The AES take animal health and welfare extremely seriously, and see the abolition of hereditary equine diseases as a central goal for the studbook. In order to achieve this, we promote transparency and clarity for all breeders and stallion owners via our website and database. We will be advising all owners of active AES stallions to test their stallions for WFFS, and will add this information to our database, so it is visible to breeders wishing to use the stallion. If a stallion is yet to be tested, this will also be indicated clearly on the database. All new graded stallions will be advised to test for WFFS in addition to their veterinary inspection to deem their suitability as a breeding stallion and to inform breeders of any possible risks. We advise all mare owners to test their mares for peace of mind, but would also like to reassure everyone that the WFFS gene is recessive, and will therefore not affect the foal unless both stallion and dam are a carrier. Horses that are carriers of one copy of the gene still enjoy a successful career in the sport and can even be bred from safely, as long as they are not paired with another carrier. It is therefore important for breeders to have access to the full information, so they can make the right decision for their mare. We will continue to monitor the latest developments on all hereditary conditions. As a studbook, we can play a big part in promoting health and best practice through transparency and information, and we take this responsibility very seriously. We will work with all relevant parties and the WBFSH to explore how we can all work together to make sure WFFS is eliminated from the gene pool.