Equine Exhibit at FarmFest ‘08
The Equine programme at FarmFest on June 20th in Athenry, Co Galway promises to be one of the most ambitious ever organised by Teagasc. The focus of the equine exhibit at Farm Fest ’08 will be to demonstrate all aspects of breeding, evaluation, training and management of horses.
To achieve this aim Teagasc equine advisors along with a panel of experts will be evaluating different types of horses on their conformation, movement, athletic potential and suitability for today’s markets. The panel includes Peter Leonard, international breeder and producer of competition horses, Niall Quirke, international dressage rider and trainer and Clement McMahon, international show jumping rider will be sharing their expertise from different aspects of the industry.
The programme is all encompassing from ‘Farm to Market’ with demonstrations of handling foals, young horse training, marketing, and presentation as well as a display of carriage driving. Being located in the heart of the West there will also be a display of the versatility of the Connemara Pony given by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society.
The equine village at Farm Fest will include a full schedule of practical demonstrations in both the main arena and the health and welfare village. Also there will numerous trade exhibits with everything from horse walkers, stabling and surfaces, to saddlery, health products and pasture maintenance equipment.
There will be farriery, chiropractic and dentistry demonstrations from leading experts in their fields. Equine nutritionists and a veterinary surgeon along with the Irish Horse Welfare Trust will be on hand to discuss all the key issues that contribute to the successful management of horses.
Industry representatives including the new umbrella organisation for sport horses, ‘Horse Sport Ireland’, will be on site. The Irish Draught, Connemara Pony and the Piebald and Skewbald breed societies as well as the Irish Donkey Sanctuary will be present with displays of the breeds on show.
Since 2005 Teagasc has been intrinsically involved in promoting the young breeder’s competition. These are the future for the industry and will play a significant part in the day and show their value to the industry at large.
As it is a family day with displays of all aspects of Teagasc’s relationship with the countryside, farming and farm families Farm Fest 08 is the place to be on June 20th to immerse oneself in all that is relevant to the breeding, production, welfare and evaluation of horses for today’s markets. This is set to be a fun, informative and action packed day. Be sure to travel early to Athenry for Farm Fest on June 20th 2008.
| Programme |
Main Arena |
| 10.50am |
Opening |
| 11.00 am |
Handling and Management of the Young Foal – Ms. Wendy Conlon, Teagasc |
| 11.20 am |
Chiropractic Treatment of the Horse – Ms. Susan Elliot, Chiropractor |
| 11.40 am |
Grooming/ Presentation/ Marketing – Ms. Ruth Fennell, Teagasc |
| 12.00pm |
Dentistry Care for the Mare – Mr. Brian Coonan, Equine Dental Technician |
| 12.20pm |
Loose Schooling – Mr. |
| 12.40pm |
Hoof Care for the Mare and Foal – Mr. Martin Payne, Farrier |
| 1.00pm |
Evaluating Horses for Today’s Markets– Teagasc Equine Advisors, Mr. Peter Leonard, Mr. Niall Quirke and Mr. Clement McMahon |
| 2.30pm |
Calculating How Much to Feed Your Horse – Ms. Catherine Rudenko, Red Mills |
| 2.50pm |
Showing the Young Horse in Hand – Mr. Norman Storey, Teagasc |
| 3.10pm |
Prevention in Horse Health Care – Mr. Joe Collins MRCVS, UCD |
| 3.30 pm |
Fitting of Tack and Lungeing – Mr. |
| 3.50pm |
Display of |
| 4.20pm |
Explaining the Skills of Carriage Driving – Mr. Paddy Hanly |
| 4.50pm |
Evaluating Horses for Today’s Markets– Teagasc Equine Advisors, Mr. Peter Leonard, Mr. Niall Quirke and Mr. Clement McMahon |
| 6.30pm |
Closure of Main Arena Events with a Parade of Horses by the Young Breeders |
| Timetable |
Health and |
| 11am |
Dentistry Care for the Yearling to Four Year Old – Mr. Brian Coonan |
| 11.20am |
Equine Digestion and Affects on Health and Performance – Ms. Catherine Rudenko, Red Mills |
| 11.40am |
Laminitis – Mr. Martin Payne, Farrier |
| 12.00pm |
Veterinary Aspects of Conformation – Mr. Joe Collins MRCVS, UCD |
| 12.20pm |
Prevention is Better than Cure– Ms. Susan Elliot, Chiropractor |
| 2.30pm |
Horse Environment and its Affects on Performance - Mr. Joe Collins MRCVS, UCD |
| 2.50pn |
Problems which Affect Performance – Ms. Susan Elliot, Chiropractor |
| 3.10pm |
Different Sources of Feed for the Horse – Ms. Catherine Rudenko, Red Mills |
| 3.30pm |
Dentistry Care for the Competition Horse – Mr. Brian Coonan |
| 3.50pm |
Shoeing for the Competition Horse – Mr. Martin Payne |