The Blarney Spring / Summer. Pack Your Pony & Prepare to Party 2010 Annual Show Foal Gallery

Transcription

1 The Blarney 2010 Spring / Summer Pack Your Pony & Prepare to Party 2010 Annual Show 2010 Foal Gallery IDHSNA Position on Horse Sport Ireland s Studbook Changes World Equestrian Games Update Form & Function IDHSNA SINCE 1993 Contact Lists Reports News Committee Lists Regional Regional Reports Board Board News Calendar Calendar Forms Forms

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3 The Blarney - Spring/Summer From Our President... The official Newsletter of the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America Next Deadline: OCTOBER 15, 2010 / 2010 FALL EDITION Co-Editors: Judie Framan - JAFraman@aol.com Kate Triplett - theblarney@irishhuntersandjumpers.com Advertising/Design/Production: Laurie Monroe 9885 NW 127th Court, Ocala, FL (352) / blarney@grafxbylaurie.com The IDHSNA is considered a daughter society of the IDHS Ireland. The Blarney is the official newsletter of the IDHSNA and is published generally quarterly. The Blarney assumes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of the advertisements contained herein. Statements, opinions, and points of view expressed by the contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of The Blarney staff and/or the IDHSNA Inc. We reserve the right to edit any editorial materials received and deny placing advertising or written material that is deemed damaging or contrary to the goals of the Society. The Blarney is copyrighted by the IDHSNA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be re-printed in any form without the written permission of the IDHSNA. Subscriptions: The Blarney is included with most memberships. Non-members may subscribe to The Blarney for $30 per year. Contributions: Articles, photos, news items, and horse show results are always welcome. Contact the Editors at the addresses listed above. Advertising: Advertising rates are available from the editor, online at or in The Blarney Executive Council President: Larry Robbins / mdldrobbins@msn.com Vice President: Michele Metraux / mmetraux@yorku.ca Secretary: Liz Freeman / irishdraughts@gmail.com Treasurer: Mary Hansen / TreasurerIDHSNA@yahoo.com Directors: Jim McGinty / jmcginty3@comcast.net Tony Phillips / tonypdrives@gmail.com Karen Young / karen@klearyfield.com IDHSNA Registration Services: 4037 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 160 Lexington, KY Phone: (859) / Fax: (858) Information Officer: Rachael Cox HC65 Box 45 Pleasant Mount, PA Phone: IDHSNA-1 / info@irishdraught.com Registrar and Member Services: Priscilla Menard 4037 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 160, Lexington, KY Phone: (859) / Fax: (858) idhsna@hotmail.com COVER PHOTO Cover Photo courtesy LUCY STEVESON HELLO! Passionate Participation - An Invitation to Make a Difference: by Larry Robbins, IDHSNA President I am writing this letter in hopes of getting you, the members, more involved in the running of your Irish Draught Horse Society of North America. We are at a cross roads, a turning point in moving the society forward and you, and only you, can take this Society forward to make a difference for our breed. All Societies accomplish more if the Board of Directors acts as the governing body looking out for the welfare of the Irish Draught herd and its members. Board members were elected, by you, to serve the Society and if they have to do all the committee work too, we will fall short of having the man power to get even a portion of what were elected to do done. Your Society s objectives will only be met if you the members will volunteer and take on the task of the committees and let the Board of Directors have the time needed to oversee the work that the committees do. As I write this, I see that most committees have more members from the Board of Directors than from the Societies membership. I am thankful that the Board of Directors has taken on the work to see that the committees are staffed and doing the work needed to be done to preserve the breed and educate the public. The Board of Directors on a whole make sacrifices of major blocks of time which used to be dedicated to their families, work, home, and horses. These hours are necessary to keep us moving forward. Now is the time, the opportunity, for you the members to volunteer to work on a committee and be a part of the success that can be realized. The Board of Directors would like to see a member from each region on each committee. This way we will have an excellent cross section of the total membership involved in every committee and all regions will have an equal voice. Each of these committees will have a board member as the liaison to the Board of Directors. You the members will do the work -- guide and take the society in the direction that meets the needs of the membership. The board member will join the meetings, but not be involved with the workings of the committee. The role of the committee s Board member liaison will be to report back any findings from a committee for the Board of Directors to take action. This is your Society and you, the members, have the power to make this a great and successful Society. All you need to do is contact your Regional Chair and see what committee you feel you can give your valuable time to. I recommend that you take on only those committees that you relate to, that feeds your soul, or that you feel passionate about it is in these situations that people are assured of making a difference. I wish to invite each and every member to make a difference by participating in a committee, allow yourself to play a role that you feel passionate about; I guarantee that it is the very best way to get the most out of your Society. Standing Committees with approved Terms of Reference (TOR): Breeding Committee: Katharine Locke, chair (kb.locke@ns.sympatico.ca) Finance Committee: Bill Appel, chair (shapel@bellsouth.net) Grievance Committee: Chris Neher, chair (chris.neher@wildblue.net) Marketing Committee: Susan Jensen, chair (susan@bellwetheririshdraughts.com) Ad Hoc Committees with approved Terms of Reference: Nominating Committee - chair Pat Bewley (dkhorse808@comcast.net) Bylaws Review Committee - chair Pat Bewley (dkhorse808@comcast.net) 2010 Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 3

4 2010 IDHSNA Board of Directors... Executive Officers: President President Larry Robbins White Marsh Lane Lovettsville, VA (H) Vice President Michele Metraux 1358 Fourth Concession Adjala RR#1 Loretto, Ontario L0G1L0 Canada (H) (No calls after 9pm EST please) Secretary Liz Freeman Flying Harp Farm 1054 Red Oak Park Rd Tipton, Iowa (H) Treasurer (effective 4/1/2010) Mary Hansen 175 Indian Creek Ln SE Cedar Rapids, IA (H) (Fax) Directors At Large: James A. McGinty 2301 S. Millbend Drive The Woodlands, TX (H) Tony Phillips Bell Tower Stud 8140 Mitchell Mill Road Zebulon, NC (Cell) Karen Young 6400 Orchard Station Rd Sebastopol, CA (H) Regional Chairs: Central Region (IL, IN, IA, KS, MN, MO, MI, NE, WI, ND, SD, Ontario, Manitoba) Susan Jensen 91 Flint Drive Lake Barrington, IL Northwest Region (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WY, WA; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan) Jess Walker 221 Maplewood Lane Cocolalla, ID Northeast Region (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec) Cori Oehley 108a High Street Upton, MA IDHSNA Services Contacts... Registration & Member Services Priscilla Menard (Eastern Time) 4037 Iron Works Parkway, #160 Lexington, KY (o) (f) Information Officer Rachael Cox (Eastern Time) HC65 Box 45 Pleasant Mount, PA (o) IDHSNA-1 Website Services Laurie Monroe (Eastern Time) (c) Angela Dringman (Mountain Time) (c) Blarney Co-Editors Judie Framan (Mountain Time) (h) Kate Triplett (Pacific Time) (h) Blarney Layout/Design Laurie Monroe (Eastern Time) 9885 NW 127th Court Ocala, FL (c) South Central Region (TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, Mexico) Bill Appel 101 Sena Drive Metairie, LA Southeast Region (AL, DE, FL, GA, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) Sue Rowdon P.O Box 78 Hartwood, VA Southwest Region (AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT) Cheryl Skigin 8502 E. Chapman Ave #616 Orange, Ca Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

5 In This Issue... From the President BOD Contacts Calendar Board Reports Financials IDHSNA Posittion Paper on HSI Studbook Changes Irish Draught Form and Function (Part 1) Irish Draught Breeding Committee Report Photo Review - Rolex IDHSNA 2010 Annual Show & Foal Gallery Greenwood Horse Trails Member News Regional Reports , 30 Meet Us At WEG IDHSNA Donation Form Over The Pond IDHSNA Advertising Insertion Order IDHSNA Membership form (2010) Irish Village at WEG Sponsor Form Irish Village at WEG Sales Book Form ADVERTISER INDEX BenMar Farm Inside Front Cover Wild Hare Farm Top Gun Stables GrafX by Laurie Inside Back Cover Bell Tower Stud Back Cover 2010 IDHSNA Calendar JUNE /10 - Deadline for Summer Blarney advertising 6/15 - Deadline for Summer Blarney content 6/17 - Monthly Board meeting JULY /15 - Monthly Board meeting AUGUST /1 - Nominating Committee slate due to Board 8/19 - Monthly Board meeting SEPTEMBER 2010 TBD - Inspection Tour 9/10 - Deadline for Fall Blarney advertising 9/15 - Deadline for Fall Blarney content 9/16 - Monthly Board meeting 9/25 - Alltech World Equestrian Games begin, Lexington, KY 9/ Annual Show, Lexington, VA 9/24 - Annual General Meeting OCTOBER /1 - Nominating Committee slate names provided to members 10/10 - Alltech World Equestrian Games end, Lexington, KY 10/21 - Monthly Board meeting NOVEMBER /1 - Record Date: Independent nominations due 11/10 - Election ballots mailed 11/18 - Monthly Board meeting DECEMBER /1 - YEA card deadline 12/10 - Election ballots returned 12/15 - Stallion reports due 12/16 - Monthly Board meeting 12/31 - Deadline for foal registrations Spring Summer Yearbook / Summer - Edition T he Blarney - T he Blarney Page 5

6 News from The Board of Directors... UPCOMING ELECTIONS Each year, according to the IDH- SNA Inc., here after referred to as Corporation, Bylaws Article VII, Section 4, a Nominating Committee of three members in good standing is appointed by the Board to solicit a slate of capable and willing members to serve the Board of Directors as Officers and Directors at Large for the next term. The Nominating Committee is not responsible for the nomination of members for the Regional Chair positions, but will notify any Regional Chair where their region is due to hold an election. The Nominating Committee and Executive Secretary shall meet the following guidelines: The Board shall appoint the Nominating Committee each year by June 30th. The Board will attempt to appoint geographically diverse Nominating Committee Members from the members at large and those serving on the current board. The bylaws prohibit an officer/director whose position is to be filled at the election being on this committee. By accepting the nomination to a position on the Nominating Committee that person is agreeing to the provision that they may not be nominated for election nor run for any position on the Board in the year to which the elections will apply. The Executive Secretary will provide a list of positions to be filled as well as the current job description for each position. The Executive Secretary will provide a list of the regions where elections are due. The Nominating Committee will consider recommendations from Corporation members for potential nominees. It is the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to create a slate of candidates (up to two per position) [kkr1] to lead the society for the next two years. The Nominating Committee will obtain a written commitment from each nominee that they are willing to serve on the Board and abide by and uphold the Bylaws. The Nominating Committee is responsible for collecting a Pen Portrait for each member of their slate. Pen Portraits shall not exceed 300 words and may include a photo. It is the responsibility of the Nominating committee to notify each Regional Chair where the Chair position is up for election in the year. They will obtain written confirmation from the Chair that they understand their region is to hold and complete elections before year-end. (If a Region does not have a chair or the chair is unable to hold elections, the Nominating Committee shall notify the Board. The Nominating Committee shall submit the following to the Board of Directors through the Executive Secretary by August 1: 1. The slate of candidates 2. The pen portraits for the slate 3. The Regional Chair s commitments to hold elections The following actions are required of the Executive Secretary per the Bylaws: A notice of the Nominating Committee s slate including the pen portraits will be mailed to the members along with an open nomination form, no later than 30 days prior to the Record Date. The open nomination form gives the membership an opportunity to nominate a candidate they feel would be an asset to the Board of Directors. The open nomination forms will have specific details to follow for nomination. The open nomination forms must be received in the Executive Secretary s Office ON OR BEFORE the Record Date. The postmark date will not be used. (This is because ballots must be created and mailed out within 10 days of the record date for the election to be valid. This narrow time frame does not allow for postal delays.) All open nomination forms must be complete when they are returned to the Executive Secretary to be considered valid. The Executive Secretary will not attempt to complete incomplete open nomination forms. For example, the Secretary will not seek out the signature for someone that was nominated but did not accept their nomination. The ballots, with Pen Portraits and any photos, will be mailed no later than 10 days after the Record Date to all members in good standing as of the Record Date. Ballots must be returned to the specified address according to the instructions on the ballot. The following policies adopted by the Board of the Corporation are formally stated below: The Corporation will use a CPA to count the ballots. No member of the Corporation will view or have access to the returned ballots. The ballots are to remain secret. Only the results of the election are returned to the Executive Secretary. No individually identifiable information will be returned to the Corporation. The ballots will be destroyed 30 days after being counted. As soon as the results are confirmed they will be posted to the membership on the IDHS(NA) Notices List, on the website and in the next issue of the Blarney. NOTE: Board of Director positions up for re-election in 2010 are the following: President, Treasurer, one Director-at-Large, and Regional Chairs for the following regions: Central, Northwest, Northeast, Southeast. If you would like to recommend a candidate, or are interested in running for a position on the Board of Directors, please contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee, Pat Bewley: dkhorse808@comcast.net YAHOO GROUPS NOTICE Liz Freeman and myself have undertaken to update the Member s List and the Notices List which are sponsored on Yahoo. All current members were sent an invitation to join if they wanted to be included. We have had a disappointing response to date. Could member s who wish to be signed up please contact Liz Freeman, DVM (flyingharp@yahoo.com) or myself (mmetraux@yorku.ca) and we will send you another invitation. Thank you very much for your membership support and we look forward to hearing from you on the Lists. Michele NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The IDHSNA Board of Directors would like to announce that the 2010 Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 24 September 2010 at 7 pm at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA, in association with the IDHSNA Annual Show. Elizabeth Freeman, DVM, IDHSNA Executive Secretary Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

7 Treasurer s Report... May 20, 2010 Checking/Savings Account Balances Annual Show PNC NE Region Unibank NW Region Panhandle Chase WEG Checking Chase WEG Savings SE Region Wachovia PayPal KHP Office PNC Northern Trust 34, PNC General Operating 29, Total Checking/Savings $74, Sarah McMullen sent boxes with 2009/10 files and the transition has been made pretty smoothly. The Accounts Payable looks really high, but all those bills have been paid. New checks had to be printed and arrived the first week of May. There appear to be quite a few things that don t have to be paid up-front, like Stallion Service Auction bids, Blarney ads, Calendar pages, etc. I propose that the treasurer be advised of any receivables, so that an invoice can be set up in Quickbooks and reminders can be issued on unpaid items. This would relieve the person organizing the ad sales (or whatever) of chasing down the money due, and since practically everyone has an address there is no cost. I sent some out earlier as a kind of a test run and a few people replied that they d never gotten a bill PROFIT & LOSS January through May Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 7

8 Treasurer s Reports (con t) BALANCE SHEET January through May 2010 Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

