Big increase in Thoroughbred stallions presented at Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections in Cavan

The 2018 Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections took place over two days on the 21^st and 22^nd of March in Cavan Equestrian Centre. In total, 28 stallions were presented for inspection, 18 Irish Sport Horse stallions, nine Irish Draught stallions and one pony stallion. A total of five Thoroughbred stallions were presented this year up from one in 2016 with three Thoroughbred’s going on to be approved.

In the Irish Sport Horse Studbook section, 18 stallions were presented for assessment. Seven of these were eligible for full approval on the day and of these four stallions were Approved. Two were Thoroughbred stallions presented for linear profiling having met the performance criteria for Approval with a Timeform rating exceeding TF105. A third Thoroughbred stallion was also Approved having met the veterinary, conformation and athleticism requirements of the assessments. In addition, an Irish Sport Horse stallion was awarded Preliminary Approved status when he completed a Stage Two assessment having been ridden over an HSI-prescribed course by his rider and then ridden by an HSI-appointed test rider.

Of the remaining eleven stallions presented for a Stage One assessment, six stallions met the required standard and will be subject to a Stage Two assessment (ridden test) at a later date.

In the Irish Sport Pony Studbook, just one pony stallion was presented and was Approved, meeting the veterinary, conformation and athleticism requirements of the assessment.

For the Irish Draught Horse Studbook, nine Irish Draught stallions were presented for inspection and three achieved Class 1 status after their veterinary, conformation and athleticism tests.

Commenting on the 2018 inspections, Alison Corbally, HSI Director of Breeding and Programmes, stated:

“I want to recognise the standard of the stallions presented at the HSI stallion Selections 2018 which appears to improve with each passing year and to show appreciation to the owners have gone to great lengths to have their animals in excellent condition and properly prepared for their test. I want to record my thanks to the audience who attended the event and we wish to thank the Cavan Equestrian Centre and to all who participated at this successful event for their assistance.”