The Connemara Pony Breeders Society is continuing to address a relatively new genetic condition: Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD). With the aid of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the CPBS made it compulsory to test all registered foals born in 2016.

Armed with this data, the CPBS is planning to work hand in hand with the breeders and will be holding educational seminars around the country to explain the genetics and manifestation of HWSD and to advise on the best breeding policy.

With careful and informed breeding choices, it is easy to avoid the birth of a HWSD-affected foal.

The goal, as always, is to ensure the Connemara Pony remains the number one choice of pony around the world.

Please visit www.cpbs.ie for more information on HWSD. Forms are available for breeders to have their ponies tested for HWSD also. Dates for the upcoming seminars will be available soon on the CPBS website.