Our goal is to refine and re-define the standards of horse breeding technology in a manner that will improve it's success, increase the confidence of breeders in attempting newer methods, and reduce the risks associated with the use of advanced reproductive techniques.

A select group of prominent equine Theriogenologists will form the nucleus of a 'think tank' to assimilate current knowledge and technology, to develop further any necessary research or new idea, and to determine parameters that are required for a procedure to be optimally successful. 

Procedures will then be taught in CE seminars, accrediting other specialists in the knowledge and application of both standard and new procedures. In turn, breeders will trust that their specialist has benefited from the best educational opportunity in the world, and that they are not just part of an experiment with a novel idea or new technique!

How does this impact the industry? Consider the frozen semen issue in sport horse breeding. There are so many different procedures for freezing that the mare owner rarely has any idea what quality the semen will be. The reason for concern, or conflict of interest, comes when the frozen semen is guaranteed with 'fresh' semen 'backed-up' from a different stallion. What incentive is there to produce the best possible frozen semen? What controls of quality and guarantee of fertility exist within the horse breeding industry? There are none to very few!

As technology advances and the breeding industry is offered more and more opportunity for choice, cost and efficiency must be of primary concern.  It is hard enough to survive the equine breeding industry without having every possible breeding option well thought out, defined by risk, and standardized by technique.

Our mare lines will improve as oocytes are harvested and preserved from young mares, rather than attempting to breed the retired show mare when her oocyte quality is less than optimum. Nuclear transfer will help the older mare that missed the opportunity for oocyte aspiration/preservation as a young mare. Semen sexing available across the country in a cost-effective manner, will decrease the number of unwanted foals flooding the markets.

As availability of farm and pasture land decreases due to urbanization, and operating expenses increase breeders will be faced with decisions to use technology as a means to stay ahead of the curve in the breeding business.

The eARTgroup is here to help develop  and promote that future!