9 IDHSNA Position on Horse Sport Ireland Studbook Changes... OPEN LETTER TO MEMBERS: The 2010 board of the IDHSNA believes we have an opportunity now to state our wants and to present ourselves as players in the global debate over the Irish Draught (ID) breed and breed standard as well as a possible International ID stud book. Recent changes in the breeding policy by Horse Sport Ireland as well as two Irish Breeder organizations both of whom have requested ownership of the ID studbook are ample evidence of a possible change in direction in Ireland. We intend to be a part of the global future of the ID, not a bystander. As we plan and make strategy for the future we invite your comment, but also remind you of certain truths. 1) The IDHSNA registration policy is unique to North America. It does not now, nor has it previously matched the policy for ID and IDHS in Ireland. For example, Ireland does not even recognize the Irish Draught Sport Horse. 2) Our documented IDHSNA inspection procedure requires two judges provided by the IDHS Ireland, not judges provided by Horse Sport Ireland, the government body currently conducting inspections of mares and stallions in Ireland. 3) The IDHSNA may choose to use whatever score sheet we see fit. Again, our sheet has not always matched the sheet used in Ireland and we do not expect it will match again this year. HSI is now using a linear scoring sheet beginning April ) Our inspections this year, just like every year since we were established in 1993, will not guarantee acceptance by, nor entry into, the Irish studbook for IDs and IDSHs. But we also do not believe that this year s inspection results be any less likely to be accepted in Ireland. 5) It is our intention and our hope to pursue meaningful dialog with the other daughter societies as well as our mother society (IDHS Ireland) and reach consensus. Together we can approach HSI for an acceptable arrangement. 6) We are determined to have our Registered horses (RID-NA) accepted for breeding in Ireland. At a minimum we will speak with one voice to request this outcome. The Breeding Committee of the IDHSNA was asked to review recent changes to the Breeding Policy for the Irish Draught Studbook in Ireland and made recommendation which we would like to share with all our members. As the documents for review are many, the Board is sending you this notification to invite you to visit the IDHSNA website Recent News to download four important PDF documents to read and review. 1) IDHSNA Information Paper this includes a context for the Breeding Committee s Position Paper as well as the complete Position Paper. If you only read one document, read this. 2) Horse Sport Ireland Breeding Policy for the Irish Draught Horse Studbook. This is the final and now active document. Also available from HSI website. 3) Horse Sport Ireland Rules and Practices Relating to the Irish Horse Register. Further reading from HSI on rules for studbook inclusion. 4) IDHSNA Registration of Purebred Irish Draught Horses. This is our registration policy and never a bad idea to review. The Board welcomes your feedback on this issue following your review of the provided information. If you are unable to access the files on the IDHSNA website ( please contact our Member Services Coordinator, Priscilla, at the office for a solution. Thank you for taking the time to be an informed member of the IDHSNA. Sincerely, 2010 Board Larry Robbins Michele Metraux Liz Freeman Tony Phillips Karen Young Jim McGinty Susan Jensen (Central Region) Cori Oehley (North East Region) Jessica Walker (North West Region) Bill Appel (South Central Region) Sue Rowdon (South East Region) Cheryl Skigin (South West Region) IDHSNA Position Paper Context Your 2010 Board would like to present some history and information followed by ideas for us to discuss and mull over as a Breed Society. There is growing talk of Studbook Harmonization as well as some confusion(s) over the role of various entities in Ireland. There may be some confusion over what registering your horse with IDHSNA means and concerns over the upcoming registration process. We would like to outline some facts a framework from which to read our Position Paper (which immediately follows this introduction). We (the Board) are united in our acceptance of the position paper and felt it most appropriate to address our own members first. Following a period of discussion and input, we will present our thoughts and position to our fellow Daughter Societies and our Mother Society. We hope to reach some consensus and solidarity with the other Societies. Later, as a more global group, we hope to address these concerns with Horse Sport Ireland the current holder of the Irish Draught Stud and Mare book in Ireland. Regardless of outcomes, the 2010 Board of IDH- SNA is taking this opportunity to pursue meaningful dialog with other studbook holders and to and declare ourselves as stake-holders in the future of the Irish Draught worldwide. Many of the issues, as you will see, are not new, but rather the ways things have been for some time. But this board feels now is an opportunity to seek important changes to the role of our RID-NA horses in the global herd. We think now is the time to stand up and say what we want for our approved horses. Please note: while this paper and the discussion focuses on the role and position of the Irish Draught, this is an important topic for owners and breeders of Irish Draught Sport Horses (IDHS) as well. Insofar as you believe the Irish Draught to be an integral part of the makeup of the IDSH the issues are related. While the IDSH breed standard and ownership of its stud book is a less contentious issue than the ID studbook and breed standard, our strength as a society in addressing the ID issue may be integral to the future position of IDSH standing in the global market as well. So, although not specifically addressed, we invite your participation and input and we welcome you to join us as we navigate these waters. Let s start at the beginning - What does an approved RID-NA mean? The IDHSNA maintains the registry for ID and IDSH in North America. As a breed association we make decisions on behalf of our members regarding changes to, and protection of, that registry. Since our establishment in 1993, there have been very few changes to the Registration Policies of IDHSNA. The original registration policies were based on the policies of fellow daughter society IDHSGB (this is the studbook from whence our founding members had the most experience). Four sets of changes were made, the first in when we went from a color coded studbook system (gold, green, etc) to the RID, AID, SID nomenclature in line with Great Britain. The AID and SID books were closed in North America at the end of Finally, in 2007 we fleshed out the registration rules in more detail although there were no changes to the purebred classification scheme at that time. In 2009 the Board voted to accept transfers at face value from any IDHS daughter society. See our the IDHSNA Registration Policy document available on the IDHSNA website (a link is available from Recent News on the IDHSNA website). During that same period (since 1993) there have been some high impact changes to the Studbook in Ireland including: ownership of the purebred mare book, testing procedures for stallions including performance testing and public stallion inspections, and changes to the written breed standard. Since our society began, we have never had reciprocity with the Irish Draught Horse Studbook in Ireland, regardless of which Irish body held it. In North America, an RID-NA stallion bred to a RID mare s progeny would eligible for inspection as a breeding ID. That same RID-NA stallion bred to an RID mare in Ireland would not be eligible for breeding inspection in Ireland. (There are very few exceptions see Position Paper following). A Little History So Whose Daughter Society are we? The IDH- SNA was established in 1993 as the Daughter Society to the Irish Draught Society of Ireland (IDHS), sometime referred to as the Co-op. The IDHS was established in The IDHS was created with the sole intention of preventing the breed from becoming extinct. We (the IDHSNA) are in fact a branch of the IDHS Ireland and they are our mother. More information on IDHS may be found at: What we get from our Mother Society? Each year the IDHSNA Board contacts the IDHS to request judges for our annual inspections. According to our IDHSNA Registration Policies, inspections require a minimum of two judges at least one of whom is appointed by the IDHS from their list of approved judges of the ID breed. Historically we have always used two judges from the IDHS list for our inspections. For the last several years, judges provided by IDHS have been individuals also approved for judging by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 9

10 IDHSNA Position on HSI Studbook Changes (con t)... A little Muddier In the early 1990s Irish Horse Board (IHB) was founded as a government agency to maintain the Irish Horse Register as well as operate schemes to improve the quality of Sport Horses and promote and market the Irish Sport Horse (ISH). IHB was the predecessor to HSI. Since 1993 the IHB, and now HSI, held the Irish Sport Horse Studbook and the Irish Draught Horse Studbook. Until 2008 IDHS continued to operate the purebred ID mare inspections. The stallion inspections were held through out the country and operated by IHB. The IHB centralized the stallion inspection and added performance testing to the registration policy. At that point, IDH- SNA did not follow IHB lead and did not initiate performance testing of stallion prospects. The HSI ID stallions inspection has changed again in April The complete HSI Irish Draught Horse Breeding Policy as well as the HSI Rules and Practices Relating to the Irish Horse Register are available via Recent IDHSNA News on our website as well as from the HSI website ( So, What s the Difference Now? We expect no change in the inspection process held in the United States this year. However there is a difference in the inspection process for IDs in Ireland beginning April For the inspection document Irish Draught Horse Studbook Rules including information on the new inspection process in Ireland, download the PDF from Recent IDHSNA News on our website as well as from the HSI website ( ie). For complete information, also read Rules and Practices relating to the Irish Horse Register found in the same locations. To summarize some of the relevant changes, HSI is using linear scoring sheets and have removed the performance requirement for Irish Draught stallions. They are moving to a classification system which includes 7 classes for stallions; 6 classes for mares and geldings and 2 classes for foals. The IDHSNA Policy Paper (immediately following) provides very useful detail regarding the new classifications. Why wouldn t we match the policy changes of HSI? Historically we have not changed our registration and inspection policies as changes have occurred in Ireland. As a separate registry, we are not compelled to do so. But the most recent changes to the Irish Draught Horse Breeding Policies, including offers and considerations of global harmonization have compelled us to take a serious look at where we stand as a registry and our relation with Ireland s registry currently held by HSI. The Position of the IDHSNA The board solicited our Breeding Committee to review the HSI Breeding Policy as well as evaluate the potential implication of the breeding policy on our North American approved horses. In a very short time the breeding committee put together a very thorough paper which follows. The Breeding Committee highlighted three key issues: Classification of IDHSNA Approved Horses RID stallions approved in NA and their progeny have not been eligible for entry in HSI Studbook. There was a single case where a North American bred horse was approved as an RID in Ireland after performance testing in Germany. A scant handful of North American inspected RID mares have been over-stamped if they were bred from imported Irish Horse Registry inspected and approved parents, but even this has not been consistently administered. The HSI policy includes a transitional arrangement for horses classified in the ID studbook prior to This policy calls for the previously inspected stallions to be re-inspected under the new policy, minus the veterinary aspect (unless evidence of veterinary issues). Horses that do not come forward for re-inspection would be classified as Class 2. Without re-inspection, IDHSNA stallions would be Class 2, thus losing their current status (RID = Class 1). On the one hand, this is no worse/different than it has been. The majority of RID stallions in NA are not approved for breeding in Ireland and their progeny may not be registered with HSI. Should a stallion owner choose to have their stallion brought forward for re-inspection to achieve Class 1 status, they would risk being downgraded to Class 3 (for veterinary issues) or even Class 4 if failed on inspection. What would come of the progeny of the not Class 1 stallion? The answer is not clear. Should a stallion owner opt to not have a re-inspection, the stallion will remain in Class 2. Under the current HSI policy, progeny of a Class 2 stallion is eligible for inspection to achieve Class 1 status. However, this Grade Up Register is scheduled to be reviewed in 2013 and there is no guarantee it would continue following the review. What then of the progeny of Class 2 stallions of North America? The answer is not clear. On the other hand, IDHSNA has used the very judges who approved the breeding ID stock in Ireland throughout our existence. RIDs approved in Ireland will be brought in as Class 1 stallions with no further inspection regardless of the rules under which they were originally approved (i.e., with or without performance, etc). It seems very reasonable to expect the same treatment for our North American approved stallions. Currently the status of stallions approved by other sister societies, Great Britain for example, would also require re-inspection. Studbook Harmonization The Breeding Policy Task Force which prepared the HSI 2010 Breeding Policy recommended consultation with all ID studbooks worldwide. Yet there was no correspondence between HSI and IDHSNA--nor has there been moving forward. A worldwide Stud Book is very much something the IDSHNA supports and wants. If you review the IDHSNA detailed registration policy for purebred Irish Draughts (see Appendix) you see entry to the North American ID studbook gives equal footing to IDs born, bred, and approved in our Mother or Sister Societies. IDHSNA allows for direct entry by transfer from the other societies. We do not restrict pedigree to only IDs approved in North America. If asked (and if not asked we intend to make our position know to HSI anyway) we are not in favor of the current Transitional Arrangements offered to IDH- SNA approved horses. We are in favor of RID NA = Class 1. HSI details a Grade Up Register to add genetic diversity the ID herd via Thoroughbred, ISH (native blood only) or Connemara blood We believe that not utilizing the ID blood of the North American herd to accomplish diversity is preposterous. Possible HSI Conflict of Interest According to their website, Horse Sport Ireland is the government established agency for Equestrian Sport and Breeding in Ireland. Also: Horse Sport Ireland - which will be responsible for devising and implementing strategies for the development and promotion of an internationally competitive Irish sport horse industry (breeding, sport and leisure sides). Like the Irish Horse Board and Board na gcapall before it, HSI is responsible for marketing Irish horses and promote the Irish equine industry. In the early 1970s the Board na gcapall followed its mandate of promoting non-thoroughbred horses by initiating a program of exporting horses for meat. Regardless of one s stance on such a program it is clear that for a rare breed like the ID, this would be unacceptable marketing. HSI s policies are far from meat production, but are focused on Irish-produced horses, not Irish horses produced outside of Ireland. So, what about Inspections in 2010? We do not anticipate any changes to inspections in That said, we encourage members to learn more and inform themselves about linear scoring the new scoring sheet being used by HSI. The linear scoring sheet may be found in the Appendix of HSI s Breeding Policy for the Irish Draught Horse Studbook The position of your ID or IDHS once inspected and approved will be no different than the position of previously approved IDs and IDSH in North America. Your board does not believe that we should attempt to utilize the new HSI policy in There is insufficient time to implement such a change. There is also no indication that such a change would produce a different result for North American approved horses. In Closing: Thank you for being a member of the IDH- SNA. It is important to the global herd and future of the ID to have accurate and timely information about horses. Your membership and registration fees, as well as your efforts, volunteerism and showing your horses all these things help spread the word and promote the ID and IDSH. We invite you to initiate or participate in a discussion on the Yahoo Members list. If you are no longer on the Yahoo Members List, just send a request via Yahoo groups or contact your regional chair. We would appreciate if specific discussion on this paper not be carried out on the public (non-member) Yahoo list. If you have questions or concerns, we invite you to contact your regional chair. The 2010 Board will continue to keep members informed as we continue on this process. Watch for updates in the board minutes as well as special correspondence if required. Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

11 IDHSNA Position on HSI Studbook Changes (con t)... Irish Draught Horse Society of North America / Irish Draught Breeding Committee POSITION PAPER on the Horse Sport Ireland Breeding Policy for the Irish Draught Horse Studbook 2010: April 10, INTRODUCTION The Breeding Committee of the IDHSNA has been tasked with reviewing the proposed Horse Sport Ireland Breeding Policy for the Irish Draught Studbook (hereafter referred to as HSI Breeding Policy), evaluating the new policy s implications for IDHSNA-approved horses, and recommending to the Board of Directors of the IDHSNA an appropriate Society response to this policy. This position paper details the research, analysis, and recommendations of the members of the Breeding Committee on this important issue. The recommendations and conclusions contained in this paper are based on readily available current and historical information from the IDHSNA and HSI. This position paper focuses on three key issues relating to the new HSI Breeding Policy: 1) transitional classification of currently approved IDHSNA horses, 2) harmonization of the ID studbook across societies, and 3) concerns about HSI conflict of interest. There are many other important issues raised by the HSI Breeding Policy besides the ones discussed in this paper. The fact that other issues are not addressed does not imply support for them by the Breeding Committee. Rather, the Breeding Committee has in this paper focused on what it perceives to be the most important and pressing issues for the IDHSNA in the new HSI studbook policy. CONTEXT In March 2010 Horse Sport Ireland published their Breeding Policy for the Irish Draught Horse Studbook Shortly thereafter, Gaynor Mitchell, the Chairman of IDHS(GB), wrote to the IDHSNA Board of Directors inviting input in anticipation of a meeting between HSI and IDHS(GB) in late April. The letter concluded with the following sentence: If IDHSNA wish to give us feedback as to their hopes for the studbook, the IDHS (GB) will be more than happy to convey those hopes to HSI. In response, The BOD of IDHSNA voted unanimously at their meeting on March 18, 2010 to direct the Breeding Committee to provide a position paper on the new HSI Irish Draught studbook policies. BACKGROUND The HSI Breeding Policy for the Irish Draught Horse Studbook 2010 (hereafter referred to as the HSI Breeding Policy ) was prepared by the HSI Irish Draught Breeding Policy Task Force under the following Terms of Reference1: To define a suitable breeding objective for the Irish Draught Horse Studbook. To propose suitable classification system for Irish Draught Horses in the Irish Draught Horse Studbook in line with the Horse Sport Ireland Strategic Plan. To propose Studbook initiatives to improve the quality of Irish Draught Horses being bred in Ireland. To propose initiatives to conserve genetic diversity. At no time did the task force solicit input from the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America. 2 When it was founded in 1993, the IDHSNA was recognized by IDHS Ireland and by the Irish Horse Board as an Irish Draught Horse registry. Yet RID stallions approved in NA - and their progeny have not to date been eligible for entry into the studbook in Ireland. 3 The IDHSNA currently has an Irish Draught breeding herd of approximately 185 mares and 6o stallions. Dr. Francis Kearney has stated that, ID stallions in other countries could be used to 1 HSI Breeding Policy, p Personal communication, IDHSNA Board of Directors. 3 While this is generally true, the IHB and HSI have been inconsistent in this regard. There have been cases of stallions approved outside of Ireland with successful progeny or with extensive show records being placed in the HSI studbook. increase the genetic diversity of the population. 4 In addition, HSI/IDHS inspectors have commented that we retain amongst our herd bone and type that are hard to find in Ireland.5 In short, the North American Irish Draught herd represents a valuable repository of genetic diversity and breed type for the worldwide herd. ISSUES OF CONCERN TO IDHSNA The HSI Breeding Policy offers several positive developments to the structure of the Studbook in Ireland, including: Elimination of Performance Testing as a criterion for stallion approval, Linear Scoring for conformational evaluation, and A Classification structure that has the potential to recognize adherence to the official breed standard (Class 1), maximize genetic diversity (Class 2) by allowing animals that diverge from the official breed standard to contribute to the future of the breed, and eliminate from the gene pool animals with serious flaws (Class 3). The HSI Breeding Policy is a document with broad implications for Irish Draught Registries (and horses) worldwide. After study of the new policies, the IDHSNA would like to articulate three areas of concern regarding the Breeding Policy: 1) The classification of RID stallions approved outside of Ireland within the new HSI studbook, 2) The future harmonization of the Irish Draught studbook across countries, and 3) HSI s conflict of interest as the body in charge of marketing Irish national horses being also responsible for inspecting and approving horses in other countries, which are in direct market competition to their own Irish horses. Classification of RID stallions and their progeny approved outside of Ireland The HSI Breeding Policy eliminates Performance Testing as a criterion for approval of RID stallions, removing the most significant difference between the process utilized in Ireland in the past and that of IDHS- NA. The only real differences between what has been policy with the IDHSNA for more than ten years and the proposed HSI Breeding Policy are: 1) use of linear scoring rather than the traditional IDHS (IRE) inspection scoring sheet for conformation assessment; and 2) requiring a full clinical veterinary exam including x-rays and blood tests. An Interim Report on the Development of a Breed Preservation Plan for the Irish Draught Horse, Dr. Francis Kearney, December Personal communication to an IDHSNA Board member during the 2009 North American inspection tour. The 2010 HSI Breeding Policy details the new classification scheme for Irish Draught Horses as follows: 6 Divisions of the Main Section: The Main Section is divided into four classes: Class 4 : All foals eligible to be registered in the Irish Draught Horse Studbook are classified in Class 4. This includes all foals whose sire and dam are classified in the Main Section of the Studbook. In addition, progeny of Supplementary (Grade Up Register) mares by Class 1 or Class 2 ID stallions are also classified in Class 4. Horses that are not eligible for inspection, or that are not subsequently presented for inspection, will remain in Class 4. The progeny of animals classified in Class 4 are not eligible for inspection for upgrading. Class 3: Horses that do not meet the official veterinary examination criteria are classified in Class 3. The progeny of animals classified in Class 3 are not eligible for inspection for upgrading. Class 2: Horses that meet the official veterinary examination criteria but have not passed the official breed standard inspection (outlined in section 5) are classified in Class 2.The progeny of animals classified in Class 2 are eligible for inspection for upgrading to Class 1 status. Class 1: Horses that meet the official veterinary examination criteria and pass the official breed standard inspection (outlined in section 5) are classified in Class 1. Within this classification scheme, RID stallions in the Irish Horse Register will be entered into Class 1. S1 stallions are entered into Class 2, and are offered the following Transitional Arrangement:7 Note 1: Transitional Arrangements for Irish Draught Section 1 All stallions classified as Section 1 (S1) in the Irish Draught Horse Studbook prior to April 2010 will be given the opportunity to be inspected for upgrading to Class 1 status. Such stallions will undergo the stallion inspection process outlined in section 5 a), however, they will not be required to undergo the veterinary aspect of the inspection unless it is apparent that the stallion has an obvious veterinary condition (e.g. lameness, wind unsoundness etc.). ID S1 stallions that satisfy the inspection requirements will be upgraded to Class 1, otherwise they will be classified as Class 2. In the case where a stallion is asked to undergo a veterinary inspection after being presented with an obvious veterinary condition, the stallion may be classified in Class 3 if they fail to meet the veterinary requirements. ID S1 stallions that do not come forward for inspection under the new system will automatically be classified in Class Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 11

