More than a hundred delegates from 27 studbooks enjoyed exploring the beautiful setting and outstanding equestrian facilities and breeding operations and to learn of the great horsemanship and passion that make the South African breeding landscape one to watch for the future. The event was centred at the newly established facilities at Waterwoods Equestrian Estate (Stud 334) who have created a truly inspiring space where horses and riders alike can thrive. The stud and all helpers from the South African Warmblood Horse Society went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and create a truly memorable event. Our special gratitude goes to SAWHS chairman, Kostas Kontos, whose vision carried the event forward, and to the many sponsors that helped making such a remarkable and noteworthy gathering.
In a continuation of our firm focus in recent years, the seminars organised at the General Assembly focused again on the important subject of equine welfare, adopting a fact and science driven approach to explore ways of continuing to drive improvement. In a move that will strengthen the organisation's welfare focus, Andries van Daalen from the KWPN was elected as Vice President, replacing Stephan Kelchtermans. A clear highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of the WBFSH Welfare Charter during the gala dinner, in which all WBFSH lend their firm and steadfast commitment to putting equine welfare at the centre of their processes and choices, from breeding selection to the way events are organised.
Seminars with a Strong Welfare Focus
The WBFSH General Assembly always attracts an outstanding range of speakers and experts, and we are grateful to everyone who so generously gave their time to travel to Nottingham Road to join us. On the first day, a thought provoking and challenging presentation by Robert Blake Russell from Viagen on the potential impacts of modern breeding technologies was followed by a lively panel discussion exploring the possible control and welfare impact of these technologies. The panel consisted of Robert Blake Russell (Viagen USA), Prof Alan Guthrie (Equine Research Centre University of Pretoria, RSA), Dr Göran Åkerström (FEI Fédératrion Équestre Internationale, SWE), and Bérengère Lacroix (Breeding Director Studbook Selle Francais, FRA).
Cutting edge technologies continued to be the focus of the second round of seminar presentation, which saw contributions from Eddy Schuurmans (Global Equestrian Technology, BEL) who explored the use of AI in equestrian sports and an online marketing presentation by Lena Büker (E-Horses, GER) who explained the increasingly important role of social media.
The seminars then turned to veterinary subjects in a stimulating talk about the impact of climate change on the spread of Equine Infectious Diseases by Prof Alan Guthrie (Equine Research Centre University of Pretoria, RSA). His thought-provoking talk left no doubt that many diseases hitherto encountered chiefly in the southern hemisphere are beginning to be transmitted in new areas due to changes in global temperatures. The second day of seminars closed with Gemma Campling (Worldwide Vets GBR) who spoke about her vital work in Ukraine treating horses and supporting animal welfare on the frontline in conflict zones.
Our final round of seminars heard from Dr Göran Åkerström (FEI Fédération Équestre Internationale, SWE) who had already been a visitor the WBFSH Assembly in Lisbon in 2024 and who provided an update on the FEI's plans for digital passporting. It is important that these go hand in hand with the WBFSH own key objectives and we look forward to exploring how we can develop our mutually supportive relationship in this regard.
Another chance to see scientific insight in action when it comes to promoting equine health was presented by Beth Shaw (Equine Transeva & SUMCHI Therapy) who provided an insight into the Equine Collagen Matrix followed by a fascinating live presentation.
The Department of Development headed by Vice President Renai Hart and Executive Director Katy Holder-Vale presented its biannual State of the Industry Report, which is rapidly becoming a much valued and useful resource for those wishing to take the pulse of the global breeding industry.
We would like to extent our gratitude to everyone who helped to make the 2025 General Assembly a great success, from our organisers and generous hosts to our speakers and all participants who made the journey to the rainbow nation. We are looking forward to see you again next year, for the General Assembly 2026 in Ireland!
