If I’ve learned anything in my years as an equestrian journalist and equine farmer, it’s that in the ever-evolving world of Irish equestrian sport and racing, no one individual or organisation holds all the answers. True progress, especially in the areas of health and welfare, depends on shared knowledge, collective action and cross-sector collaboration.
That’s precisely what a new initiative, Equine Collaboration for Health and Outreach (ECHO), sets out to achieve – and it’s already making a strong impression.
Launched at the beginning of the month, ECHO is a dynamic alliance that unites Irish veterinary professionals, educators and researchers from some of our leading institutions. Among its founding collaborators are The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE Enniskillen), the Irish Equine Centre, Teagasc, University of Limerick and University College Dublin’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
At its heart, ECHO is about working together to pool knowledge across disciplines, so the whole sector benefits. Whether it’s reducing health risks in horse breeding yards or refining biosecurity practices at grassroots level, this initiative is all about turning evidence-based information into realistic, workable solutions.
According to its founders, ECHO emerged in response to a growing awareness of the complex challenges facing equine health in Ireland.
“These are not issues that can be solved in isolation,” Wendy Conlon, equine specialist at Teagasc tells Irish Country Living.
“They affect every part of the industry – breeders, producers, vets, farriers, educators, and owners. Our strength lies in bringing those voices together to develop informed, practical approaches.”
ECHO’s members now meet regularly to discuss emerging concerns and draw from one another’s areas of expertise. This multi-disciplinary format ensures that any advice issued is not only rooted in science, but also grounded in the realities of daily horse management– whether that’s in a stud farm, racing yard, riding school or sport horse facility.
Central to ECHO’s mission is the promotion of thoughtful, evidence-led care. This includes encouraging better hygiene integration into daily routines, smarter facility design, and a reduced reliance on antibiotics through improved parasite control and disease prevention.
Rather than acting as a top-down authority, ECHO hopes to serve as a unique platform for dialogue – a place where experience meets innovation. The regular meetings, workshops and shared resources create opportunities for stakeholders at every level to influence future research, outreach and education.
True progress, especially in the areas of health and welfare, depends on shared knowledge, collective action and cross-sector collaboration. \ iStock
Practical, local solutions
Guided by the principle of “Protecting Our Horses at Home”, ECHO’s outreach is firmly focused on what’s achievable. Rather than abstract theory, the initiative supports step-by-step sustainable improvements – be it updating field access, rethinking foaling box ventilation, or recognising the early warning signs of parasitic risk in pasture. The emphasis is on empowering horse keepers with the knowledge to make changes.
ECHO’s first major public event, Foundations of Equine Health in the Breeding Environment, will take place on 12 September at the Irish National Stud in Co Kildare. The day promises to be a hands-on, solution-focused experience, led by experts from across veterinary, scientific and educational fields.
The event will be equally valuable to all horse owners, from breeders and producers to club members and leisure riders.
“This event is about translating knowledge into action,” explains Conlon. “It’s not just about listening. It’s about walking away with strategies to safeguard horses.”
Stakeholders from all corners of the equestrian world are encouraged to get involved with ECHO. Because at the core of it all is a simple belief: we do better when we work together.
To learn more about ECHO or book a place at the event on 12 September, see teagasc.ie. To get involved with ECHO or share your experience, contact Wendy Conlon, equine specialist at Teagasc: wendy.conlon@teagasc.ie
If I’ve learned anything in my years as an equestrian journalist and equine farmer, it’s that in the ever-evolving world of Irish equestrian sport and racing, no one individual or organisation holds all the answers. True progress, especially in the areas of health and welfare, depends on shared knowledge, collective action and cross-sector collaboration.
That’s precisely what a new initiative, Equine Collaboration for Health and Outreach (ECHO), sets out to achieve – and it’s already making a strong impression.
Launched at the beginning of the month, ECHO is a dynamic alliance that unites Irish veterinary professionals, educators and researchers from some of our leading institutions. Among its founding collaborators are The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE Enniskillen), the Irish Equine Centre, Teagasc, University of Limerick and University College Dublin’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
At its heart, ECHO is about working together to pool knowledge across disciplines, so the whole sector benefits. Whether it’s reducing health risks in horse breeding yards or refining biosecurity practices at grassroots level, this initiative is all about turning evidence-based information into realistic, workable solutions.
According to its founders, ECHO emerged in response to a growing awareness of the complex challenges facing equine health in Ireland.
“These are not issues that can be solved in isolation,” Wendy Conlon, equine specialist at Teagasc tells Irish Country Living.
“They affect every part of the industry – breeders, producers, vets, farriers, educators, and owners. Our strength lies in bringing those voices together to develop informed, practical approaches.”
ECHO’s members now meet regularly to discuss emerging concerns and draw from one another’s areas of expertise. This multi-disciplinary format ensures that any advice issued is not only rooted in science, but also grounded in the realities of daily horse management– whether that’s in a stud farm, racing yard, riding school or sport horse facility.
Central to ECHO’s mission is the promotion of thoughtful, evidence-led care. This includes encouraging better hygiene integration into daily routines, smarter facility design, and a reduced reliance on antibiotics through improved parasite control and disease prevention.
Rather than acting as a top-down authority, ECHO hopes to serve as a unique platform for dialogue – a place where experience meets innovation. The regular meetings, workshops and shared resources create opportunities for stakeholders at every level to influence future research, outreach and education.
True progress, especially in the areas of health and welfare, depends on shared knowledge, collective action and cross-sector collaboration. \ iStock
Practical, local solutions
Guided by the principle of “Protecting Our Horses at Home”, ECHO’s outreach is firmly focused on what’s achievable. Rather than abstract theory, the initiative supports step-by-step sustainable improvements – be it updating field access, rethinking foaling box ventilation, or recognising the early warning signs of parasitic risk in pasture. The emphasis is on empowering horse keepers with the knowledge to make changes.
ECHO’s first major public event, Foundations of Equine Health in the Breeding Environment, will take place on 12 September at the Irish National Stud in Co Kildare. The day promises to be a hands-on, solution-focused experience, led by experts from across veterinary, scientific and educational fields.
The event will be equally valuable to all horse owners, from breeders and producers to club members and leisure riders.
“This event is about translating knowledge into action,” explains Conlon. “It’s not just about listening. It’s about walking away with strategies to safeguard horses.”
Stakeholders from all corners of the equestrian world are encouraged to get involved with ECHO. Because at the core of it all is a simple belief: we do better when we work together.
To learn more about ECHO or book a place at the event on 12 September, see teagasc.ie. To get involved with ECHO or share your experience, contact Wendy Conlon, equine specialist at Teagasc: wendy.conlon@teagasc.ie
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