Irish Cob Studbook

A copy of the Irish Cob Studbook Breeding Programme is available HERE and Rules and procedures available HERE. 

A copy of the Irish Part Bred Cob Studbook Breeding Programme is available HERE and Rules and procedures available HERE. 

The Irish Cob Studbook Inspections 2025 are now open for entry.

The spring inspection for 2025 will take place at:

• Coilog Equestrian Centre, Co. Kildare on Wednesday 9th April

Please note that animals MUST have a passport in order to present for inspection.

Irish Cob animals must be a minimum of 3 years of age to be presented for inspection. Entries close 5 working days in advance of the inspection date. A minimum entry of 15 animals are required for each event to run

Horse Sport Ireland Irish Cob Stallion, Mare and Gelding Inspections are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Equine Technical Support fund.

Full T&C’s and application is available here

HSI was Approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to maintain the Irish Cob Studbook on a temporary basis in October 2013. The Irish Cob is a native Irish breed and although it has a long history the Studbook was only officially founded in 1998. Prior to this linages were passed down verbally from generation to generation. The breed is referred to worldwide by many different names such as Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Horse, Gypsy Vanner and Irish Tinker.

The Irish Cob breed was developed by the Travelling Community in Ireland. For hundreds of years these sturdy, hardworking horses pulled wagons and carts throughout Ireland, Britain and Europe. The breed adapted to be strong and versatile. They needed to be gentle enough to be handled by children but sturdy enough to pull a wagon all day.

Irish Cobs have an imposing appearance with a stout, powerful body. They are noted for their high knee action, excellent temperament and flowing hair. Their wide short backs make them very comfortable under saddle. The Irish Cob is ideal for leisure riders, being very good weight bearers, versatile and kind. They are suited for children, pony clubs and adults alike for riding and driving.

Irish Cob Horse Studbook Stallion inspections

Stallion inspections for the Irish Cob Studbook will be carried out annually in the spring and autumn.

Stallions must be a minimum of 3 years of age to be presented for Irish Cob Studbook inspections. At the inspections Irish Cob stallions are assessed on their conformance to the Irish Cob breed standard and their conformation and their movement in hand in walk and trot.

Stallions meeting the inspection requirements and are eligible for classification in the Main Section of the Irish Cob Studbook are awarded ‘Class 1’ status. Stallions that are not eligible for the Main Section can achieve classification in the Supplementary Section of the Irish Cob Studbook.

CLICK HERE to download the Procedures and Guidelines for the Irish Cob Studbook Inspections

Irish Cob Horse Studbook Mare Inspections

Mare inspections for the Irish Cob Studbook will be carried out annually in spring and autumn.

Mares must be a minimum of 3 years of age to be presented for Irish Cob Studbook inspections. At the inspections Irish Cob mares are assessed on their conformance to the Irish Cob breed standard and their conformation and their movement in hand in walk and trot.
Mares meeting the inspection requirements and are eligible for classification in the Main Section of the Irish Cob Studbook are awarded ‘Class 1’ status. Mares that are not eligible for the Main Section can achieve classification in the Supplementary Section of the Irish Cob Studbook.

Breeding Advice / Stud Service Contract

As part of our commitment to assist our breeders, Horse Sport Ireland is provides comprehensive breeding guidelines via the preparing to breed webpage,  providing breeders with some Breeding Advice to be considered when breeding their horses. such as pre breed screening, use of artificial  insemination and the rules surrounding the importation of semen. We have also included a sample Stud Service Contract, which should help to avoid any confusion in relation to the desired stallion for the mare, the stud, keep and veterinary fees and the dates upon which these fees are to be paid.

Please CLICK HERE for 2024 Irish Cob studbook results.

Please CLICK HERE for 2023 Irish Cob studbook results.

A copy of the Irish Cob Studbook Breeding Programme is available HERE and Rules and procedures available HERE. 

A copy of the Irish Part Bred Cob Studbook Breeding Programme is available HERE and Rules and procedures available HERE.