12 IDHSNA Position on HSI Studbook Changes (con t)... According to the Rules and Practices Relating to the Irish Horse Register8 - the document governing the Studbook prior to April S1 stallions include both stallions who failed visual inspection and horses that passed visual inspection and did not complete or pass performance testing. 6 HSI Breeding Policy, p HSI Breeding Policy, p Rules and Practices Relating to the Irish Horse Register acquired from the Irish Horse Board website in All North American approved RID stallions have passed visual inspection conducted by IDHS/ HSI approved inspectors. They have also passed our Veterinary inspection which includes endoscopic examination and evaluation. Thus, they should be placed in Class 1. Placing them in Class 2 even if they were offered the Transitional Arrangement made for S1 stallions - would raise a number of very troubling questions: 1) Since the new HSI inspection process (with x-rays and veterinary exam waived) is fundamentally identical to the inspection process used for IDHSNA stallions historically, the only logic in not classifying these horses as Class 1 is that HSI does not accept the original inspection results and anticipates placing some or many RID stallions approved outside of Ireland in Class 2 or 3 on re-inspection. 2) Many IDHSNA RID stallions are advancing in age, which often comes with veterinary and soundness issues. Should these stallions be required to undergo a veterinary exam and x-rays at the time of re-inspection, they face the real possibility of being graded as Class 3. As a Class 3 stallion, none of their progeny would be eligible to be inspected for Class 1 status. Would their approved and inspected progeny then be stripped of their RID status? 3) Since the proposed re-inspection process duplicates the inspections our stock have undergone in the past, the implication is that HSI thinks the IDHS inspectors may have erred in passing some horses. Why then is HSI not requiring the re-inspection of stock these inspectors have passed in Ireland? The only consistent and logical method of transitioning currently approved horses into the new HSI studbook is through full and complete grandfathering of all foreign approved RID stallion and mares into Class 1 status in the new book (as is proposed for horses in Ireland). Harmonization of the studbook going forward The IDHSNA supports the establishment of full reciprocity among Irish Draught studbooks worldwide. The HSI Irish Draught Breeding Policy Task Force: recommends that HSI consults with all of the Irish Draught Studbooks worldwide (Great Britain, North America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) with the aim of harmonizing the classification and inspection systems for all Irish Draught Horses. The removal of Performance Testing as a criterion for stallion approval eliminates the biggest obstacle to full reciprocity. Thus, on the face of it, the process of harmonization could begin. And yet, the Breeding Policy contains notice that Horse Sport Ireland will review the breeding policy for the Irish Draught Horse in The review is also specifically noted to apply to evaluation of HSI breeding Policy, page 20, the eligibility of Class 2 stallion progeny for entry into Class 1.10 This review throws into doubt a fundamental aspect of the new Studbook structure and raises numerous questions and concerns. 1) What is the basis for the 2013 review? What are the target criteria? How have the criteria been established? How will the criteria be measured - what data will be collected and how will the data be analyzed? Will data collected over a 36 month period be statistically significant? Who will review the data? What specific findings will trigger a change in breeding policy? 2) If HSI, upon review in 2013, eliminates Class 1 eligibility of progeny from Class 2 stallions: What happens to the progeny of Class 2 stallions who are entered into Class 1 between now and 2013? How can breeders choose Class 2 stallions when foals produced from these breedings may become ineligible for Class 1 inspection? While the gesture toward worldwide harmonization is a welcome open door, the scheduled review of the policy in 2013 warns of a possible closing of that same door. If Class 1 eligibility of Class 2 stallion progeny were revoked, the positive aspects of the Classification system would be substantially diminished. HSI Conflict of Interest Underlying all the issues above is a concern about HSI s conflict of interest with regard to Irish Draught Horses outside of Ireland. The Summary Mission Statement of HSI, from their January 2009 Strategic Plan, is: To lead the Irish sport horse sector in achieving and maintaining world class standards in the areas of breeding, sport and in the provision of leisure riding opportunities. 11 Further, from the Strategic Plan, the specific reference to the Irish Draught Horse comes under a section that begins as follows: 1. Market-Led Approach: Devise a breeding policy that is rooted in the needs of customers 12 This emphasis on the economic performance of horse breeding in Ireland reveals a fundamental conflict of interest. Every Irish Draught Horse approved outside of Ireland directly competes with Irish breeders. By enhancing worldwide reciprocity between Irish Draught studbooks, thus enhancing the flow of transfers and sales between those studbooks, HSI would be undermining its stated mission. 10 HSI breeding Policy, page 7 11 HSI Strategic Plan , January 2009, p HSI Strategic Plan , January 2009, p. 8. RECOMMENDATIONS The Irish Draught Breeding Committee recommends the following: The only fair and acceptable transitional rules the IDHSNA should accept would allow all currently approved Registered Irish Draughts in North America to be entered directly into Class 1 of the Irish Draught Studbook in Ireland without the need for re-inspection. This policy would be consistent with the transitional rules proposed by HSI for Irish-approved RIDs. The IDHSNA should not consult with HSI about studbook harmonization as long as there is uncertainty regarding Classification in the HSI Irish Draught Breeding Policy stemming from the planned 2013 review. CONCLUSION The Breeding Committee welcomes the positive elements of the HSI Breeding Policy for the Irish Draught Studbook, especially the elimination of Performance Testing for stallion approval and the adoption of a Class structure that opens new genetic resources formerly lost to breeders. In addition, we appreciate acknowledgement of the goal of worldwide reciprocity amongst Irish Draught Studbooks. Yet we are concerned with several aspects of the Policy as detailed above. The IDHSNA Board of Directors is the body charged with carrying out the objectives of the Society, the first three being: 1) To preserve the Registered Irish Draught Horse; 2) To increase the gene pool world wide; 3) To promote and maintain a high standard of breeding, conformation, quality and soundness. While small, our herd represents a valuable repository of genetic diversity and breed type that must be carefully guarded. The Irish Draught Breeding Committee recommends that the Board take a steadfast position that our horses be treated fairly and recognized as equal to Irish Draughts in Ireland and around the world. Respectfully Submitted, Members of the IDHSNA Breeding Committee: Katharine Locke (Chair), Jane Bynum, Michele Metraux, Rachel Cox, Elizabeth Freeman, Chris Neher. REGISTRATION & INSPECTION COMITTEE REPORT Registrations are continuing to run smoothly. Priscilla Menard reports that 69 horses have been registered since the beginning of the year. New processes in place at U of KY are getting DNA results to us quickly. The 2010 inspection tour is coming together. Details should be announced soon. Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

13 Irish Draught Form and Function: Part 1 - Stability... By Liz Freeman DVM HISTORY Conformation and movement are very much tied to use. Even though the Irish Draught horse is an all-rounder noted more and more for its ability under saddle, the breed experienced strong selection pressures brought to bear spending the majority of its working life in traces, chains, or harness: bringing in hay bogeys, trotting to town with the milk, pulling the drill to seed turnips, carrying the family to mass in a dogcart, pulling heavy guns on the Continent. There was regional variation in height and heaviness of frame related early on to amount of road work required, the type of soil and the size of fields worked, and later, to desirability for the factory after the working life was spent. Despite these differences, the general skeletal structure of the horse always emphasized strength and stability, factors that were critical to its use in agriculture, transportation, and war. Many aspects of Irish Draught morphology convey strength and stability. The Irish Draught Breed Standard (sidebar) emphasizes these traits using language such as short shinned, knees (and hocks) set close to the ground, powerful, standing over a lot of ground, deep of girth, strong of loins and quarters, strong clean bone, etc., to describe the horse. BIOMECHANICS The Irish Draught horse has a substantial skeletal framework to accommodate attachment points for the large muscles that provide its strength and power. The limbs and hooves of the Irish Draught horse create the base of support for this mass. The broader frame of the ID creates a base of support that describes a broader rectangle compared to the more narrow breeds such as the Thoroughbred. Figure 1. Base of Support diagrams for a static (nonmoving) Irish Draught horse (left) and a static Thoroughbred horse (right). The corners of the rectangle are the hooves, and the star denotes the Center of Mass (CoM), located at the level of the 13th intercostal (rib) space, just below a line connecting the point of the buttock with the point of the shoulder when viewed from the side (see Figure 2). Note the difference in proximity of CoM to the edge of the base of support described by the lines of the rectangle. Center of mass changes slightly with changes to the position of the neck and limbs. In very simplistic terms, the wider the base of support, the further away from the edges of the base of support the center of mass is located. This means it is harder to destabilize the center of mass of the broad based Irish Draught horse, compared to an animal with a narrower base of support like the Thoroughbred. In addition to the stabilizing effect created by a broad base of support, modifications in leg length also create stability. Short leg length relative to height puts the center of mass close to the ground. This stable architecture created by 1) the distance between the center of mass and the edges of the base of support, and 2) short leg length bringing the center of mass close to the ground, is one of the possible explanations for the Irish Draught's famous "fifth leg". Figure 2. The CoM (star) is located at the level of the 13th and 14th ribs, just below the line connecting the point of the buttock and the point of shoulder. Base of support shown by white lines at ground level. Note the proportion of leg length to body depth in this purebred Irish Draught horse (photo of Bridgeford Ferryman courtesy JudithThomas, Greyland Stud, Wales) In contrast, long legs and a narrow body move the center of mass higher, and closer to the edge of the base of support. This decreases stability and makes it easier to unbalance the horse, particularly at slower speeds. What is lost in stability is gained in maneuverability, since unbalancing the horse requires it to react (alter its base of support) quickly to avoid falling. Maneuverability is desired in equine endeavors such as international level Grand Prix dressage, where the trend is toward lighter bodied, longer legged horses with quick hind legs. VIVA LA DIFFERÉNCE! The difference in center of mass and base of support is one of the main morphologic differences between the purebred Irish Draught, whose evolution enhanced characteristics of strength and stability to do work at slower gaits, and the sport horse type animal, bred for enhanced maneuverability and speed. Selective breeding to change basic morphological traits (for example breeding for increased leg length, or decreased breadth and depth of body) may well create horses with the enhanced maneuverability required at the upper levels of the sports like dressage. But it must be recognized that doing so not only fundamentally changes the unique physical appearance of the Irish Draught and alters the skeletal real estate available for the attachment of the large muscles that provide the Irish Draught s power for jumping and pulling, it changes the relationship of the center of mass to the base of support. So why not breed big bodied long legged horses (or narrow bodied short legged horses) in an attempt to have the best of both worlds - maneuverability and stability? The older breeders will tell you that the longer the cannon bones the longer the legs, and the longer the legs, the more likely an Irish Draught horse is to have insufficient bone for its body mass (and be too tall). The overtopped horse is among an Irish Draught breeder s worst nightmares - unattractive at best and unsound at its worst. Caution must be exercised when attempting morphological changes through selective breeding, lest these changes have a negative impact on the traits of stability, strength, and soundness we value in the Irish Draught. It is always a good idea to be mindful of the purpose for which a breed was developed when discussing its particular morphology and resultant "form to function" biomechanics. This provenance is the key to understanding any breed's unique assets and challenges in the context of modern day horse breeding and use. A CONUNDRUM This provenance also leaves the purebred breeder and enthusiast with a difficult conundrum...to breed Irish Draught horses which maintain the characteristic morphology (and thus biomechanics) arising from their native context, or to alter the characteristic morphology and biomechanics of the Irish Draught breed to suit an applied context. Ah the challenges of Irish Draught horse breeding if it were easy, everyone would do it! 2010 Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 13

14 Irish Draught Breed Standard Type and Character The Irish Draught Horse is an active, shortshinned, powerful horse with substance and quality. It is proud of bearing, deep of girth and strong of back and quarters. Standing over a lot of ground, it has an exceptionally strong and sound constitution. It has an intelligent and gentle nature and is noted for its docility and common sense. Height Stallions 15.3hh to 16.3hh approx. Mares 15.1hh to 16.1hh approx. Bone Good, strong, clean bone. Head Good, bold eyes set well apart, wide forehead and long, well-set ears. Head should be generous and pleasant, not coarse or hatchet headed, though a slight roman nose is permissible. The jawbones should have enough room to take the gullet and allow for ease of breathing. Shoulders, Neck and Front Shoulders should be clean-cut and not loaded, withers well defined, not coarse; the neck set in high and carried proudly, showing a good length of rein. The chest should not be too broad and beefy. The forearms should be long and muscular, not caught in at the elbows; the knee large and generous, set near the ground, and the cannon bone straight and short, with plenty of flat clean bone, and never back at the knee (calf-kneed) i.e. not sloping forward from knee to fetlock. The bone must not be round or coarse. The legs should be clean and hard with a little hair permissible at the back of the fetlock, as a necessary protection; the pasterns strong and in proportion, not short and upright nor long and weak. The hoof should be generous and sound, not boxy or contracted and there should be plenty of room at the heel. Back, Hindquarters, Body and Hind Legs The back is to be powerful, the girth very deep. The loins must not be weak but the mares must have enough room to carry a foal. The croup to buttocks is to be long and sloping, not short and rounded or flat-topped; hips not wide and plain. Thighs are strong and powerful and at least as wide from the back view as the hips, with the second thighs long and welldeveloped. The hocks are near the ground and generous, points not too close together or wide apart but straight; they should not be out behind the horse but should be in line from the back of the quarters to the heel to the ground; they should not be over bent or in any way weak. The cannon bone, etc. as for the foreleg should be short and strong. Action Smooth and free but without exaggeration and not heavy or ponderous. Walk and trot to be straight and true with good flexion of the hocks and freedom of the shoulders. Color Any strong whole color, including grays. White legs, above the knees or hocks not desirable. Irish Draught Breeding Committee Report... I didn t know it at the time, but the seed of the Irish Draught Breeding Committee of the IDHSNA was planted in February 2009 when I wrote the following words on the members list: Now raise your hands, how many members can tell me how many pure bred Irish Draughts are registered with the Society today? I didn t know the answer then, but I do now and I am delighted to share it with members and other Blarney readers. Welcome to the first of what will be a series of articles on the Breeding Committee s Population Analysis of the IDHSNA herd. Katharine Locke, ID Breeding Committee Chair INTRODUCTION In a wide continent where owners and breeders often feel isolated, a shared understanding of the basic demographics and genetics of our registered herd offers a starting point for discussions involving breed and Society policies. It is the aspiration of the Breeding Committee and the IDHSNA Board of Directors that regular analysis and publication of information on the IDH- SNA-registered herd will have both shortterm and long-term benefits for the Society and the breed. In the short-term, we hope that publication of herd statistics will help to form a common understanding of the status and challenges faced by the breed. And in the long-term, a consistent record over time of herd characteristics will be invaluable in identifying changes in the herd - both good and troublesome and thus evaluating the impact of policies the Society has chosen. THE PROCESS All the information presented here is drawn from the database that the Society uses to record registrations. After receiving the data from the IDHSNA office, the Breeding Committee reviewed it all and made several dozen corrections. We corrected mistakes (mostly spelling and incorrectly categorized horses), as well as known exported or deceased horses. What we did not correct are the inaccuracies due to paperwork not completed by you, the members. The statistics presented are only as good as the information that members provide to the IDH- SNA Registration Office. While generally complete information is recorded for each horse at the time of registration, often the society is not notified when a registered horse is sold, gelded, exported, or has died. Therefore, the following information should be viewed as the status of the IDHSNA-registered herd as has been reported to the Society. HOW MANY? TOTAL IDHSNA REGISTRATIONS Female Male Total ID IDSH ****** ******* ******* FIG 1 FIG Page Spring 14 / Summer - T he Blarney 2010 Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 14

