Aim 8
Improve the quality and breeding of horses and ponies There is a need to identify and develop lead bodies for the breeding of non-racing thoroughbred horses and ponies, to raise standards in studs, and look at the conservation of native and indigenous breeds.
Action 45
Establish lead bodies to assist in the improvement of our horses and ponies
Responsibility
BEF(Andrew Finding) to lead
Action 46
Capitalise upon the data contained in NED - Use information available from the National Equine Database to:
- better select animals for breeding, develop a simple system for comparing the breeding values of mares and stallions;
- collate and market pedigree and performance data;
- provide data to support the marketing of horses and ponies and work being undertaken to eliminate genetic defects;
- and make evaluation scores widely known
Responsibility
The new lead bodies (refer Action 45 desired outcome), acting in concert
Action 47
Recognition of quality mares - Determine agreed criteria as to what qualifies a mare (other than racing thoroughbred mares) to be rated 'Premium'.
Initiate a Premium Mare Designation. Establish Premium Mare evaluation programmes
Responsibility
The lead bodies
Action 48
Premiums for quality mares
- A. Generate sufficient income from British Breeding initiatives and sponsorship to be able to offer premiums to:a. British-bred mares and stallions (other than racing thoroughbred mares and stallions) achieving given grading standards; b. British breeders achieving outstanding success; and c. success by British-bred horses and ponies in selected competitions
- B. Investigate the possibility of national and local tax concessions being introduced for such animals
Responsibility
British Breeding (Graham Suggett) to leadHorse and Pony Taxation Committee to lead(See Action 11)
Action 49
Support for native and indigenous breeds - Enter into discussion with Defra, English and Welsh Nature, the Countryside Council for Wales and the English and Wales Tourist Boards regarding their recognising native and indigenous ponies and horses as being an essential part of the process of conserving natural habitats and a valuable asset to the tourist industry
Responsibility
Lead Bodies
Action 50
Monitoring of the Strategy - Publish an Action Plan in spring 2006. Produce subsequent reports on progress at suitable stages to monitor the success of the strategy and the development of the Horse Industry
Responsibility
BHIC and Defra's Horse Industry Team
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