Catalina Equine in North Richmond has positioned the Hawkesbury region as a global leader in equine cloning, having produced over 80 cloned foals. This advanced biotechnology allows breeders, especially in elite polo, racing, and performance sports, to preserve valuable bloodlines by cloning horses from skin cells—even posthumously. The process involves transferring the DNA from a donor horse’s skin cell into an egg cell from a surrogate mare, resulting in a genetically identical foal. While cloning safeguards genetic excellence and extends the legacy of champion horses, the clones’ development still depends on their environment and training.

Despite its commercial success, horse cloning raises ethical concerns, notably the risk of reducing genetic diversity, which could make populations more vulnerable to disease. Experts caution that cloning should complement, not replace, traditional breeding practices. Nonetheless, Catalina Equine’s work exemplifies how cutting-edge science and local expertise are blending tradition with innovation, making North Richmond a hub for pioneering animal breeding technologies and contributing to the future of equine genetics worldwide.