15 Breeding Committee Report (con t)... There are 471 Irish Draughts and 976 Irish Draught Sport Horses registered with the IDHSNA. These numbers include all registered horses regardless of inspection status. The ID population includes more females than males because of the extent to which we relied on importation of mares to build our herd. We would expect that differential to lessen as the herd grows based more on births in NA. The ID number provides a fairly accurate representation of total numbers of Irish Draughts in North America. The actual number would be increased slightly by the handful of IDs in the IDHS Canada Register that are not cross registered with IDHSNA. And of course, there are some ID s imported over the years that were never entered into our registry. The IDSH number is a much less accurate measure of the real IDSH population in NA. There is less incentive to register and inspect a part bred Irish Draught than a pure bred. And there are innumerable part breds that have been imported as performance animals. WHERE ARE THEY? The IDHSNA covers a vast area including the US, Mexico and Canada. One of the recurring challenges facing the Society and its Board of Directors involves establishing programs and policies that serve the diverse society members living in the many regions of North America. Figures 1 and 2 show the geographic distribution of the entire ID and IDSH herds respectively. The Southeast Region (34%) and Northeast Region (27%) collectively comprise the majority of the ID North American herd. However, as of 2010, nearly 40% of IDs were located in regions outside of the East Coast. All together, there are significant numbers of horses are found in each of the Society s six regions. THE IRISH DRAUGHT BREEDING HERD As a rare breed society, we have a special interest in examining the ID breeding herd, which is composed of fully approved mares and stallions. In future articles we will examine this group in much more detail. For the moment, it is worth commenting that this number of horses - and proportion of male to female animals gives us a strong basis for maintaining the genetic diversity of our herd. IRISH DRAUGHT BREEDING HERD Mare Stallions Total RID AID 6 6 SID ******* ******* ******* Appendix and Supplementary IDs are categories of IDSHs whose female offspring by an RID stallion are eligible for upgrade into the RID studbook. Thus they are counted as IDSH in the first table and yet included in our count of the breeding herd due to their ability to contribute to future generations of ID horses. While these categories are no longer open to new horses in NA, any horse approved as such is grandfathered under the rules in place when they were inspected. AGE DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREEDING HERD One of the first steps in evaluating the status of a population is to look at the age distribution of the breeding members of the population. Figure 3 graphs the number of RID mares and stallions of each age. As the graph shows, as of 2010 the oldest IDHSNA RID mare was 25 and the oldest RID stallion was 26. The graph also shows that both for mares and stallions the lower ages (below 13 years old) have generally larger numbers of horses than do the upper age groups. This distribution indicates RID populations that are generally increasing, or have recently grown. The RID mare distribution indicates that the vast majority of them are still of a breeding age. Additionally, there is healthy growth in the RID mare population associated with approval of young RID mares in recent years. FIG 3 CONCLUSION When we as ID and IDSH owners look at our own horses in the field, we often see them only in isolation. We see them as the kind, athletic, proud animals they are. At the most basic level, this is what matters most. Our horses are first and foremost our companions and partners. Besides being our own horses, however, these animals are members of a very small breeding population. If the breed is to survive and grow while maintaining the essential characteristics we value so much, it is important for IDHSNA members to gain a solid understanding of how our individual animals fit into the entire IDHSNA herd. This article is intended to begin the process of building a shared understanding of our horses, where they are now, and where they are going Page Spring 15 / Summer - T he Blarney 2010 Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 15

16 Photo Review - Rolex (courtesy Amy Troppmann)... UN: Ridden by Jane Sleeper over cross-country (above left). Tipperary Liadhnan: Ridden by Kim Severson over cross-country (above right). napalm: Ridden by Ian Roberts in show jumping (above left). Ashdale Cruise Master: Ridden by Oliver Townend over cross-country (above right). Arthur: Ridden by Allison Springer (above in ShowJumping; below over cross-country). Tipperary Liadhnan: Ridden by Kim Severson in dressage (above). Ballinakill Glory: Ridden by Kelly Prather over cross-country (below). UN: Ridden by Jane Sleeper in show jumping (above). NAPALM: Ridden by Ian Roberts over cross-country (below). Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

17 2010: IDHSNA Annual Show... Pack Your Pony and Prepare to Party! What is four days of fun with your best horse(s), beautiful fall scenery, good friends, a terrific party and an opportunity to demonstrate what you and your pony can do?... The IDHSNA Annual Show! Now I already hear some of your saying, it s too far, I m too busy, I m broke, I can t go alone and I don t know anyone. Well I m here to tell you none of those are good enough excuses! If you don t come, you will be missing the opportunity to see some of the most lovely horses our breed has, in action and a chance to learn more about yourself, your horse(s) and the other folks around the country that are as passionate about this breed as you are. The annual show is a terrific value and the perfect occasion to show your horse in a variety of disciplines all at one venue. This year s show is being held September 23rd-26th at the spectacular Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA. If you have never been to this center it is very horse and rider friendly, conveniently located off interstate 81 with many amenities nearby. The Society has reserved blocks of hotel rooms at discounted prices to help ensure you get great lodging rates. If you are thinking it is not worth the effort to bring one horse, well think again! Pick up a friend on the way, split the hotel room and gas and have a great vacation in the scenic Virginia countryside. Class fees have been kept low and additional classes suited to the amateur rider or green horse added! It is not often you can show your horse as a dressage horse, jumper, hunter, eventer and in-hand all at one show. What a bargain! This is a super opportunity to show in what you know and try your hand in new disciplines. The afterhours entertainment is also proving to be top notch with a silent auction and dinner on Saturday and a new Friday evening barn party! Now that you showed off in the ring, you can go head to head with your fellow stall neighbors in an Irish tailgate. Bring your most creative Irish dish and beverage, dance a jig or sing an Irish love ballad, the most original stall display will take home top prize! Now put the Blarney down, go prepare your pony and we ll see you at the new annual show! Little Gem (Rockrimmon Silver Diamond x Pearl Drop). Supreme National Champion. Little Gem was ridden by 5 different people and shown in hand by another. She competed in all disciplines (dressage, hunters, jumper, combines, and in-hand), and won several division championships as well - all with a foal a foot (which trotted down to the warm up ring to nurse between classes). descend more than 34 stories deep within the Earth to get to the magnificent natural display of the caverns. While on the 45 minute tour, be sure to see things like Mirror Lake, the Well Room and the stalactites and stalagmites that grow from the canyon Room. Perhaps you d rather stay closer to Lexington? Enjoy walking the quiet historic streets and tour the many art and antique stores. Walking tours and carriage rides of the historic district are presented with re-enactors to give you an authentic one of a kind experience. The tour consists of fine art galleries within easy walking distance of each other, featuring fine art, American crafts, hand-made jewelry, contemporary photography and traditional Chinese paintings. Feeling more adventurous? Enjoy ghost tales and a candlelit walk through downtown and the cemetery, following the footsteps of Generals Lee and Jackson. The NEW Annual Show: Family, Fun & Value! Want to attend the annual show, but don t want to go alone? BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Lexington Virginia is a fantastic family vacation destination with something for everyone. While you are showing your fabulous Irish horse and hanging with your pals from around the country your spouse and kids can go do a host of activities. Start with a tour of Virginia s Natural Bridge and Caverns. As you pass the sheer walls along the beautiful and serene Cedar Creek Trail, you will feel the presence of the legends who passed through this portal hundreds of years ago. Washington, Jefferson, the Civil War men of the blues and grays. While there, explore the history of Virginia s Native Americans in the authentic Monacan village. You will step back in time and see what life would have been in a typical Native American village of 300 years ago while learning about cooking, construction, fishing and gardening. Then Maybe the family is more of the adventurous outdoor type? No problem! The Virginia Mountains are an outdoor sportsman s paradise. Scenic byways and beautiful countryside connect the quaint cities and villages that make up the surrounding area. With over 58,000 acres of National Forest in Rockbridge County and over 20,000 acres of state-managed land, you can enjoy a hike along a stream lined with mountain laurel or a stroll on the same path that was once a rail road. Camp at one of the various campgrounds and fish the stocked rivers for bass, catfish and trout. Run the rapids of Goshen Pass in a canoe or kayak or simply float along the Maury River in an inner tube. Enjoy bicycling, motorcycle riding, or geocaching through the Blue Ridge Mountains trails or try your even hand at llama trekking! How about a lesson in sporting clays or an afternoon of fly fishing? Want something more traditional? Play golf in the morning at one of the numerous championship courses then spend a quiet afternoon touring the local vineyards or botanical gardens Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 17

18 2010: IDHSNA Annual Show (con t)... Special events during the annual show include: September 25th - Winemaker s diner at the Rockbridge Vineyard ( WINE) Dine in the barn on an amazing gastronomical feast featuring food prepared by The Southern Inn s chef George Huger, strategically paired with Rockbridge Vineyard Vintage Wines. Limited seating available; reservations required. September 22nd-25th - 10th Annual Nothin Fancy Bluegrass Festival at Glen Maury Park September 23rd-26th A Savage Nation presented by thetheater at Lime Kiln. The senses of the audience are intensified by the impressive natural setting. Experience theater under a starry night sky amidst the ruins of a 19th century lime kiln and quarry. With so much to do that is so affordable your family is going to beg you to stay a few more days! Now go pack your pony and your family and prepare for your best family vacation ever! For more information on Lexington Virgina and a downloaded travel guide can be found at SHOW HOTELS/CAMPING: The IDHSNA 2010 Annual Show Committee has a block of rooms set aside at the following hotels. We are asking members to try fill the block of rooms at the Comfort Inn - Lexington first so that we have the comp rooms for the Judges from Ireland and then the Best Western - Lexington Inn second so that we have the comp room for the Show Photographers. Our contracts provide for a check in date of 22 September 2010 and a check out date of 26 September 2010, however, if you need to contact the hotel and modify either date that is fine. Any rooms not booked by 22 August 2010 will be released to the general public. These hotels do except pets at $25.00 per stay, per pet. Please note that if you need to cancel your individual room they must be cancelled 24 hours in advance of your arrival time so as not to be charge for one night stay and tax. When you contact the hotel(s) to book rooms please let them know that you would like the rooms set aside for the Irish Draught Horse Show. Please contact Michelle Robbins at kilronan1@yahoo.com if you have any trouble making your reservations. Note that our contract with the VHC allows for exhibitors to arrive beginning at 8 am on Wednesday, 22 September Exhibitors will be allowed to school and use the rings set aside for our show on arrival day, as long as they are not being set up for next day classes. The Virginia Horse Center has 94 camper spaces available with 30/50 amp electric hookups and water. Camping is $30.00 per night (plus tax) payable to the Virginia Horse Center Welcome Center/Stable Office upon arrival. Reservations can be made online at under the facilities link. Selection of reserved site is first-come, first-served upon arrival. Camping without reservations will be permitted if there are vacancies. Questions can be directed to stableoffice@horsecenter.org or Self-contained campers and tents will be charged a $20.00 grounds fee at the Welcome Center. There are 7 to 10 showers available for use in the East Complex and one handicapped shower. Go to the VHC website to make reservations at COMFORT INN, LEXINGTON ($99.99/night plus taxes) 62 Comfort Way, Lexington, VA / BEST WESTERN - LEXINGTON INN ($84.99/night plus taxes) 880 North Lee Highway, Lexington, VA / BEST WESTERN - HUNT RIDGE ($84.99/night plus taxes) 25 Willow Springs Rd, Lexington, VA / Show Program Advertising: Advertising in the IDHSNA 2010 Annual Show Program is a wonderful way to reach out to visitors and your fellow competitors. It is a unique opportunity to let everyone know what your horses have been doing, for stallion owners it is a reminder to mare owners for the next breeding season, and most importantly a way to let people know what horses you have for sale. Below is the breakout on the costs for advertising: Inside Front Page, Color Ad - $175 Back Page, Color Ad - $200 - SOLD Back Inside Page, Color Ad - $175 Full Page, Color Ad - $150 Full Page, B&W Ad - $85 ½ Page, Color Ad - $100 ½ Page, B&W Ad - $50 ¼ Page, Color Ad - $75 ¼ Page, B&W Ad - $35 Vendor Booth Space: Booth 10x10 + ½ page color ad + opportunity to hang banner in coliseum $200 (silent auction item requested) Booth 10x20 + ½ page color ad + opportunity to hang banner in coliseum $300 (silent auction item requested) Either booth package can upgrade to full page ad for additional $50. Please contact Pam Martin at pam.martin@cox.net to book your advertisement and Laurie Monroe at grafxbylaurie@gmail.com for ad development and to coordinate placement. Checks are to be mailed to Brianne Sells (IDHSNA 2010 Annual Show Treasurer) at Yellow School House Road, Round Hill, VA Sponsorship: IDHSNA Annual Show at Lexington, Virginia September 2010 Each year, there are a multitude of ways an individual might choose to participate in the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America s Annual Show. One might have the privilege of serving on the Annual Show Committee and work with other members in planning out a busy and exciting show weekend. Another person might have the opportunity to serve as a volunteer at the show itself, serving as ring steward, hosting the Irish judges, managing the warm-up arena, or assisting the show secretary with the ribbons and trophies, the list goes on and on. This may be the year that you are finally bringing forward your newly purchased or home-grown Irish Draught or Irish Draught Sport Horse for inspection. Still others may simply be spectators, vendors -- eagerly experiencing the thrill of competing your beloved Irish Draught partner(s) in the multitude of classes offered, from dressage to hunter / jumper to in-hand breed classes. This list is not exhaustive, but one way we can each participate is by being a sponsor for a class or a championship. As members of the 2010 Annual Show Committee solicit sponsors for the 2010 show, we thought it might be appropriate to give the sponsors of previous years the opportunity to share what it has meant to them to be a part of the annual show in what is truly a personal and unique way. After reading these accounts, with the 2010 Annual Show Sponsorship Form close at hand, please carefully consider how you will make your mark on this year s show by sponsoring an existing class or championship, or developing a new championship that reflects what the Irish Draught has meant to you. TGS Snow Goose Memorial Cup / Overall Versatility Champion - Top Gun Stables, LLC, of Bartonville, Texas sponsors this trophy honoring the career of Ann O Donnell s daughter Jillian s Irish Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

