‘Giving foals the best start in life – this supplement covers every step'

Welcome to this special Irish Sport Horse Breeding supplement where we celebrate the dedication and expertise that goes into producing our world-class Irish horses.

From bloodlines to training, every step in a horse’s journey is vital – but none more so than those precious first hours, days, and weeks of life. That’s why, in this edition, we’re focusing on foal health.

The arrival of a foal is one of the most rewarding moments for any breeder, but it’s also a time of vulnerability.

A newborn foal’s health can be fragile, and early intervention is often the difference between a thriving youngster and a foal that struggles to reach its potential.

In this year’s edition, we delve into the critical steps breeders can take to safeguard the wellbeing of their foals, from colostrum intake and immunity, to common neonatal conditions and emergency responses.

Lifeline for breeders

In our cover feature, we go behind the scenes at the busy Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital, where a dedicated team of foal medics work around the clock.

Their job is both intense and rewarding – racing against time to diagnose and treat foals suffering from conditions like neonatal maladjustment syndrome, joint infections, or pneumonia.

Their expertise is a lifeline for breeders, and their insights offer valuable lessons into just what it takes to care for your foals when they get critically ill.

For breeders, knowledge is power. Recognising early warning signs, understanding basic foal care, and having a solid plan in place for emergencies can make all the difference.

That’s why upskilling in foal health is crucial. As well as commenting on illegal mare scanning, our resident vets have covered a wide range of breeding health topics and the equine specialists at Teagasc share some short courses designed for breeders at all stages of their careers.

Whether through hands-on experience, attending breeder talks, or simply improving observation skills, the more prepared you are, the better the outcome for your foals and for your business.

Equally important is building a strong relationship with your vet. No breeder can – or should – go it alone.

Having a vet who understands your setup, and is available when needed, provides peace of mind and ensures that any issues are tackled quickly and effectively. Foal health is a team effort, and the best results come when breeders and vets work together seamlessly.

As we step into another foaling season, let’s embrace the opportunity to learn, improve, and give our foals the very best start in life. Here’s to a season of healthy, happy, and thriving Irish Sport Horse foals.