Hoof Wall Separation Disease was discussed at length at the CPBS Council meeting on Monday 9th of February. Veterinarian Kate Murray outlined the symptoms and implications of the disease and explained how it is genetically inherited. Connemara pony breeders are well placed to manage the disease as its management is exactly the same as that of the Blue Eyed Cream gene. Breeders are encouraged to test all breeding stock before the breeding season commences. The test is currently available from UC Davis at a cost of €35 approx and results are back within six working days. A thorough education programme for all breeders is being embarked upon by the Council through it's website, newsletters and breeders meetings. While encouraging breeders to be proactive the Council feels that it is not yet in a position to compel people to test their ponies until the study is published and peer reviewed. The CPBS is in contact with Weatherbys, who hope to have the test available before the end of the year. The ideal situation would be that one blood test would be carried out on all foals for Parentage testing, BEC testing and HWSD testing. More information is available here http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/bannasch/HoofWallSeparation.php .