Community of Practice for the Equine Sector
"Innovation and tradition for the future of Romania's equine sector."
A collaboration space for farmers, researchers, and experts, supported by the ADEPT Foundation through the Horizon Europe programme.
1. About the Project & Partners
A European project focused on concrete solutions for equine farms
Project objective
EUnetHorse is the first European agricultural research project dedicated exclusively to the equine sector, funded through the Horizon Europe programme. The project aims to increase the resilience of equine farms through knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and the identification of practical solutions applicable in different systems of equine breeding and use.
The project's activities focus on three major thematic areas:
- the socio-economic performance and resilience of farms
- equine welfare and health
- environmental sustainability, including pasture management and biodiversity
Practical solutions evaluated in the project
- pasture and forage resource management
- biosecurity and disease prevention
- equine welfare and housing
- working conditions on farms
- cost reduction and increased economic efficiency
- diversification of activities on equestrian farms
- adaptation to climate change
- the use of technologies and digitalisation in the sector
Expected impact
The project facilitates the transfer of solutions and good practices directly to farmers through a practical and participatory approach based on real needs identified in the field.
improved farmers' access to practical information and innovative solutions
improved equine welfare and health
promotion of sustainable pasture management and biodiversity practices
support for the economic resilience of equestrian farms
strengthened collaboration and exchange of experience among actors in the equine sector
development of an active knowledge transfer network at European and national level
European consortium
The EUnetHorse project partners bring together research, innovation, and knowledge transfer in the equine sector.
National facilitator
Fundația ADEPT Transilvania
Fundația ADEPT is the national facilitator for Romania, connecting the European consortium with farmers, experts and field activities in the equine sector.
Belgium
Centre Européen du Cheval de Mont-le-Soie
Finland
Luonnonvarakeskus – LUKE
Finland
Universitatea din Helsinki
France
Institut français du cheval et de l'équitation (IFCE)
France
ACTA
France
Camera Agricolă Regională Grand Est
Germany
Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen
Germany
Landwirtschaftskammer Nordrhein-Westfalen
Poland
Polski Związek Hodowców Koni
Poland
Instytut Genetyki I Biotechnologii Zwierzat PAN
Portugal
FeedInov
Romania
National facilitator
Fundația ADEPT Transilvania
Spain
Fundación Centro Tecnolóxico da Carne
Spain
Universidad del País Vasco / Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
Switzerland
Agroscope – Swiss National Stud Farm
Coordination in Romania
- The ADEPT Transylvania Foundation coordinates the activities in Romania.
- The Association for Horse Welfare (ABC) contributes as a national partner.
In Romania, national workshops and consultations were organised with farmers and relevant actors to identify the main needs and challenges in the sector.
Activities already carried out
- national and European workshops
- international study visits
- evaluation of practical solutions together with experts and farmers
- training and exchange of experience activities
During 2023-2026, farmers and representatives of the sector from Romania participated in visits and workshops organised in France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Finland.
Themes addressed in international exchanges
- extensive systems and mixed grazing
- pasture management and biodiversity
- equine welfare and health
- biosecurity and disease prevention
- reproduction and reproductive management
- regenerative agriculture
- economic sustainability and diversification
- working conditions and farm resilience
These activities contribute to defining national priorities and evaluating the solutions developed within the project.
2. Knowledge Library
Practical resources for farmers, specialists and organisations
Factsheets
Practical summaries and synthetic materials on solutions and good practices evaluated within the project.
- pasture management for equines
- feed management and forage evaluation
- equine welfare and health
- biosecurity and disease prevention
- diversification of activities on equestrian farms
- cost reduction and increased economic efficiency
- biodiversity and sustainable land management
- working conditions and activity organisation on farms
Video Gallery
Interviews, practical demonstrations, and video materials produced during the project's activities.
Technical Guides
Documents and resources resulting from research and exchange-of-experience activities.
practical guides
evaluation methodologies
training materials
presentations and technical resources
implementation examples from European farms
Available guides
3. Networking & Engagement
Connecting farms, experts, and organisations in an active community
Community Map
Interactive map with pilot farms, equestrian centres, organisations, and relevant examples from the sector.
Recommended data for inclusion on the map
- farm or organisation name
- locality and county
- GPS coordinates or Google Maps link
- contact person and contact details
- main activity domain
- short description of involvement in the project or community
- agreement for publishing the information on the platform
Registration form
Space dedicated to farmers, specialists, organisations, and people interested in becoming part of the Community.
Collected data:
- name
- locality
- activity domain
- relevant interests and topics
Contact form
Direct channel for:
- questions and information requests
- collaboration proposals
- sharing resources and examples of good practices
- involvement in the project's activities and network
4. Idea Lab
Participatory approach based on real needs from the field
Suggestion Box
Space dedicated to collecting challenges and needs identified directly in the field, in order to guide future research and innovation activities.
- technical problems encountered on farms
- training and information needs
- relevant topics for research and innovation
- proposals for solutions and practical examples
The project's approach is participatory, based on the experiences and realities of farmers and actors involved in the equine sector.
Examples of Best Practice
Examples and success stories from farms and initiatives in Romania:
- pasture management and biodiversity
- extensive systems and mixed grazing
- equine welfare and health
- diversification of activities and equestrian tourism
- innovative solutions and collaboration models between farms and organisations