No less than 70 recommendations have been made in a review of Irish Draught horses published by HSI which are to be implemented during 2015. The review was conducted by a taskforce convened by HSI, chaired by Neil Henry, that included nominees from the Irish Draught Horse Breeders’ Association and the Irish Draught Horse Societies of Britain and Canada. Over 30 submissions were received from individual breeders.

The taskforce addressed the two main challenges facing the Irish Draught Horse Studbook: preservation of the breed by maintaining numbers and genetic diversity and maintaining the traditional characteristics of the breed. The taskforce has recommended that improved classification and inspection systems for Irish Draught Horses remain core elements of the Irish Draught breeding policy and new wording for the breeding objective as follows: “The breeding objective of the Irish Draught studbook is to breed sound Irish Draught horses with correct conformation, type, movement and action, calm and willing temperaments and sufficient athleticism that conform to the Irish Draught breed standard.

Further information and copies of the report are available from Horse Sport Ireland.

ADVERTISEMENT