Horse breeding in the Republic of Croatia and possibilities of its development
The trend of capital investments is increasing in horse breeding, as one of the major livestock branches in the Republic of Croatia. A long tradition of horse breeding and natural resources eligible for horse breeding contributed to the creation of great potential for Croatia. Besides, state financial subventions are also helping horse breeding development. All forms of horse breeding are showing an increasing trend of development, which influences an increase in numerical trend of horses as well as their quality. Interest in horse breeding, sports or just in keeping horses as hobby animals is increasing each year. Main investors and movers are owners, breeders, sportsmen and horse lovers themselves. Help through state financial subvention is significant, but still very far from necessary funds. The regulative for financial subvention and other official acts are regulated for horse breeding through subvention groups. This is an efficient measurement to help breeders, but in the future changes will be necessary, mainly through different developing projects. Besides the only state stud farm of Lipizzan horses in Djakovo, many other breeding organizations exist in Croatia. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management authorized those organizations to maintain their own breeding program. Congruently many Stud Books were published and many are still in the process of publishing. One of the most significant projects realized last year was the international approval of Croatian breeding of Thoroughbred horses. The short period till entering European Union demands horse breeding reformation, therefore Croatian horse breeding passed a major reorganization process and gave a greater accent to independent breeding organizations. The regulation for publishing the identification document or "passport" (NN 74/20007) is also published. The main scientific-research-educational institution is still missing in order to create the horse breeding strategy. With its work this institution would benefit to more quality horse breeding in all of its segments.