19 2010: IDHSNA Annual Show (con t)... Sport Horse, The Snow Goose will mark the second year Top Gun Stables, LLC has offered this championship. As new members of the IDHSNA, and a part of the South Central Region, the Top Gun Stables team wanted to, first and foremost, honor Snow Goose. Secondly, they wanted to let the IDHSNA membership and general public know that Top Gun Stables is presenting a breeding, promotion and preservation program which will showcase the best in the Irish Draught Horses. Named in honor of The Snow Goose, RIDSH, Ann O Donnell, owner of Top Gun Stables, states that daughter Jillian knew from the first moment she and Goose met that a stronger bond could not be possible between a human and a horse. Jillian and Goose shared a short six years together but the memories will never fade, states Ann O Donnell. Goose s versatility in her life was the birth of this award which honors a horse like no other (as far as Jillian and Ann are concerned!) The most rewarding part of offering this championship has been meeting other IDHSNA members who cherish the Irish Draught breed and wish to preserve it. The first horse to earn this award was the 2009 winner, Tulla Gold, RID, owned by Guy DeCorte and shown by Annie Strout. Top Gun Stables is delighted to offer this championship for the 2010 Annual Show and excited to showcase their foundation filly, Windfield All Sunshine, a.k.a., Roxie, in September at the annual show in Lexington, Virginia. Purebred Dressage Prospect and Partbred Dressage Prospect Classes - Susan Royal s sponsorship of these two dressage prospect classes will mark her second year sponsoring these classes at the 2010 Annual Show. As an owner of young horses herself, Susan wished to support bringing out and exposing young horses to the outside world, and felt offering sponsorship of the prospect classes would fulfill that wish. The most rewarding part of offering the sponsorship for Susan has been the opportunity to support, in a small way, the horses and Society. In addition, since she has not had the opportunity to travel to the annual show in Virginia, being that she is from Ash Grove, Missouri, 15 minutes outside of Springfield, Missouri, and a member of the Central Region of the IDHSNA, she has the opportunity to participate in the show s success without actually be there. The 2009 winner of the Purebred Dressage Prospect class was Tully Mac s Pathfinder, owned by Blackberry Ridge Farm, and presented by Tony Phillips. The 2009 winner of the Partbred Dressage Prospect class was Kilkelly See the Difference owned and presented by Linda Cowasjee of Kilkelly Farm. Susan hopes other IDHSNA members will make their contributions to support the 2010 annual show, in whatever way that may be, as it really encourages others to bring their horses and helps all involved enjoy the show. Bonnie Bell Supreme Memorial Breeders Championship - This championship will be sponsored for the second year in 2010, but its contributors, Sue Holland of Hollymead Farm, Liz Freeman of Flying Harp Farm and Jim McGinty, have all individually sponsored various aspects of the annual show off and on since the early days of the IDHSNA. This group, which consists of members from the South Central (McGinty), South East (Holland) and Central (Freeman) regions of the IDHSNA, developed the idea for this championship to create a lasting tribute to a wonderful mare, Bonnie Belle Supreme, RID, who made such huge impact in each of their lives. The Bonnie Belle Supreme Memorial Breeders Championship concept was derived from similar breeders championships run in England and Ireland (namely the Snowford Breeders Championship held at the IDHS(GB) Annual Show and the Breeders Championship at the RDS). Being a mare-centric award, the team of Holland, McGinty and Freeman tried to make it as inclusive as possible by opening the class up to any RID, AID, SID, or RIDSH mare with a foal by an RID stallion at foot. The purpose of the award is to memorialize Bonnie Belle Supreme, and to recognize those IDHSNA breeders who select good quality breeding mares, and choose appropriate matings for those mares, as demonstrated by the quality of the foal at foot (pedigree is not considered during the judging process other than to establish the percentage of Irish Draught blood). The mare and foal are judged as a pair (50% for the mare and 50% for the foal). The criteria are correctness of conformation and movement, type appropriate to the percentage of Irish Draught blood, quality, presence, and clear evidence of Irish Draught ancestry. We are looking forward to seeing more breeders enter this class - particularly owners of AID, SID, and RIDSH mares. This perpetual award consists of a Waterford Crystal bowl atop a mahogany base, with an engraved title plaque and brass nameplates for the names of each Bonnie Belle Supreme Memorial Breeders Champion mare and foal. The bowl was chosen specifically to represent Bonnie s foalhood, growing up in a Co. Limerick field along the banks of the Shannon River. Accompanying the award are lovely Champion and Reserve Champion Neck Sashes. Get of Sire and Progeny of Dam Classes Sponsored for the second year in 2010 by Saoirse Irish Draughts, located in Portland, Washington, and owned by Ted and Lyn Lindstrom and Dale Skrivanich. Saoirse Irish Draughts are pleased to offer these two classes, especially the Progeny of Dam because of their own two broodmares. Sumas Keepsake RID who just had a lovely filly by Manu Forti s Touch Down RID and Mac s Colmerin, RID, who is in foal to Manu Forti s Touch Down RID for a 2011 foal. They also have two purebred fillies: one is Keepsake s Cleasaiocht ID out of Sumas Keepsake RID by Snowford O Donnell RID and Saoirse s Abhailli ID out of Mac s Colmerin RID by Manu Forti s Touch Down RID. It is always interesting to see what characteristics the foal takes from its sire and/or dam. They also have a partbred mare, O Donnells Stellar RIDSH. She is out of a TB mare by Snowford O Donnell RID. The 2010 winner of the Get of Sire class was Snowford Bellman, RID, owned by Tony Phillips, formerly of Blackberry Ridge Farm, and now of Bell Tower Studs in Zebulon, North Carolina. The 2010 winner of Progeny of Dam class was Kilbline, RID, owned by Michelle and Larry Robbins of Kilronan Irish Draughts in Lovettsville, Virginia. Co-owner Lyn Lindstrom shares that while these classes do not yet have a perpetual trophy, she imagines establishing one for each might be a nice as there are a great many dams and sires for which these trophies could be named. The Saoirse Irish Draught team hopes to again offer the winners an engraved frame with the class and date on them as the winner s prize. As demonstrated by these sponsors, and this is but a small sampling of sponsors and their various motivations, there are any number of reasons to participate in the sponsorship of classes and championships at the 2010 IDHSNA Annual Show, and there are plenty of opportunities available for those who have not yet come forward to support the show in this manner. Previous sponsors were asked to notify the show committee of their intent to renew their sponsorship of past championships / awards no later than June 15, 2010, as we wished to offer them the right of first refusal. If you see your sponsorship listed that is not marked as sponsored, and have not yet confirmed your intent to sponsor for the 2010 show, it is not too late to participate! If you would like to secure any of these championships or classes for yourself or your farm, please notify Allison DeLong via at asdelong@windstream.net, or by phone at All sponsorship forms, along with appropriate payment, are due 1 July Thank you for your support of this important event within the IDHSNA. $ SPONSORSHIP Supreme Purebred Championship The Irish Cup $ SPONSORSHIPS Supreme Purebred Performance Championship Rebel Yell Memorial Trophy Supreme Partbred Performance Championship Tully Cross Trophy Purebred In Hand Championship Snowford Challenge Plate (SPONSORED) Partbred In Hand Championship Heritage Cup $ SPONSORSHIPS Purebred Young Stock Championship The Cotter Cup 2010 Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 19

20 2010 IDHSNA Foal Gallery... For Sale Shamrock s Irish Mist: ID Filly by Cradilo (RID), out of Shamrock Breeze (RID) Owner/breeders: Suzi and Stan Peters. ID Colt by Corrcullen RID x A Clover s Shadow RID Owner/Breeder: Bull Hill Farm Whispering Gaelic Farm s Lite ToucH: IDSH Filly by Touch of the Blues (RID) x Eden s Lite (TB). Owner/Breeder: Janeen Pasquill. Photo by Kim Dienes For Sale Proud Shaunlara of Runchkin by Huntington Proud Tim (RID) x Bally Beg Pride (RID). Owner/Breeder: Robin Desmond WESTLY: IDSH Colt by Corrcullen (RID) x SuziCruz (RIDSH) Owner/Breeder: Bull Hill Farm CMF COUGAROO: IDSH COLT by Cougar (ISH) x Greylyn Diamond Promise (ISH). Owner/Breeder: Celtic Manor Farms Emma: ID FILLY by Parkmore Pride (RID) x Rivi Era Girl (RID). Owner/Breeder: Simone and Doug MacKay Gebirgslilie (Alpine Lily): IDSH FILLY by KEC Double Diamond (RID) x Susan. Owner/Breeder: Monique Ekker For Sale ID COLT by Corrcullen (RID) x Crosstown Calleigh (RID). Owner/Breeder: Bull Hill Farm For Sale Bunny: ID FILLY by Touch Of The Blues (RID) x Kerryoak Lady Dawn (RID). Owner/ Breeder: Simone and Doug MacKay Windfield M Lady: ID FILLY by Harkaway Lionhawk (RID) x Pennmerryls Sunday Blues (RID). Owner/Breeder: Windfield Farm STONELEIGH S MALONE: IDSH COLT by Bridon Beale Street (RID) x Venada (TB). Owned by Shirley Kahlert For Sale DOVE S WINGS: IDSH filly by Coronea Loughine (ISH stallion) out of Mountain Dove RID. Owned by Mary Anne and Lisette Healy Lionwood Lir: ID COLT Harkaway Lionhawk (RID) x Lionwood Waterwitch (RID). Breeder: Elizabeth Freeman, DVM. Owner: Tony and Sarah Phillips/Bell Tower Stud For Sale IRISH RIDGE SEANCHAI: ID FILLY by Celtic Moon (RID) x Hangon Bridget (RID). Owner/Breeder: Irish Ridge Farm Ikaika Lio: IDSH by The Pride of Gloster (RID). Owned by Jessica Fredericks. Photo: Lisa Gerdon Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

21 2010 IDHSNA Foal Gallery (con t)... For Sale Windfield flower Girl: ID FILLY by Bridon Belfrey (RID) x Duhonw Daisy (RID). Owner/Breeder: Windfield Farm SAM: IDSH COLT, by Manuforti's Rakish Lad (RID) x Proxy (TB). Owner: Tom and Bonnie Gerdes Domino: IDSH by Touch Of The Blues (RID) x Final Justis (T.B). Owner/Breeder: Simone and Doug MacKay RONAN: IDSH COLT by Bridon Beale Street (RID) x Pearl (Connemara cross). Owned by Dyan Southern Keepsake s Platinum Touch: ID FILLY by Manu Forti s Touch Down (RID) x Suma s Keepsake (RID). Owner: Lyn Lindstrom SSF TouchGold: ID FILLY by Touch of the Blues (RID) x Kehoes Mollys Gold (ID). Owner/Breeder: Caitlyn Young Dandelion Fionn mac Cumhaill by Huntingfield Proud Tim (RID) x Uibh Fhori Breeze (RID). Breeder/Owner: Dandelion Farm Unnamed: IDSH filly by Bridon Beale Street (RID) x Helena. Owned by Patricia Klaus CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL IRISH DRAUGHT AND IRISH DRAUGHT SPORT HORSE BREEDERS OF 2009! If anyone has been missed, or missed the publication deadline, our heartfelt apologies... Do let us know and we will be sure to include you in the next edition if possible. Footnote: Foals pictured in the foal gallery are limited to those progeny of inspected and approved sires or dams at the time of publication. MAIRIN: IDSH filly by Bridon Beale Street (RID) x Portia (TB). Owned by Connie Arthur IDHSNA MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN as of June 30, 2010 Honorary Life Single Family Farm Junior TTL International Central NorthEast NorthWest SouthCentral SouthEast SouthWest Totals Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 21

22 2010: IDHSNA Annual Show (con t from Pg 19)... Partbred Young Stock Championship The Tack Box Trophy Purebred Foal Championship The Sheepsbridge Trophy (SPONSORED) Partbred Foal Championship Edward J. Reilly Memorial Trophy Purebred Female Championship - Merry Moll Memorial Bowl The Bonnie Belle Supreme Memorial Breeder s Championship Trophy (SPONSORED) Overall Dressage Championship KEC Double Diamond Trophy Overall Combine Test Championship Brandenburg s Windstar Trophy Overall Hunter Championship Glenlara Memorial Trophy (SPONSORED) Overall Jumper Championship Kilkelly Trophy Overall Versatility Championship T.G.S. Snowgoose Memorial Cup (SPONSORED) Distance Award $ SPONSORSHIPS Dressage Intro Level Championship Dressage Training Level Championship Dressage First Level Championship Dressage Second Level Championship Baby Green Hunter Championship (SPONSORED) Green Hunter Championship Low Hunter Championship Working Hunter Championship Aubergine Memorial Trophy Purebred Irish Hunter Under Saddle Glenogras Keepsake Challenge Trophy Best Amateur Handler/Horse Combination Snowford Bellman Trophy (SPONSORED) Puddle Jumpers Championship Baby Green Jumpers Championship Green Jumpers Championship Level One Jumpers Championship Level Two Jumpers Championship Combined Test Novice Level Championship Combined Test Training Level Championship FUTURE EVENT HORSE FEH Yearling Fillies ($50.00) FEH Yearling Colts /Geldings($50.00) FEH Yearling Championship ($100.00) FEH Two Year Old Fillies (SPONSORED) FEH Two Year Old Colts / Geldings($50.00) FEH TWO Year Old Championship ($100.00) FEH Three Year Old Fillies($50.00) FEH Three Year Old Colts / Geldings ($50.00) FEH Three Year Old Championship ($100.00) FEH Overall Championship ($200.00) All class sponsorships are $50.00 per class. Events and Auction Offerings Thursday, 23 September 2010: Clinic The IDHSNA 2010 Annual Show Committee is in the process of setting up a clinic for the competitors and attendees. It will take place in the Moore arena after classes conclude around 6:00 PM. Topic(s) and clinician(s) to be announced. Page 22 Friday, 24 September 2010: Barn Party The IDHSNA 2010 Annual Show Committee is doing things a little differently this year. We are offering competitors and attendees the opportunity to set up a little tail gate Friday evening around 6:00 PM, after the classes come to a close, and horses have had their dinners for everyone to get together in a social hour or two. We are envisioning a table or two set up outside of your tack rooms/stalls with your favorite show foods there for all to sample. Competitors and attendees will be able to mix and mingle and get to know our lovely Irish horses and their owners. This style of entertaining is reminiscent of the Old Virginia Hunt Country tail gates. There will be a prize for the best overall set up! Saturday, 25 September 2010: Annual Dinner Banquet & Silent Auction The IDHSNA 2010 Annual Show Committee has made arrangements for the Annual Dinner Banquet to take place on the mezzanine in the Anderson Coliseum starting at 7:30 PM on Saturday, 25 September There will be cocktails (cash bar) followed by a buffet. Tickets are $35.00 in advance. During the cocktail hour and dinner attendees will be able to circulate and view the items in the Silent Auction. Items that have been collected to date are: Rolex Picture Frame suitable for your event prospect Beaded Horse Necklace Carpeted and Portable Dog Stairs Halter and Matching Lead Rope Horse Size If you have items that you wish to donate to the Silent Auction please contact the Silent Auction Chair: Susan Yates at or her at Susan@TullyCrossFarm.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CLASSES OfferED Thursday, 23 September 2010 Inspections to begin at Stallions, Mares and Geldings Moore Arena. Dressage Classes to begin at Anderson Coliseum: Depending on the number of entries and time constraints the Show Committee reserves the option to hold below annotated classes in the Moore Arena. 1. Intro Test A 2. Intro Test B Dressage Intro Level Championship 1. USEA Novice Test A (Combined Test) 2. Training Test 1 3. Training Test Dressage Training Level Championship 1. USEA Training Test A (Combined Test) 2. First level Test 1 3. First Level Test 3 Dressage First Level Championship 1. Second Level Test 1 2. Second Level Test 3 Dressage Second Level Championship 1. Dressage Suitability Class (under saddle for horses that are just starting their careers) 2. Purebred Dressage Prospect (0-3 years of age, on the triangle) 3. Partbred Dressage Prospect (0-3 years of age, on the triangle) Overall Dressage Championship KEC Double Diamond Trophy 2010 Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

23 2010: IDHSNA Annual Show (con t)... Friday, 24 September 2010: Hunter Classes to begin at Warm Up Class 18 or 2 (Choice of either 18 or 2 fences) 2. First Timers Hunter Class Baby Green Hunter Hack 4. Baby Green Hunter 2 5. Baby Green Hunter 2 Baby Green Hunter Championship 1. Novice Hunter Hack 2. Novice Hunter Novice Hunter 2 6 Novice Hunter Championship 1. Pleasure Command Class 2. Hunter Pairs Hack 3. Hunter Pairs Over Fences Warm Up 3 5. Low Hunter Hack 6. Low Hunter 3 7. Low Hunter 3 Low Hunter Championship 1. Handy Hunter Working Hunter Hack 3. Working Hunter Working Hunter 3 6 Working Hunter Championship - Aubergine Memorial Trophy Purebred Irish Hunter Glenogras Keepsake Challenge Trophy Partbred Irish Hunter Overall Hunter Championship Glenlara Memorial Trophy Saturday, 25 September 2010: In-Hand Breed Classes begin at Purebred Foals (Class will be split if entries warrant) Purebred Foal Championship The Sheepsbridge Trophy 1. The Mountain Dove Tribute Class for RID Mares Four-years Old +up 2. Purebred Yearlings (Class will be split if entries warrant) 3. Purebred Two-Year Olds (Class will be split if entries warrant) 4. Purebred Three-Year Olds (Class will be split if entries warrant) Purebred Young Stock Championship The Cotter Cup 1. Purebred Female Championship - Merry Moll Memorial Bowl 2. Purebred Geldings Four-Years Old and up 3. Purebred Stallions Four-Years Old and up Purebred In Hand Championship Snowford Challenge Plate 1. Get of Sire 2. Progeny of Dam 3. The Bonnie Belle Supreme Memorial Breeder s Championship 4. Partbred Filly Foals 5. Partbred Colt/Gelding Foals Partbred Foal Championship Edward J. Reilly Memorial Trophy 1. Partbred Broodmares Four-years Old and up 2. Partbred yearlings (Class will be split if entries warrant) 3. Partbred Two-Year Olds (Class will be split if entries warrant) 4. Partbred Three-Year Olds (Class will be split if entries warrant) Partbred Young Stock Championship The Tack Box Trophy 1. Partbred Geldings Four-Years Old and up 2. Partbred Stallions Four-Years Old and up Partbred In Hand Championship Heritage Cup Best Amateur Handler/Horse Combination Snowford Bellman Trophy Please note that the Show Committee reserves the right to make any changes to the schedule that they deem necessary. * Times are approximate and are contingent on class conclusion considerations. Sunday, 26 September 2010: USEA FEH Classes start at FEH Yearling Fillies Moore Arena 2. FEH Yearling Colts/Geldings Moore Arena FEH Yearling Championship Moore Arena 1. FEH Two-Year Old Fillies Moore Arena 2. FEH Two-Year Old Colts/Geldings Moore Arena FEH Two-Year Old Championship Moore Arena 1. FEH Three-Year Old Fillies Moore Arena 2. FEH Three-Year Old Colts/Geldings Moore Arena FEH Three-Year Old Championship Moore Arena FEH Overall Championship Moore Arena Jumper Classes start at Puddle Jumpers 2 2. Puddle Jumpers 2 Puddle Jumpers Championship 1. Green Jumpers Green Jumpers 2 6 Green Jumpers Championship 1. Level One Jumpers Level One Jumpers 2 11 Level One Jumpers Championship 1. Novice Jumpers (Combined Test) Level Two Jumpers Level Two Jumpers 3 3 Level Two Jumpers Championship 1. Training Jumpers (Combined Test) Level Three Jumpers Level Three Jumpers 3 6 Level Three Jumpers Championship 1. Level Four Jumpers Level Four Jumpers 3 9 Level Four Jumpers Championship ADDITIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS * Overall Jumper Championship Kilkelly Trophy * Combined Test Novice Level Championship * Combined Test Training Level Championship * Overall Combine Test Championship Brandenburg s Windstar Trophy * Supreme Purebred Performance Championship Rebel Yell Memorial Trophy * Supreme Partbred Performance Championship Tully Cross Trophy * Overall Versatility Championship T.G.S. Snow Goose Memorial Trophy * Distance Award * Supreme Purebred Championship The Irish Cup 2010 Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 23

