Irish draught horse makes a comeback

4:45pm Thursday 20th November 2008

THE Irish Draught Horse Society has been looking to promote the versatility of the breed.

The society is encouraging members and non-members to take part in their performance awards scheme which began on November 1 and runs until October 31 next year.

The scheme encourages and rewards the performance capabilities of the Irish draught horse both pure and part bred.

Society administrator for the performance awards, Liz Langford, said the breed is making a comeback and the awards are a way of showing how well it does in many classes.

“We have a wide range of events and classes and hope to encourage even the single horse owner to take part,” she said.

The competition is for unaffiliated, junior, pure bred and overall champion. All competitors who gain more than 300 points will receive a rosette and an achievement card.

Points can be gained in a variety of disciplines ranging from showing, show jumping, dressage, long distance and hunter trials.

“The disciplines can be ridden astride or side saddle and the only criteria is that the horse must be registered with the Irish Draught Horse Society but the owner or rider doesn’t need to be,” she said.

In 2007, in-hand, loose jumping, Le Trec and jump cross were added to the points system as well as a special award for the most points gained in hand.

The cost to join the awards is £10 for adults, £5 for juniors up to 18, and £15 for non-members.

For more details and entry forms, contact Liz Langford on 01432 353468 (evenings) or 07940 826945, or e-mail: lizlangford@hotmail.co.uk