We are no longer accepting applications for the FREE HWSD TESTING as we have reached capacity.

Thank you to everyone who submitted applications.

 

FREE HWSD TESTING- LIMITED OFFER

 Registered Connemara Mares and Stallions Only

 Participants must complete & return by 1^st October 2021

  The eradication of HWSD has been a focal point within the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) since its verification and confirmation by Weatherbys in 2015. Since then, the CPBS have taken steps to aid breeders eradicate the disease for future generations. It is vital to the future of the Connemara pony that HWSD prevalence is reduced to 0%.  Regrettably this target has yet to be reached. Please visit the following link to read the work the CPBS has done since 2015 https://hoof-wall-seperation-disease-record-since-2015-to-present/ in relation to the eradication of the disease.   However, HWSD continues to be present and the Society simply cannot fulfil this programme of eradication and guarantee the future of the Connemara pony without your involvement as a breeder/owner.   FREE TESTING: There will be no cost for testing to the breeder/owner if eligible to participate. Your eligibility for free participation will depend on four factors:

• your consent to allow the CPBS to use the sample of your pony already held on file in Weatherbys Scientific laboratory databank from initial registration as foal;
• the viability of the sample currently held by Weatherbys;
• pony is not previously tested for HWSD with the CPBS; and
• the passport being in your ownership.

  The CPBS require your consent to use the initial sample submitted to Weatherbys’ Scientific.  Weatherbys Scientific will test this sample for HWSD and the results will be reported back to the CPBS. On receipt of the result, we will write to inform you and publish the result on the CPBS database. Your pony’s passport will be eligible for a CPBS HWSD stamp of the reported result(s). All progeny that are then N/N by default – ie. their Sire & Dam both being tested N/N with the CPBS - will be notified and their passport will also be eligible for stamping as a consequence of the result. In some circumstances the sample in the laboratory may no longer be viable or it may return as undetermined in which case, unfortunately, the CPBS will not be able to proceed with the test for your pony as it would fall outside the parameters of this free testing programme, and breeders will be notified accordingly. There is no financial obligation required for the testing of the sample - the project is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS). However, you will be required to submit your passport for stamping after the test and this is the only cost (ie. postage) that will be incurred by you. Please help the future and reputation of the Connemara pony by participating in this project by following these two simple steps:  

• giving your consent to use the DNA samples already held by Weatherbys Scientific Laboratory by signing attached consent form; and
• returning this consent form (by post or email to [email protected]) as soon as possible and no later than Friday 1^st October.

  Download consent form here: CLOSED   Please note places are limited and applications are strictly accepted on a first come first served basis. Entries may close prior to October 1^st if all available slots are filled before this date.  Together we can do this and we look forward to hearing from you.