24 Greenwood Horse Trials... Irish Eyes Smiling at The Best Little Horse Trials in Texas by Dr. Ann DeRosa IDHSNA and Top Gun Stables steal hearts away at Greenwood Farms Spring- Horse Trials. Christie Tull Brings East Coast Grace and Lonestar Hospitality to South Central Region Eventing. Right: Ann Shira O Donnell, Bonner Carpenter on Zurich Irish Sporthorse gelding and Greenwood Farms owner, Christie Tull Left: Emma Kate Fisher on Carlingford s Forever Irish Sporthorse Gelding. IDHSNA Winner of CIC**. Special thanks to show sponsor Charlie Gilchrist and Southwest Ford. We set out on a stunning May weekend to represent the IDHSNA at Greenwood Farms Horse Trials. With no inkling of the treat lying ahead, Ann Shira O Donnell, owner of Top Gun Stables, near Dallas, and I, a happy partner in crime, packed the pick-up full of Irish goodies. Goodie bags, that is, brimming with IDHSNA info, Irish sweets, toys and mementos, St. Patty s Day beads of every shade of green, extra-large leather halters and leads, just the right size for the top Irish finishers at Greenwood. Our mission: to recognize and promote Irish Draught and Irish Sport Horses in twelve classes from intermediate through novice at the Weatherford, Texas CCI*/ CC2** show. The result: an unforgettable Eventing experience, a widened family of Irish Horse owners and fans, and a great new friend and Irish ally in Greenwood Farms owner, Christie Tull. Our advice: Check the Greenwood Farms calendar at load up the ponies and the picnic and head to Greenwood for eventing, schooling, and great good times whenever the front gates open. You will find yourself in the company of top-rated USEA riders and trainers like Olympian Mike Huber, Cherye Huber, Ashley Bailey- Classen, Bonner Carpenter to name a few. Christie Tull and Marvin Savage put on Trials of such polished professionalism, grace, and fun, we had to pinch ourselves to make sure we weren t at Rolex. Through the efforts of IDHSNA South Central Region board members, Billy Appel and Sarah McMullen, and now, Ann O Donnell at Top Gun Stables, the IDHSNA has become a solid and welcome presence at Greenwood. From the IDHSNA sponsored barn jump, pictured at left, to the much coveted Irish Horse Goodie Bags for best in class Irish Finishers, the IDHSNA has created a lively conversation about breeding qualities and conservation of these versatile, compelling, and successful horses. Congratulations, to our winners! Janet Marden on Flagmount Allstar, Irish Sporthorse gelding with IDHSNA. Award presenter, Ann Shira O Donnell. GREENWOOD S IDHSNA WINNERS - CIC** - 5th Emma Kate Fisher, Carlingford s Forever, CIC* - 2nd Ashley Bailey-Classen, Sportsfield Zebadee; 5th place Meighan Ferguson, Cappataggle Clover OPEN PRELIMINARY - 8th Bonner Carpenter, Zurich OPEN TRAINING - 6th Cherye Huber, Sportsfield Maisie Grey TRAINING RIDER SENIOR - 8th Emily Oakes, Shaugraun s Wishful Thinking TRAINING HORSE - 8th Janet Marden, Flagmount s Amazing Grace OPEN NOVICE - 1st Bette Beavers-Lankford, Cavalier s Lights Out NOVICE HORSE - 3rd Janet Marden, Flagmount s Allstar NOVICE RIDER JUNIOR SEC A - 3rd Ambra Pira, McKaulfey s Pearl NOVICE RIDER JUNIOR SEC B - 1st Spencer Pevahouse, Classic Imp OPEN BEGINNER NOVICE - 6th Valerie Tkacs, Pilot in Command BEG NOVICE RIDER JR SEC A - 5th Katie Resnick, River Island II With Irish Horse winners announced and presented in 12 classes, by the end of the weekend, Irish Horses and their owners were the talk of the town. Ann O Donnell and I met with Christie Tull and Marvin Savage at their lovely home on the Greenwood grounds a few days later to thank our new friends and to review the highlights of the show. We couldn t help but imagine how to build on the many successes of this great weekend at Greenwood. Top ranked USEA rider, Cherye Huber on Sportsfield Maisie Grey, 8 year old Irish Sporthorse mare. Among other nationally ranked Irish riders at Greenwood: Kristina Aaron on Mis. Murphy Herself; Ellen Doughty on McKaulfey s Pearl; Ashley Bailey-Classen on Sportsfield Zebedee; Lacey Cloud on Gift of Grace; Betty Beavers Lankford, on Cavelier s Lights Out. Going forward, Ann O Donnell agreed to sponsor Future Event Horse and Young Event Horse classes to be held after next year s spring Trials. Christie Tull welcomes the addition to her already first class show, and discussed other ideas to showcase Greenwood and the Irish Horses in the South Central Region. A Driving Show, Schooling Events and Breeders Symposia, Wine and Champagne Course Runs, tailgating on the grounds, helping to increase sponsorship, vendor and audience participation were among the ideas on the table. As we plan and envision these additions to Christie Tull s top notch Horse Trials, IDHSNA and Top Gun Stables invite one and all to bring your Irish Horses, your volunteer spirit, and your family and friends to Greenwood Farms equine events. Get involved, get in on the fun and get your game on at the Best Little Horse Trials in Texas... See you there! Sincere thanks are extended to Ann Shira O Donnell and Top Gun Stables, LLC for sponsoring the photography and writing of this article. In keeping with her stables mission, Breeding, Promoting, Preserving the Best in Irish Draught Horses, Ann is a tireless sponsor and supporter of the Irish Draught Breed and the IDHSNA. Ann is also the very proud owner of IDHSNA nd place FEH Filly, Roxie, Windfiled All Sunshine. How to put on a great show? Learn from pro, Christie Tull - Putting on a horse trial is like having a baby: it takes 9 months and you have to stay with it till it s over! 1. Maintain unwavering commitment to vision over time: from 50 acres and a doublewide with a riding ring in 1982 to championship events today, Christie has stayed true to her passion over many years--great horses and great people! In her words, I have always remembered as a kid how much I loved riding, how my happiest memories were on horse back. I have always wanted to share that with others. 2. Build a dedicated crew of repeat volunteers: why do they keep coming back, and thanking Christie for the opportunity? 3. Organization + quality + fun and friends + detail. 4. Pay attention to detail: little touches like watered roads and show office at the ready with professional staff and service-oriented attitude. 5. Be open and willing to learn and grow; constantly improving and sharing the facility with nationally recognized course designers like John Williams and David O Connor, riders, and trainers to develop a good, flowing, seasoned course and eventing experience. 6. Work with the community year round to garner mutual support, participation and success. 7. Last but certainly not least: make sure you have a great partner like Marvin Savage. Says Christie: he s a good manager with lots of integrity and common sense. He can call a spade a spade without an agenda. Former stock boat racer and automobile executive, Marvin can fix, build and invent anything. Marvin makes a sweet jump arena and is always looking ahead to more improvements. Check out the Calendar of events at Greenwood and JOIN US for our next event! Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

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26 Top Guns Stables 2010/2011 Calendar of Events Breeding and Training Seminars, Sponsored Show Classes and Awards, IDH Promotions, Top Gun Fun SEPTEMBER th-12th: Atlanta, GA. American Eventing Championship Chattahoochee Hills, IDHSNA Promotional Representative 16th: Houston, Texas. Registered Irish Draught Horse Inspection for Roxie Winddeld All Sunshine 23rd-29th: Lexington, VA. Virginia Horse Center; 14th Annual Irish Draught Horse Society of North America Breed Show and Inspections, showing Roxie Winddeld All Sunshine Sponsorship: TGS Snow Goose Memorial Cup Overall Versatility Championship 25th-30th: Lexington, KY. World Equestrian Games Irish Village Representative and WEG Sponsor OCTOBER st-10th: Lexington, KY. World Equestrian Games Irish Village Representative and WEG Sponsor 23rd: 2010 Saturday Seminar at Top Gun Stables NOVEMBER th: Sunday Seminar at Top Gun Stables JANUARY th: Saturday Seminar at Top Gun Stables FEBRUARY th: Saturday Seminar at Top Gun Stables MARCH th: Top Gun Stables Open House MAY th: Weatherford, Texas. TGS Sponsored YEH, FEH classes at Greenwood Farm Spring Horse Trials. (940) West Jeter Road Bartonville, Texas Find us on Facebook!

27 Member News... Regional Reports... Claudia Colo: RIDSH stallion Jack of Hearts has began Eventing in With 3 months of training in Eventing and 3 shows so far Jack of Hearts RIDSH has been clear in cross country jumping on each occasion. Jack is being trained by Andrea Pfeiffer and ridden by Kelly Prather of Chocolate Horse Farm the team that brought IDSH Eventing mare Ballinakill Glory to her first Four Star at Rolex in April Jack s most recent Event was Training Horse at Woodside, CA where he placed 7th. Watch for Jack of Hearts competing in more West coast Events this year. KAREN YOUNG: Driver s Education with Moorpark Girl (RID). Moorpark Girl and I decided to take advantage of a little free time in early 2010 and try something new driving. While Moorpark Girl s sire, Moorpark Boy, was purportedly well employed in timber for his life s work, to my knowledge, Moorpark Girl had no previous experience in a harness. Fortunately, Moorpark Girl is a natural. Less lucky for her, I did not grow up riding horses and have no previous driving experience. But since I am not on her back my lack of balance and seat is a much easier thing to overlook. We have a ways to go and still lots to learn but we have had a good time and I have learned a lot. I am gaining appreciation for the innate driving abilities and talents of the purebred as well as a new perspective on breeding conformation for the Irish Draught. After all, the IDs worked six days a week and only jumped one. We advanced pretty rapidly to a two wheeled cart with the help of a trainer friend, and funding from my wife. But even if you never make it to a cart, I think the time and effort spent with long lines and a good book or two on the topic of driving is time well spent. Plus driving really is pure and unadulterated ID fun time! Meanwhile, 4 year old Kleary s Mighty Pip just started her show experience with five straight days of Jumper competitions. Her show culminated on day 5 with her first double clear round to place 4th is a field of 19 horses in baby jumpers. Pip is by the exported (to Ireland ) stallion Tors Gentleman Farmer. Pip and breeder/owner/rider Lucinda Romero have just departed for Cross Country camp and more adventures in jumping. Lucinda Romero: RIDSHs JP Young and Kleary s Mighty Pip... JP Young (Jack) and breeder/owner/rider Lucinda Romero are back on the jumper circuit in Northern California. For their second show the pair finished with three straight double clears and 1 meter and above placing 4th and 2nd in fields of 20 along the way. Jack is now training with his professional rider for 6 year old jumper championships where he will be competing at 4 feet. Shirley Kahlert: Bree, and IDSH by Bridon Beale Street, owned by Norma Snow, took first in the yearling fillies FEH class at Twin Rivers last weekend. Paden, a two year old BBS colt then owned by Jennifer Campbell, took second in the FEH 2 year old colts at Ram Tap in May, and Stoneleigh s Priscilla owned by Shirley Kahlert took second in two year old fillies at the same show. Central Region Report Susan Jensen, Chair The Central Region has been fortunate to have many healthy purebred and part-bred foals born this season. Look for photos in the foal gallery. We recently started our Facebook page and you can find us at: Irish Draught Horse Society North America (IDHSNA) Central Region. We look forward to reaching out to Central Region members as well as anyone interested in the Irish Draught and Irish Draught Sport Horse. We are open to suggestions on how to make our page easy to navigate so let us know what you think. We have submitted a request for proposal at for the 2011 IDHSNA Annual show to be at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL. We are hoping to secure the bid to have the show in the Central Region. We have assembled an amazing show committee with representation from several regions. If we are awarded the show, we d love to have volunteers from all regions help us make the show a great success. While we have many geldings to be inspected in the Central Region, we do not currently meet the criteria to have either one stallion or five mares to hold an inspection. If you have a mare or stallion and have not yet declared your intention to bring them forward, please notify the Central Region Chair. Bellwether Irish Draughts brought RID mare, Dandelion Nora Blue to Irish Fest at Gaelic Park in Chicago. We had the opportunity to meet with many Irish men and women who grew up around Irish Draught Horses. We heard many wonderful stories about how the horses made a difference in the lives of so many in Ireland. Nora behaved beautifully and we were very proud to have her there. Northeast Region Report Cori Oehley - June 12, 2010 Windfield Farm, owned by Robert and Rachael Cox, was the scenic backdrop for the Northeast Region s Lendon Gray Dressage Clinic, held on May 15 and 16. Windfield Farm is well worthy of such a prestigious clinician as Lendon Gray. From the exquisite footing in the well appointed indoor arena to the amazing display of flowers that added such color and beauty to the farm, Windfeild Farm shined. These rolling green pastures, are home to some of the highest quality purebred Irish Draughts in the country. The entries were of all different level riders, 6 purebreds and 4 part breds, a connamara and Clyde cross... We had horses truck in from Connecticut, Virginia, Tennessee, Massachusetts and Maryland, as well as Pennsylvania. There were several 4, 5, and 6 year horses as well as Tony and Sarah Phillips s stallion, Winmaur Sergeant Pepper. Also in attendance were Sue Rowdon, Larry Robbins, Tony Phillips, and Charles Yates. Lendon Gray was able to identify issues and help riders improve in those areas. Lendon work with each rider to establish correct contact and avoid the pulling matches.. The importance of a good half halt was also a message that carried threw with each rider. Sarah Phillip did a great job getting her stallion to carry himself and not lean on the bit. Lendon used transitions to help the younger horses learn to use the hind end and stay in front of the riders leg. Using these exercises, Faith Thiebault, Carolyn Taylor, Michelle Robbins and Ann Conway all improved their canter transitions. Jan Bansimons and Blain Orris worked on relaxation and both had some lovely leg yielding. Jolanta Bott and Brewster, her 4 year old gelding, showed us the true meaning of a partnership between a horse and rider. Lendon is tough but fair. She delivered an outstanding clinic. As the two days of riding were coming to an end, she offered her observation about the Irish Draughts. She said that she was completely unaware of this breed (Region Reports Continued on Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 27

28 Meet Us At WEG... IRISH DRAUGHT & IRISH DRAUGHT SPORT HORSE WEG DEMO TEAM Ballynoe Rum, [Photo 1] IDSH gelding, Rider: Ashley Bailey-Classen 1 Braveheart, [Photo 2] RID stallion, Rider: Debbie Fullilove Bridon Beale Street, [Photo 3] RID stallion, Rider: Connie Arthur Celtic Manor Forever Diamonds, [Photo 4]. RIDSH mare, Rider: Anne Gaudet Corocotta de la Galerna [Photo 5], ISH gelding Rider: Bailey Moran 2 WEG WEAR: Browbands by Kate Triplett Demo Pads courtesy WEG Committee Cradilo, [Photo 6], RID stallion, Rider: Amy Hunter Dandelion Diamond Rebel [Photo 7], RID stallion. Riders: Melissa Mysing and Skip Crawford Fergus MacFinn, [Photo 8], IDSH gelding, Rider: Christine McCarter Fernhill Henry Juan [Photo 9], IDSH gelding Rider: Ashley Bailey-Classen 3 14 Flag of Diamonds, [Photo 10] RID gelding, Rider: Gina Kirby Galanta, [Photo 11] IDSH gelding, Rider: Oryla Ramey Glenlord s Laralie, [Photo 12] IDSH mare, Rider: Gaby Stephens 4 WEG blogsite DAILY Schedule: 10:00 AM Each Day - Parade of Breeds Performance Demo Block Meet and Greet SPECIAL THANKS to Kate Triplett for her beautiful work on the WEG Demo Browbands! Our thanks to ALL the countless hours spent in the background by our volunteers as well! Grace s Star, [Photo 13] IDSH mare, Rider: Jayne Whitton KEC Double Diamond [Photo 14], RID stallion (injured reserve), Rider: Jutta Heinsohn Kiko, [Photo 15], RIDSH mare, Driver: Virginia Boo Fitch West Miss Pamela, [Photo 16] IDSH mare, Rider: Leslie McKee O Leary s Irish Diamond [Photo 17], RID stallion Rider: Melissa Cason Parkmore Pride, [Photo 18] RID stallion, Rider: Fleur Bryan PL Lucky Empress, [Photo 19] RIDSH mare. Rider: Glenda Player 5 Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

