British Breeder Dec 2023

Studbook News - IDHS
IRISH DRAUGHT HORSE SOCIETY (GB)
Registered Charity No. 1080522
The Irish Draught Horse Society
(GB) is fully committed to the inspection
of purebred and Irish Draught Sport
Horse mares and stallions and has held
inspections for 40 years. As a daughter
Society of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), our
Inspections follow the same principles as
those held in Ireland.
Ballygaddy Indie
Photos 1st Class Images
The breeding objective of the Irish
Draught studbook is to produce sound
horses with correct conformation, type,
movement and action, calm and willing
temperaments and sufficient athleticism.
This foundation breed, when crossed
with other breeds, will produce all types
of leisure and performance horses.
Colts and stallions can be presented for
inspection from 3 years onwards, there is
no upper age limit.
Pre-inspection veterinary screening
examination: Prior to inspection,
the horse’s soundness and gaits
are assessed, as in a pre-purchase
examination. This screening includes
16 x-rays of the feet and limbs and
endoscopic examination. Health
certificates for EVA, EIA and CEM and
a genetic test for Warmblood Fragile
Foal Syndrome are also required. On the
day of inspection, the horse’s passport,
vaccination record, microchip and
marking details are checked. His bone,
height and girth are recorded and he
undergoes another 5 stage vetting.
The inspection panel: This consists
of three senior inspectors with the
knowledge, training and experience
to assess stallions.. At least one of the
inspectors will be a representative from
HSI.
Linear profiling was introduced in 2010.
It was taken from the system used to
assess continental horses and then
adjusted to reflect the traits required
of the Irish Draught. There are 45
characteristics, covering conformation,
type, movement and athleticism
Conformation assessment: The horse
is presented to the inspectors and his
gaits in walk and trot are shown in hand,
on a hard surface.
Movement: This is reviewed when he
is loose in the indoor arena. There is a
trained arena party to work the horse in
walk, trot and canter, on both reins.
Jumping athleticism: The horse is
guided down a jumping lane, consisting
of a placing pole and three fences.
The height and spread of the fences
are progressively increased, up to a
maximum of 1m high with a 1.05m
spread. The panel are looking at the
horse’s reflexes, scope, technique,
elasticity, carefulness and attitude.
Stallions aged 4 years and over may
also be jumped under saddle.
A linear profile is completed, then the
panel assigns a score out of 100 for
each element. These scores determine
whether the horse has met the criteria
for Class 1. The owner and spectators
are given the result at this stage. The
owner will later receive a comprehensive
inspection report.
Class 1 is for inspected horses that meet
the veterinary requirements and all the
inspection requirements.
Class 2 is where the horse meets the
veterinary requirements but doesn’t meet
all of the inspection criteria. Progeny out
of Class 1/Class 2 mares are eligible for
Class 1 upon inspection.
Class 3 is for horses which have not met
the veterinary requirements.
Class 4 is for uninspected animals or
where the inspection could not be
Class 4 is for uninspected animals
or where the inspection could not be
completed.
The progeny of Class 3 and Class 4
animals are not eligible to be inspected
Irish Draught Sport Horse Stallions
These horses are very important to
the Society. They must have a proven
minimum of 25% Irish Draught breeding
and stand over 15hh. As their athleticism
is also assessed under saddle, they
must be 4 years old or over. There are
different requirements to those for pure
bred horses, which are outlined in the
guidelines on www.idhsgb.org.uk. They
must pass a 5 stage vetting, including
endoscopy and must have current
health certificates. Their conformation,
movement and athleticism are assessed,
with a score and comment sheet
completed. The panel’s decision is
explained to the owner.
Mares
Mares have a veterinary assessment
on the day, checking their details,
measurements and soundness. The
inspection process for conformation,
type and movement is the same as for
the colts and stallions. They are not
required to jump but can do so if they
achieve Class 1 or Supplementary
Grade Up (for certain sport horse
mares}.
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