The principal objective of the project is to develop an economically sustainable horse industry throughout the Middle East which is recognized for both its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the various countries involved and to act as an employment generator contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.

Vision

• For the horse industry to develop throughout the region and act as a generator for employment and economically sustainable development.

• For the horse industry to be nationally and internationally recognised for its excellence as a reputable user and supplier of quality horses, products and services; and

• For the industry to expand in the global market by having the requisite skills and knowledge for efficient, profitable and sustainable production.

Project Priorities

Although the Middle Eastern horse industry in general is seen as being fragmented with a low level of industry cohesion and weak national governance, its potential to contribute to the social and economic growth of the region can easily be demonstrated. The “product” the horse, has shaped the Middle East both in its history and social fabric and today the horse, once more could potentially be a major contributor to the regions economy.

The horse industry faces challenges in a number of countries with regard to the treatment of horses, the safety of riders and the impact on the environment. The use of therapeutic and prohibited substances in the performance horse sectors is a major issue. Furthermore transport practices, equipment, and the management and feeding of horses at pasture and in the stable as well as in work and training all impact on the welfare of the horse. Injuries and deaths of competitive and recreational riders as well as injuries to workers continue to be of concern to the industry.

• Maintain a watching brief on trends in the welfare and safety requirements to assess the potential impact on the industry of any changes in trends. Raise the awareness of industry organisations about emerging risks in these areas and encourage them to develop management strategies.

• Provide the R&D support where appropriate for initiatives that develop and implement effective risk management strategies for improving animal and/or human safety.

• Build knowledge on both therapeutic and prohibited substances to assist in control and ensure compliance with horse regulatory bodies.

• Build knowledge on the impact of horses on fragile and/or sensitive environments

Targets and indicators

• Assist equine industry organisations to provide information to support the development or implementation of strategies to improve horse or human safety in their industry segment.

• Contribute to the development of international cooperative research on detection of therapeutic and prohibited substances.

• Support drug administration trials to produce a knowledge base for use by both regulators and industry participants.

• Ensure industry engagement in the development of management strategies introduced by government agencies, for reducing the environmental impact of horses is backed by sound and accepted research on impact.

Affiliates

Australian Equine Genetic Research Centre The Australian Equine Genetics Research Centre ( AEGRC), formerly the Australian Equine Blood Typing Laboratory, was established in 1986 under a joint agreement between The University of Queensland and the Joint Proprietors of the Australian Stud Book, the Australian Jockey Club Limited and the Victoria Racing Club Limited.  Since its inception it has been funded annually through the ASB.  In the School of Biomedical Sciences, it became a Centre within the Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences in 2000.  Its primary purpose is the DNA parentage testing of Thoroughbred horses and many other horse breeds. The AEGRC is ISO9001:2000 (Quality Management System) certified.

Australian Stud Book The Australian Stud Book is a founding member of the International Stud Book Committee, comprising nine world stud book authorities, which has met annually since 1976 to ensure the relativity of rules and expedite the international movement of horses. Many Australian Stud Book initiatives have been adopted by some or all ISBC members, and other stud book authorities

Emirateslink Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates A diversified group of companies catering to Oil/Gas, Energy, Water, sectors, plus own Investment in industrial plants

• Established in 1994

• Based in Abu Dhabi, 3 locations ,and one in Al Ain

• Chairman: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nahyan

• Vice Chairman : Mr. Jawaan Al-Khaily

• Group Directors : Mr. Iyad Al-Ansari , Mr.Hisham Al Masri

International Kurdish Horse Company The International Kurdish Horse Company of Iran is a Joint Venture between Australian Agricultural Resources Group Pty Ltd and the International Kurdish Horse Company Iran.

The program of DNA Testing and Micro-Chipping of Kurdish Horses in the Kermanshah Province in Iran has been conducted as a Joint Venture between:

• Australian Agricultural Resources Group Pty Ltd

• Australian Equine Genetic Research Centre

• Australian Stud Book

• Equestrian Federation of Iran

• Government of the Province of Kermanshah Iran

The International Kurdish Horse Company of Iran exists to serve the needs of Kurdish horse breeders and owners, and to promoted and maintain the Kurdish horse where ever and when ever possible. and it is a requirement of owning and breeding purebred Kurdish horses to remain a shareholder and member of the Company. In default horses can be deregistered as a consequence of not maintaining membership.