29 Meet Us At WEG (con t) PL Lucky Tammy, [Photo 20] RIDSH mare, Rider: Glenda Player Rebel s Run, [Photo 21] RID gelding, Rider: Emma Wexler Sportfield s Zebadee [Photo 22], IDSH gelding Rider: Ashley Bailey-Classen Steeped in Luck, [Photo 23] RID stallion, Rider: Tom Dvorak >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Not Pictured: Buddy Satterly, RID gelding BenMar Bella Blue, RID mare. Driver: Sterling Graburn Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 29

30 Regional Reports (con t from page 27)... being on hand to give out the awards. Photographer Amy Troppmann was there for us to record the IDX s competing this year. Look for her action shots in this issue of The Blarney. In May, several members took a trip to Rachael and Robert Cox s Windfield Farm for a Lendon Gray clinic, organized by Cori Oehley, NER Chair. Sarah Bright- Phillips, Blaine Orris and Michelle Robbins rode in the clinic while Charles Yates, Larry Robbins, Sue Rowdon, and Tony & Julian Phillips audited. This was another well organized Cori Production with everything from catered food to Irish Dancers. Lendon had many excellent suggestions for the riders and wonderful comments about the Irish Draught breed! June brought us the 157th Upperville Colt & Horse Show. We started the weekend with a clinic at Brandy Sells lovely Oak Hill Farm in Bluemont. Michael Kirwan, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, was on hand to discuss the Linear Scoring System for inspections now being used in Ireland. Thank you to Brianne Sells for providing horses for the clinic. Tony Phillips, called a Master of Ring Craft by Mr. Kirwan, presented demo horses and demonstrated techniques for standing up horses to their best advantage. For several of the horses. Mr. Kirwan also discussed what to look for when selecting a stallion to breed to this horse. And a big Thank You to Michelle Robbins for organizing lunch and drinks for the day. The Irish Draught Divisions were held under the oaks on Sunday morning. The ring had new, state of the art footing, and a beautiful stone wall along one side; a perfect place for photographs. Michael Kirwan came over from Ireland to judge. He was assisted by Sara Smallwood of Lovettsville, VA as riding judge. Dana Worcester was the ringside ribbon and sponsor coordinator this year and kept things running smoothly. This year s Purebred Champion was Windfield s Touch of Gold owned by Rachel and Robert Cox. The Part Bred Champion was Hagar owned by Susanne Lamb. All of the results are available at that weekend and she had no idea what to expect. Now, she said, after seeing the consistant quality and temperament, she has finally found the horse that she can recommend to her students. She had not done a clinic where every single horse was well behaved and trainable, Not one of these horses tried to take advantage of their rider. Every one of these horses can move up the training scale, without question. Lastly, and this was my favorite, Lendon asked me if I had screened the entries to present only well behaved horses. Saturday evening, the riders, auditors, Lendon and other guests, enjoyed a great dinner while being entertained by Irish Step Dancers from the Carle School of Irish Dance. Thank you, Rachael, Robert, and Windfield Farm for a PERFECT weekend. Thank you, riders, for traveling such a long distance to participate. Your horses were ROCK STARS. Every one who came was supportive, encouraging and positive. Thank you, SE Region, for not only sponsoring the riders breakfast spread but, your huge show of support with horses riders and auditors.. It was very much appreciated by everyone. Lendon Gray gave our Northeast Dressage Clinic a 10. This most respected leader of our industry is now a fan of the Irish Draught. WOOHOO!! Next up, Northeast Region Hunter Pace. Save the date of August 1st, to be held at Batzing Farm, Caledonia NY. Sarah Batzing-Cole will be hosting the event. Three divisions and Irish spirit awards to be giving out. We will post more information on our website as details are finalized. Open to all breeds. Everyone is welcome. Also, this next event is one to keep an eye on. Lots of our friends from Ireland will be coming over to participate in the Genesee Valley Hunt Club weekend, Oct. 8-11, Friday Night Formal Hunt and Pre-race party, Saturday tailgate with IDHSNA at GVH race meet followed by Hunt Ball and after, Sunday Informal Irish Pub Meet, Monday Formal Pony Club Hunt and Breakfast. SOUTHEAST REGION REPORT Sue Rowdon, Chair Things are rocking in the South East Region. We all talk about versatility in the Irish Draught breed and The Pride of Gloster RID demonstrates that very well. His owners, Lisa and Jack Gerdon, have been using him to work cattle on their ranch in NC. Jack reports that Gloster works cattle as well as any QH he has ever been on, including roping calves (below)! April brought us the Rolex Three Day Event. The Southeast Region awarded neck ribbons and julep cups to the top finishing IDX s. Thank you to Tony Phillips for sonline.com and pictures are at com/equine. Tony and Sarah Bright Phillips of Bell Tower Stud, provided a delicious ringside continental breakfast ringside for attendees. The day ended with a members gathering at nearby Blackthorn Inn for dinner and socializing. Bringing a qualified Irish Draught judge from Ireland was made possible by the generosity of our sponsors: Ardarra Farm, Susanne Lamb Tully Cross Farm, Charles and Susan Yates Bridon Irish Draughts, Brianne and Brandy Sells Kilkelly Farm, Linda Cowasjee Saddlery Liquidators, Haymarket & Middleburg, VA Vicki and Skip Crawford, Hunters Run Farm Tri County Feeds, Etc. Marshall VA Green Garden Farm, Jay Zeiler Lynders K-9 Academy of Delaplane, VA Wild Hare Farm, Rick and Sue Rowdon As summer heat and humidity set in, members in the SE Region are gearing up for the Annual Show, Sept 23-26, 2010, at the Virginia Horse Center. Other events are in the planning stage, stay tuned for details!! NorthWest Region report Jess Walker, Chair The NW has had a quiet, very wet spring. Laura Gravatt had the only IDSH at the Vancouver show but she did well marketing our breed and came home with blue ribbons. Thank you Laura! Laura, Lyn, Rick & Kate and Ann have had horses in training and showing at local shows and report doing very well. Angela Dringman attended a USEA adult riders camp at Aspen Farms. She had one of only 2 IDSH s there but they did shine. Rebecca Farm is around the corner with the entry deadline July 6th. Get your entries in and help the Society show support for the FEH program we sponsored again this year. The inspection tour is still in the process of being worked out. We are waiting to hear from the COOP as to the dates they will provide inspectors. More on that to come soon. There are still many committees that need members. The BOD cannot do it all, please step forward and volunteer. A list of committee needs can be obtained from Priscilla at the office or the Secretary Liz McFarland. We hope to see as many members as possible at WEG. We have O Leary s Irish Diamond RID from the NW going for the demonstrations... come see him show his talent! Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

31 Irish Draught Horse Society of North America DONATION FORM So many members generously donate to the Society throughout the year, for which we are deeply grateful. In order to have your donation funds better directed, this form has been created to route funds to earmarked categories. Disclaimer: While we appreciate all donations, because the IDHSNA is a 501c(5) non-profit, your donations are NOT taxdeductible. Please enter the amount you d like to donate next to appropriate category(ies) and total at the bottom: Education Marketing Advertising Annual Show World Equestrian Games 2010 Future Event Horse Series 2011 Sponsorship Southeast Region (AL, DE, FL, GA, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) Northeast Region (CT, ME, MA, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec) Central Region (IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, WI, ND,SD, Ontario, Manitoba) South Central Region (TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, Mexico) Southwest Region (AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT) Northwest Region (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WY, WA, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan) TOTAL Payment Method (check box) - please note Donation in memo field: Check made out to IDHSNA (include with form): Check # Credit Card payment online at Confirmation # Please submit this form to: Mary Hansen, 175 Indian Creek Ln SE, Cedar Rapids, IA TreasurerIDHSNA@yahoo.com 2010 Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 31

32 Over The Pond... CLASS OF 2010 by Susan Finnerty (reprinted with permission from The Irish Field) With the new-look stallion inspections introduced by Horse Sport Ireland, gone are the days of central performance testing for prospective Irish Draught sires. Seventy-two stallions were presented over the three days at Cavan Equestrian Centre, of which the majority (42) were Irish Draughts which resulted in their 19% pass rate. With the exception of the sixteen-year-old Fintan Himself, the other seven successful stallions ranged from three to six-year-olds. So what does the new inspection procedure consist of? Firstly, each stallion, was re-vetted on the day with a five-stage vetting before being presented before the panel. That panel then inspected that stallion throughout his entire presentation, from conformation through performance phases. The 2010 Irish Draught inspection panel comprises Gillian Black, John Butler, George Chapman, Denis Dullea, Padraig Fitzpatrick, Michael Kirwan, Dr. Charlotte Moore and Michael Ryan, many of which are familiar to The Blarney readers. These successful panel members applied, following Horse Sport Ireland s advertisement for inspectors last autumn, then went underwent linear scoring training in Holland. The entire inspection process is very closely modelled on the KWPN system with several onlookers comparing Cavan to similar style inspections throughout Europe. Back to the inspection: Once the stallion was assessed for conformation using the new linear scoring scheme and for in-hand movement at walk and trot around a triangle layout and on a hard surface, each stallion was then shown loose in the specially-imported pen for movement, athleticism and jump. Once the stallion was let loose in the pen for those phases, he was handled solely by a highly competent team while the owner stood in the centre of the pen. After each batch of four were assessed, the quartet paraded in the pen and then each stallion was called out individually in front of the spectators while the panel chairman announced each horse s summary, scores and whether it had met the criteria. Those scores, for conformation, type, movement and athleticism, were simultaneously shown on a giant display board while bonus pedigree marks were also available at the panel s discretion. Eligible stallion candidates were also ridden and jumped by well-known Irish producer, Francis Connors while the visiting Dutch rider for sport horse stallions was Vincent Voorn. Many readers will already have seen the inspection results for these Class 1 stallions, including photographs, scores and comments on their conformation, movement and athleticism), on the breeding section of the HSI website The successful stallion s pedigrees also make interesting reading with a mixture of outcross and familiar bloodlines. So..what was the overall impression of the newstyle inspections. It has to be said that the inspections were a giant step forward; meticulously-organised and the general feedback was onlookers and most stallion owners were satisfied with the new concept. As with any new event, there were some minor glitches such as the public address sound quality and the catalogue needs a little fine-tuning but from an organisational viewpoint, it was very well-organised particularly for a first-time event. While audience tickets for some Continental stallion inspections and shows sell out in advance, spectators were scarce apart from the party faithful reliables. The inspections mid-week date, which clashed with the first spell of fine weather, were other factors for the poor attendance. Possibly a weekend finale, dovetailed with the annual stallion parade, and some welcome transatlantic Draught enthusiasts, would boost future numbers. Stallion owners had been well-briefed beforehand, including a meeting held on the previous week to run through the procedure. However, particularly for younger stallions, some were over-awed by the proceedings; others took it all in their placid Draught style. The onus is definitely on owners to prepare their stallions for future inspections, particularly schooling them down a jumping lane and ideally, in an indoor arena environment. There were some complaints from owners that their horses were repeatedly asked to jump down the lane. Again, the fact that animals have to be fit and schooled was well-flagged by Horse Sport Ireland in advance and watching some stallions, I felt that perhaps the inspectors were giving those stallions an opportunity to overcome their stage fright and settle, rather than over-jumping them. The height of the fences was another bone of contention. This issue is part of a bigger debate surrounding the Irish Draught - is it a foundation or performance animal? The fences appeared no bigger than the recommended 1m (3 3 ) which is certainly within the range of the versatile Irish Draught and again, it was evident how the more experienced stallions, such as Killinick Bouncer, showed the benefit of that extra mileage. Some stallions just did not jump, even the lower fences; I am not talking extravagant 5 bascules - that is not the Irish Draught way. They are brave, economical, safe jumpers but still athletic. Perhaps with schooling, some stallions may improve for future inspections but if there is no basic athleticism there, they will not pass this phase of the new inspections. It has to be said that the Class of 2010 were a mixed group of types; this is evident even from looking at the successful candidates. Throughout the three days, there was the traditional type; the modern, sporty type; there were others that were more of the aptly-named Irish Draught Sport Horse type and some that fulfilled the Irish Draught parentage criteria. Again, this is part of a bigger issue. What is the Irish Draught s role? Should it be traditional types to perpetuate a breed which has been the foundation of the most successful F1 cross in the sport horse world for decades? Should the focus be on a modern, lighter, more athletic type, which for many old school, (and I use that term with due reverence!) breeders looks more like half-bred than a traditional type? Perhaps it comes down to personal choice as to what breeders want to produce. Provided thought, research and a degree of vision goes into that process and that the breeder has a clear role for the end product, be it for breeding or leisure roles. Whatever your Draught template is, breeders have to look at that end product and say Now that IS a Draught. One disappointment with some candidates was the lack of bone and good forelegs - without these building blocks, the Draught s reputation as a foundation animal is diminished. Whether the linear scoring system should be further adapted to cater for Irish Draught characteristics is an issue for the HSI breeding sub-board and the various Draught societies to tackle. However, what has been glaringly obvious in the Draught world, is the fact that the split in the Irish Draught Society has not helped the challenges facing Draught breeders. One outstanding problem for whichever powers-that-be is over-production from breeding stock that merely possess Irish Draught passports but whose resemblance to a Draught, either traditional or modern, would be a generous stretch of the imagination. Another talking point at Cavan - and how we love to have talking points! - was the huddle when groups of inspectors gather to converse while inspecting. Under the continental system, inspectors stand apart from each other but as one experienced Draught inspector, (off-duty on this occasion) since remarked, People read too much into the so-called huddle. More often than not you were trying to pass the stallion, not knock it. No inspector likes having to fail an animal but sometimes it has to be done. You just want the animal to be the best it can be. Some of the stallions on parade were certainly at their best and looked a picture. Several owners went away from Cavan with serious decisions to make. Some younger stallions will be back next year, others won t; some owners will take the very public decision gracefully while others will vow to prove their stallion is the next Galoubet or Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

