ECHO Brings Innovative Equine Health Event to the Irish National Stud

The event is hosted by ECHO (Equine Collaboration for Health and Outreach) and is its latest educational event, taking place at the Irish National Stud beginning at 10am. Entitled ‘Lost Principles, New Understandings’, the practical and interactive event will bring together leading experts from across Ireland’s equine sector to translate the latest scientific research into everyday management solutions.

Bringing together veterinary professionals, researchers and educators from across Ireland, ECHO (Equine Collaboration for Health and Outreach) was launched in 2025, and  is building a collaborative approach to addressing some of the most important challenges facing the equine industry today. ECHO encourages equine industry stakeholders to engage with its work, and help shape future educational resources that are practical, accessible and relevant to the needs of the sector.

‘Lost Principles, New Understandings’ is designed as a highly practical and interactive learning experience, the event will focus on the relationship between nutrition, the gut microbiome and behaviour in the modern horse and pony.

Attendees will rotate through three interactive workshop sessions covering nutrition fundamentals, the equine gut microbiome and behaviour. Each workshop will focus on straightforward, proactive management practices that can be easily incorporated into everyday horse care. Interest in the equine gut microbiome has grown significantly in recent years, with research increasingly highlighting its influence, not only on digestive health, but also on immune function, behaviour and overall wellbeing. Understanding these connections can help owners make more informed decisions about feeding, management and performance.

Through a combination of expert presentations, hands-on demonstrations and interactive workshops, participants will gain a practical understanding of feeding guidelines, how nutrition influences the gut microbiome, how the microbiome affects health and behaviour, and how this knowledge can be applied to improve both welfare and performance.

“The emphasis throughout the day is on translating science into practical management,” said Sean Keane, Equine Specialist with Teagasc. He said; “The aim is to bridge the gap between research and everyday practice.”

Wendy Conlon, Equine Specialist with Teagasc and ECHO coordinator, added: “This event is about turning knowledge into action. We want every attendee to leave with the confidence to make informed decisions that improve equine health and welfare in their own setting, enabling them to make small changes that have a lasting impact on welfare, behaviour, performance and long-term health.”

Places are expected to fill quickly, and early booking is recommended ahead of booking closing on September 7^th.

For more information, or to book tickets visit the event booking webpage here

For further information about ECHO, contact Wendy Conlon, Equine Specialist, Teagasc, at wendy.conlon@teagasc.ie