REPORT MADE AT 2009 WAHO CONFERENCE.

MARIA LUISA PEREYRA: Since December 2008 microchipping is now mandatory by the Argentine Stud Book. Embryo Transfer is allowed, with a maximum of 3 foals per mare per year. In 2007, 562 foals were born, 43 horses were exported mostly to the USA and the UAE. 19 horses were imported. In 2008, 449 foals were born, 39 horses were exported and 15 horses were imported. The Argentine Arabian Horse Breeders Association organizes 5 to 6 shows annually. Endurance has become an important sport in Argentina, our Association together with the Argentine Equestrian Federation organizes 5 to 6 endurance competitions each year, two of these are International.

The WAHO Trophy has been a great success. In 2005 it was awarded to Fugitivo, belonging to Miguel and Celina Pavlovsky. In 2006, it was awarded to ZT Naphl, bred by Count Federico Zichy-Thyssen and owned by Carlos Larrere. In 2007 it was awarded to the stallion ZT Shakfantasy, bred and owned by Count Federico Zichy-Thyssen. Thank you very much.

The Argentine Stud Book recently issued a CD with the breeding from 1990 to 2006. During 2005, 475 foals were born, in 2006 there were 565 foals born. In 2005, 712 broodmares were in use, increasing to 863 in 2006. 137 stallions were used in 2005, and 155 during 2006. In 2005 we imported 14 horses and 11 were imported in 2006. In 2005 we exported 36 horses, and 64 were exported in 2006. There were 59 active breeders during 2005, and 65 during 2006. Therefore we are pleased to say that there was an increase of the Arabian breed in the country.

Blood-typing has been used for many years, nevertheless DNA has been mandatory since 2004 on all breeding stock, and also since 2004 all foals have been parent verified. The use of microchips is in development according to the requirements of the International Stud Book Committee (ISBC), we will use the ISO standard 11734 for microchipping and standard 11735 for the microchip reader. Artificial Insemination as well as transported semen, exported and imported are allowed. Embryo transfer with multiple foals registration per mare per year is allowed.

We have 6 shows a year in different parts of the country, with halter and performance classes, with approximately 35 to 80 entries each. Argentine horses achieved important prizes in shows in the USA, Europe and Middle Eastern countries. We also have a yearly programme of barrel-racing and pole-racing, and other reining competitions, which take place 6 to 8 times per years with approximately 35 to 40 competitors. We also have about 12 national and international endurance competitions a year, and many smaller local federal endurance events. This activity, under the rules of the FEI, has grown strongly during the past 5 years, becoming more and more popular in promoting the use of the Arabian horse among endurance riders. It is important to mention that Argentine Arabian horses have achieved world speed records in the United Arab Emirates in 120 kilometre and 160 km events, keeping this record since 2004 until today. Our local media, like TV and radio, normally transmit some of our activities promoting our Arabian horses.