33 Over The Pond (con t)... Cavalier - stallions that initially failed to meet inspector s approval. Looking at the approval rate (19%) for the initial year and how the stallion market has become so competitive, it appears that stallion owners will objectively assess their prospective candidates before applying for the next stallion inspections in March, There are also maths to be done. The latest available covering figures (2008) show that the average number of foals produced per sire was ten. Then with the cost of keeping a Draught colt foal for at least three years to inspection stage and the associated preparation and vetting costs, perhaps some owners will re-assess the economic viability of standing a stallion. The recent poor salesring prices and the large number of sires available for Draught breeders are other determining factors. As the French say, plus ça change (plus c'est la même chose). As in everything changed in 2010 with the new Irish stallion inspection procedures while the perennial issues and challenges for Draught breeders are ever-present. Horse Sport Ireland Director of Breeding and Programmes, Alison Corbally, was pleased with the inaugural inspections. The feedback from the breeders today is very positive. I spoke with a couple of owners whose horses didn t go through but they were extremely happy with the comments and scores and when they looked at it objectively, they could see that they would be in agreement with the judges. I also asked Alison to clear up a couple of queries and concerns regarding inspection procedures for Irish Draughts. Q: There has been some criticism of the time and expense incurred with the new stallion inspections. With regard to Irish Draught colts, the cost to stallion owners to get their stallions classified as Class 1 in the Irish Draught Horse studbook under the new breeding policy are considerably less than the costs of achieving RID status under the previous system. Stallions may be classified as Class 1 at the age of three years following just one inspection under the new process. Under the previous system Irish Draught stallions generally underwent two inspections in order to be classified as RID. In addition, there is no longer a requirement to assess Irish Draught stallions under saddle which further reduces the costs incurred by stallion owners. Q: Given the numbers of sport horse and Irish Draught sires in the country, are there now too many stallions available for the mare herd? The number of sport horse and Irish Draught stallions available means that there is considerable choice for sport horse breeders. However, it is important that breeders have information on these stallions in order to make informed breeding decisions. The core of HSI s new breeding policy is providing breeders with the maximum amount of information and resources to make the best possible breeding decisions for their mares. The new star rating system will be of considerable benefit as it will provide breeders with information regarding which stallions have competed themselves, or have progeny who have competed, in various disciplines. Former S1 Draught stallions now become Class 2 stallions and former S2 stallions become Class 3 stallions. Are these former S1 and S2 stallions (now Class 2 & 3) eligible for re-inspection? In the Irish Draught Horse studbook Section 1 (S1) stallions will have the opportunity to transfer their classification to Class 2 (their equivalent classification under the new Irish Draught breeding policy). Section 2 (S2) stallions will have the opportunity to be classified under the new policy and their equivalent classification is Class 3. Stallions classified as Section 1 (S1) in the Irish Draught Horse studbook are eligible for inspection under the new system. These stallions will not have to go through a further veterinary examination unless they are presented for inspection with an obvious veterinary condition. This year twenty Section 1 (S1) Irish Draught stallions were inspected under the new inspection process and five of these stallions were subsequently upgraded to Class 1 status in the Irish Draught Horse studbook. Q: How can progeny of Class 2 and Class 3 sires be upgraded? The progeny of Class 2 Irish Draught stallions out of mares that are classified as RID, Class 1, Class 2, AID or Grade Up Register are eligible for Irish Draught studbook inspections. The progeny of Irish Draught stallions that do not meet the veterinary requirements (Class 3 stallions) are not eligible for studbook inspections. Killinick Bouncer was the first Class 1 sire to earn an extra merit (Bronze). Have these extra merits been awarded to other Class 1 stallions? We are in the process of assigning merits to Class 1/RID stallions. Owners that think their stallion qualifies for merits are most welcome to submit information on their stallion s performance, or their progeny s performance, to our offices for verification prior to the awarding of merits. Will mare inspections follow the same procedures and when will they take place? Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draught mare inspections will be held this September/October in centres throughout the country. Mares will undergo a veterinary examination, will be linear scored and their conformation and gaits, (in hand and loose) will be assessed. Irish Draught mares that meet the inspection and veterinary requirements and achieve an average score for conformation and movement of 80% or above will be awarded a Bronze merit in Conformation and Movement and mares that achieve a score of 70% or above in their athleticism assessment will receive a Bronze merit in jumping. IRISH DRAUGHT HORSE STUDBOOK - CLASS 1 Ballyvesta Silver Diamond (3yo grey Rockrimmon Silver Diamond - Miss Ginger Dick (Ginger Dick). Owner: Philip Fleming, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Breeder: Joseph Nee. Fintan Himself (16yo grey Uibh Fhaile 81 - Colmans Gift (Colman). Owner: Tim Carey, Tullaghansleek Stud, Castletown Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath. Breeder: Anthony Gordon. Huntingfield Ruler (4yo grey Gortlea Ruler - Lackagh Rebel (Huntingfield Rebel). Owner/ Breeder: Chris Mannion, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Killinick Bouncer (6yo grey Grange Bouncer - Eileen Dun (Flagmount King). Owner: Leslee Asbury, Pennsylvania, USA. Breeder: Ann Lambert. King Alton (5yo bay Merry Mate - Shane s Pride (Kildalton Son). Owner: Gerard Kelly, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. Breeder: Margaret O Neill. Leighlin Emperor (4yo chestnut Creggan Emperor - Cassa Lady (Castana). Owner: June Atkinson, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow. Breeder: Michael Duignan. The Swarty Hero (4yo grey Crannagh Hero - Miss Ginger Dick (Ginger Dick). Owner: Frank Healy, Birdhill, Co Tipperary. Breeder: Eddie Murphy. Welcome Emperor (3yo grey Welcome Flagmount - Derrydonnel Diamond (Creggan Emperor). Owner: Gabriel Slattery, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Breeder: Bernard Gately. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pat Gleeson Profile The renowned Irish Draught breeder and judge, Pat Gleeson, is well regarded on both sides of the Atlantic. He talks to Susan Finnerty about his lifelong love for the Irish Draught, Margaret & Pat Gleeson proud memories of his contribution to the Irish horse world and some of the greats bred by the Limerick man. Pat Gleeson is a man steeped in history, from his local surroundings in the lush Golden Vale, to his involvement in the Irish Draught and sport horse world. Coolgreen House, home to the Gleeson family since his grand-father bought the former church minister s house, is adjacent to the site of the infamous Dromkeen Ambush, which took place during the War of Independence in Quite literally on a more upbeat note, the famous Oyster Ballroom was situated a stone s throw away in the village of Dromkeen. The top bands in the country played there - the Royal Showband, Doc Holliday - but it closed down when the pub scene took over recalls Pat. Not before he met his future wife there, Margaret Powell, from the nearby village of Murroe. The couple spend practically every weekend at agricultural shows throughout the summer, either spectating or more often, in Pat s case, on judging duty. Nor are those dance steps, perfected in the Oyster Ballroom era, redundant as the dapper couple are a familiar sight on the dance floor at social functions. For Pat, a noted judge and breeder, his love of the Irish horse began with his Kilcolman foundation mare, Coolgreen. I suppose I m an old-fashioned farmer as I keep Draught mares and Shorthorn cows. I took over the farm in 1974 and Coolgreen was here. I broke her, hunted her with the Scarteens, show jumped, did oneday-eventing, drove her in the RDS, anything that could be done with a horse was done with her. She was super. I was fascinated with how much you could do with this breed, the Irish Draught. Draughts didn t need special feed either, just fed oats and hay or out in the field and your biggest problem is keeping condition off them. Coolgreen s placid temperament also meant she was borrowed by the late Thady Ryan for a German team member during the opening parade of the 1982 World Showjumping Championships, held at the RDS. Pat, together with Susie Lannigan-O Keefe, Greta Crow Spring / Summer - T he Blarney Page 33

34 Over The Pond (con t)... ley and John Joyce rode four Irish Draughts as part of an exhibition at this showcase and a photograph of these immaculately-turned out combinations is just one of many Dublin photos in the Coolgreen photo album. Another is of her Slievenamon daughter, Coolgreen Countess, which Pat competed with in the Utility Horse class at the now-defunct Spring Show. This event was intended to showcase the versatility of the Irish Draught and consisted of jumping a short course, followed by the driving phase which included walking through the famous Dublin water jump. Eileen Parkhill was mad for us to enter the class but the three-yearold Countess was just broken. Still, she jumped her six fences, pulled a log, then I drove her but she decided to jump the water jump, cart and all! laughs Pat. Another treasured Dublin photograph is Pat showing Coolgreen Star as a three-year-old. This handsome I m A Star gelding was out of Coolgreen Princess, by the thoroughbred sire, Pere Hubert, that stood with namesake, Patrick Gleeson. I sold Coolgreen Star to Malachy Ryan whose son Aidan won the hunter championship in Cork with him before he was sold onto a Mrs. Boundy in England. Campaigned by a young Robert Walker, Coolgreen Star was one of the leading lights on the UK show circuit and his frequent appearances in the Irish Horse Board newsletters were another source of pride for his breeder. I think including show winners in Horse Board newsletters should be continued; it was more about jumping and eventing when I was on the Board but every horse should get a place as you re getting different types of horses sold for the people. If you think back to the amalgamation of the dairy co-ops, diversification was a great word. You didn t depend just on butter, there was cheese and casein, different products so I would look at it the same way with horses - produce different type horses but produce them all well. The good horses will always sell even when trade is on the floor. Pat is a big fan of the late American-bred thoroughbred sire, I m A Star (Crowned Prince x Sing A Song (Sing Sing), which stood with Sean Walsh at Knockboy Stud, near Thurles. Another of his stable companions was Slyguff Hero, King of Diamond s fullbrother. There s only one way of getting a good show horse and that s with a thoroughbred. You get the quality, movement and substance but those horses are not here anymore. I m A Star was a brilliant horse, a big horse but he had quality. We d be right to have him today. A neighbour Eamon Gleeson bought a youngster by him for 2000, then sold him through Aidan O Connell for 9000 when a German visitor saw him out hunting. He just saw the horse trotting and said that s the kind of horse I m looking for. That was real money back then. Another port of call was Philip Heenan. Yes, I sat on that bench smiles Pat referring to the famous railway sleeper bench on which so many Irish breeders waited patiently in turn at the late stallion master s yard. Philip was also notorious for accepting payment for his stallion s services. Philip was a lovely man, a real gentleman. I thought him a real decent man but my biggest problem was that I couldn t get him to take money. He d say to me, you go away now and let your mare settle in the box because if not, you and me could have a little row. How were you going to have a little row with someone who was after covering your mare for nothing! I bred a good Clover Hill out of a mare I got from Michael Slattery and others by Delamain and Ballinvella. Some of Pat s famous home-bred Draughts include the repatriated Rockrimmon Silver Diamond (Sillot Hill x Saggarts Millie (Diamond Prince). I sold him at the Draught sales, held at Fairyhouse, as a yearling, Roy Shields bought him and then Barry O Brien was looking for a young stallion so he went to America. Then Barry got into bad health and he rang me to see what to do and I suggested he give him to the Horse Board. He s standing with the Hanleys now in Claremorris. Saggarts Millie, also produced the Limerick Matron winner, November Rain, and is also the grand-dam of the 2008 Dublin supreme champion hunter, Darragh Classic Prince, the first pure-bred Draught to win this coveted title. One of Rockrimmon Silver Diamond s US progeny, Little Gem has also done well at their National Show. Pat, who has judged at the Irish and U.K national shows, has also judged the Stateside national championships combined with the annual inspection tour. He considers his American tours as a great honour although the vast distances were a new experience. Myself and John McCarthy took twelve flights in seventeen days during the inspections, including a fivehour drive across Arizona to see just one horse. And unfortunately we still had to turn it down. Such integrity has always been Gleeson s hallmark so it is no surprise to learn he is in favour of the new stallion inspections. Anything that helps transparency is a good thing. His close involvement with the Irish Draught society began in Billy Cotter and John McCarthy came here to form the branch in Cappamore and I later became chairman of the Draught Society at national level. On my first chair, it was May Logan who was secretary and on my second chair, it was Deirdre Quinn. She was tireless, a dynamo. We had a very good committee, it was what I called a working committee; we were making great progress. We had the first Draught sale and the first Draught Show was held at Marily s [Suma Stud] and I chaired four National Shows, two in Limerick and two in Ennis. There was enjoyment back then, a lot of laughs. My biggest disappointment was the split in the Irish Draught Society and to think we had two national stands at Dublin Horse Show last year he says quietly, before continuing: I saw a way forward before the [High] court case and even at that stage, I tried hard to sort it but once the court case came, it was too bitter after that. It s a pity. You can only Pat with the three-year-old Coolgreen Star at the 1995 Dublin Horse Show. have one Irish Draught society Gleeson was also part of the Irish Draught task force set up by Horse Sport Ireland. I thought everyone worked well and got on very well with each other so I just hope the results are there after us. I was also on the Irish Shows Association (ISA) board for eleven or twelve years as the Draught representative, continues Pat. The ISA is the governing body for the some 135 agricultural shows held throughout Ireland from May to October each year. Pat is much indemand as a horse judge and ask the Limerickman to pick his favourite highlight from last year and there is no political correctness, just an honest opinion. That would be the All Ireland two-year-old filly final at Kildysart. I had never met my co-judge, Ronnie Bailey, before but she was very good and we worked well together from the very minute we started judging. It was conformation that brought that filly through. Her conformation stood away out from the others and it was proved afterwards as she went on to win at Dublin, the Limerick Lady and then the De Valera Cup at Ennis. It was a great final. Pat s champion that day was Anthony Gordon s much-admired King s Master filly, Irish Light, by the Slyguff Stud sire, King s Master (Master Imp x Ashling (King of Diamonds). King s Master is also a half-brother to the late Highland King, sire of that great Irish ambassador, McKinlaigh, Gina Miles Hong Kong silver medalist. The Limerick Lady championship - a national final for traditionally-bred two-year-old fillies - is another cause close to Pat s heart. The sponsorship is going weak though, it needs a sponsor and if they could follow the animals through and research what they bred because there s no doubt in the world they were the ones that bred the Coolgreen Stars. What about the future of show classes? It s very hard to say, it s just so very hard to say. The professionals are great to show a horse, you can t take that away from them and they ll go out to buy the very best. It isn t easy compete with those but maybe more owners could be encouraged to show and have their animals well prepared too. It s conformation, quality, movement and presentation comes after that for me but there is room for improvement with turnout and presentation. As if there wasn t enough commitment wholeheartedly given to the horse world, Gleeson also served two four-year terms when elected to the Irish Horse Board. We had a good Board at that time - they were intelligent men with common sense and we were going well. I knew Ned O Flynn well and his wife s family - the Horgans - from Cork. Later on there was too much time wasted on friction but then we had a super twelve months with Michael Osborne. I was glad I was on it that time. He was brilliant, you couldn t but like him. We were going super with him. He knew every kind of horse, it made no difference whether they were thoroughbreds, whether they were Draughts, Clydesdales or Connemaras, he had a special knowledge of all kinds of horses. He was a real horseman and an out-and-out gentleman. That rare combination of the same exceptional qualities - horseman and gentleman - can also be said about Pat Gleeson. REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF THE IRISH FIELD. Page Spring / Summer - T he Blarney

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36 2010 Membership Form Irish Draught Horse Society of North America PLEASE CHECK ONLY ONE NEW Membership RENEWAL Membership / Existing Mem. No. PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION MEMBERSHIP LEVEL FEE IN US DOLLARS NAME OF INDIVIDUAL LIFETIME (1 vote) $ Voter #1 (listing in The Blarney ) FARM (22 votes) $ Voter #1 (Two The Blarney subscriptions) (farm listing in The Blarney ) Voter #2 FAMILY (2 votes) $ Voter #1 Voter #2 GENERAL (1 vote) $ Voter #1 JUNIOR (no vote) $ (Membership designed for those 18 years and under) PLEASE NOTE: ALL membership levels include the quarterly IDHSNA publication, The Blarney. Farm Membership entitles Farm to receive two copies of The Blarney. OPT OUT: I would like to optout entirely from being published in the IDHSNA Member Directory. PAYMENT OPTIONS: Payment may be made with a check or online at using a credit card or Pay Pal ( Please indicate with an X your elected method of payment: CHECK No. (enclosed) CREDIT CARD (online). Online Confirmation #: THE MEMBERSHIP YEAR BEGINS JAN 1, A NEW MEMBER S FEE PAID AFTER OCT 30, 2009 SHALL ENTITLE MEMBER TO MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES UNTIL DEC 31, ALL MEMBERSHIPS INCLUDE THE QUARTERLY IDHSNA PUBLICATION, THE BLARNEY. Name (Individual or Farm) Primary Contact (for Farm Membership) Address City State/Prov Zip/Postal Code Country Phone Fax IDHSNA Contact (Voter 1/Primary) IDHSNA Contact (Voter 2/Secondary) Website The submission of a Society membership application or membership renewal or participation in a Society event constitutes acceptance of the Society s Bylaws, Rules, and policies and procedures - and all amendments thereto - that are posted on the Society web page ( and that you are advised to review. Member s Signature (Voter 1) Date Member s Signature (Voter 2) Date Privacy Issues By applying for membership with the IDHSNA, the members name and contact info may be used in the annual Membership Directory, unless the member checks the OPT OUT box in the top section of this form. The IDHSNA does not sell, give out or allow members to use for advertising purposes, our membership information. However, this information may be used for IDHSNA business such as elections and special news/notifications. The IDHSNA may, if a member competes or takes part in an IDHSNA activity or competition, use a member s name and contact informtion in publication in the Blarney, press releases and/or on our website unless the member directly contacts the Member Services Coordinator and requests that the information not be used in such a manner. The Member Services Coordinator may be contacted at: idhsna@hotmail.com PLEASE COMPLETE THE ABOVE INFORMATION AND ENCLOSE THE COMPLETED & SIGNED FORM WITH CHECK FOR APPROPRIATE AMOUNT (PAYABLE TO IDHSNA) OR PROVIDE RELEVANT ONLINE CONFIRMATION INFORMATION, AND MAIL (OR FAX) TO: IDHSNA MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR, 4037 IRON WORKS PARKWAY, #160, LEXINGTON, KY / PHONE: (859) FAX: (858) OFFICE USE ONLY Date Received: By: Date Entered: By: Member Number Assigned: Date Packet/CARD Sent: By:

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40 Heard the News? Tony and Sarah-Bright Phillips opened BELL TOWER STUD for business June 24, 2010! Services include: * Training * Boarding * Breeding - snowford bellman - winmaur sergeant pepper - harkaway lionhawk - woodbine mr. bombastic - grogan s hi fidelity * Showing * Competitive Driving * Show & Inspection Prep Mitchell Mill Road, Zebulon, NC Photo by Paula C Photography (423) (Tony) (423) (Sarah)