the Studbook being officially founded in 1998, linages were passed down verbally from gereration to gereration," added Brigid.

Devine's Open Day will include members from all the agencies involved in the exciting genotyping project as well the local Longford community. The agencies involved in the genotyping project are Horse Sport Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Teagasc, Weatherbys Ireland, Heritage Council of Ireland, the Irish Native Rare Breed Society, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands Failte Ireland, Longford Tourism and Longford County Council.