Caitriona Murphy

A €10,000 research project into the genetic differences between true Traditional Irish Horses (TIH) and Irish sport horses with Continental blood has been given the green light.

Department of Agriculture officials have approved an application by Horse Sport Ireland to commission Dr Emmeline Hill of Plusvital (formerly Equinome) to study the genetic composition of the TIH and compare it to horses with some element of warmblood in their pedigree.

If there is an identifiable genetic difference, the aim is to develop a quick DNA test to conclusively prove that a horse is TIH or not.

Horse Sport Ireland’s director of breeding Alison Corbally told The Irish Field: “It is hoped that the study will begin as soon as possible and, depending on Emmeline’s findings, could take up to a year or more to complete.”

Seamus Davis of the Traditional Irish Horse Association (TIHA) said a DNA test would negate the need for a three-generation pedigree to prove that a horse is a TIH.

Dr Hill’s previous work on the thoroughbred genome led to the development of the ‘Speed Gene’ test, used to indicate whether a horse was best suited for sprint or longer distance racing.

An application for a subsidised embryo transfer scheme for high performing traditional mares was rejected by Department of Agriculture officials. Both projects were part of the TIHA proposed breeding programme.