Breeding
Related topics:
Artificial insemination
Artificial Insemination is increasingly being used as a technique in horse breeding. The Government and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons agree that artificial insemination of mares can be carried out safely by properly trained and competent lay people.
More information on the Artificial Insemination of mares can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/ahws/services/equine-ai/index.htm
Support for horse breeding
The Government supports the improvement of horse breeding and associated good practice for example through sponsorship of the Horse Race Betting Levy Board (HBLB). The Board was established, by the Betting Levy Act 1961, to assess and collect a levy on bets on horse races and distribute it for purposes conducive to the improvement of breeds of horses; the advancement or encouragement of veterinary science and education; and the improvement of horseracing.
The HBLB is a statutory body which operates in accordance with the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 (as amended). It is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The UK has a number of rare breeds of horses and ponies, which are important to the management of the rural environment and maintenance of biological diversity. More about Defra's role in the conservation of rare breeds can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/livestock/strategy/genetic-res/index.htm
Page last modified:
19 May, 2008
Page published: 11 November, 2003