In horse breeding, a veil of controversy continues to surround ICSI. The technique, in which embryos are created from valuable stallions and mares through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), sparks both enthusiasm and skepticism. Opponents point to its artificial nature and question whether ICSI foals will ever conquer the sport. Proponents, on the other hand, emphasize the unique opportunity to preserve and multiply valuable bloodlines.
Today, however, results show that ICSI horses are not only increasing in number but also in quality, with proven successes in international sport.
The Result Tool: mapping the success of ICSI horses
To make that success tangible, Hippomundo, in collaboration with Avantea, is launching the ICSI Result Tool. This new tool makes it possible to track the international performances of ICSI-bred horses, from young horse classes all the way up to 1.60m Grand Prix level.
Thanks to the link with the Hippomundo database, you can easily see which ICSI-bred horses are performing well in sport, which riders are competing them, and which bloodlines are finding their way to the top through this technique. For breeders, investors, and riders, this means greater transparency and a solid foundation for making decisions.
Young Horse Finals: ICSI horses leading the way
One of the most compelling proofs of the sporting value of ICSI came this year at the Italian Young Horse Finals 2025 in Arezzo. In no fewer than three out of the four age categories, victory went to an ICSI-bred horse, all produced with the expertise of Avantea.
• Winner 4-years-old: Alessandro Colombo - Daydream 2000 Z (Dominator 2000 Z x MoM's Lady D van 't Roosakker) - breeder: Stud 2000 BVBA
• Winner 5-years-old: Guido Franchi - Belle Z (Big Star x Jolly Girl van 't Roosakker) - breeder: Mario Everse
• Winner 6-years-old: Filippo Sertori - Only You di Villagana (Casall ASK x Winona Van Pamel) - breeder: Villagana Agricola di Anna Bruna Zorzan
Top results from ICSI-bred horses
These performances in Italy do not stand alone. At other national and international shows as well, ICSI-bred horses are making their mark. The table below provides an overview of some recent top results, which can now be tracked through the ICSI Result Tool. Click on the horses’ names to view their full record.
From skepticism to trend
The rapid rise of ICSI-bred horses reflects a broader trend in breeding and sport. Where the technique initially met with prejudice, we now see a clear shift: breeders and owners are increasingly turning to ICSI to maximize genetic potential.
The market is following this shift. Auctions are offering more and more ICSI embryos, investors are showing confidence, and in the sport the horses themselves are proving their value. The results now visible through the ICSI Result Tool confirm this change in direction.
Transparency is key
The collaboration between Hippomundo and Avantea has one clear goal: to create transparency by tracking the performances of ICSI-bred horses and making them publicly accessible.
Explore the performances of ICSI-bred horses in the ICSI Result Tool
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