Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has confirmed that it will recommend the continuation of the Irish Draught Horse inspection amnesty rule to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under the Irish Draught Horse Breeding Programme, following extensive consultation with key stakeholders.
The consultation process included engagement with Irish Draught horse breeders in Ireland and daughter societies in North America, Great Britain, and Canada. Stakeholder feedback highlighted the value of the amnesty in supporting breeder engagement, encouraging participation in inspections, and contributing to the genetic diversity of the breed.
There was broad support for the continuation of the amnesty provision, although views differed regarding the length of its implementation.
Following a detailed review of the studbook, HSI will now recommend that the amnesty be retained on a time-bound basis, subject to approval by DAFM and periodic review within the Irish Draught Horse Breeding Programme.
Under the proposed updated rule, the amnesty would be reviewed every three years, with the next review scheduled in advance of the 2030 breeding season. The rule wording will be proposed as follows:
5.1.4 IRISH DRAUGHT INSPECTION AMNESTY
The Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development will review the amnesty on a triennial basis (every three years). The next review will take place in advance of the 2030 breeding season.
The amnesty clause pertains to stallions and mares that are:
• By Class 4 or Genomic Grade-Up Irish Draught stallions and/or
are out of a Class 4 or Genomic Grade-Up Irish Draught mares
Are eligible to be presented for inspection for Classes 1, 2, and 3 in the Irish Draught Horse Studbook. The amnesty does not extend to foals with a birthdate in that period wherein the amnesty applies nor does the amnesty apply to animals with Class 3 ancestry.
Dr Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development at Horse Sport Ireland, acknowledged the constructive input from all organisations involved and reaffirmed HSI’s commitment to supporting a sustainable and progressive future for the Irish Draught Horse breed.
Bred by Frank O’Donovan, pictured with Owner Robert Judge
Image funded under the Equine Technical Support fund
