THIS year’s Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) stallion selections take place next week at Cavan Equestrian Centre on Thursday (March 26th) and Friday (March 27th). Central inspections were first held in Cavan from 2010, and candidates from the Irish Sport Horse (ISH), Irish Draught (ID) and Irish Sport Pony (ISP) studbooks are eligible.

Some 50 stallions were entered this year, including Irish Draughts, whose inspections will all take place on the first day, Irish Sport Horse studbook candidates, including traditionally-bred and warmblood crosses, plus two thoroughbreds.

Amongst the continental-breds entries are Durango VDL and the Holsteiner Fernando, who jumped double clear in the 2016 Aga Khan Nations Cup with Johnny Pals for Holland.

Zapatero VDL is now a dual five-star stallion - this time for his show jumping progeny performance - and will be presented with his second commemorative rug.

Castlefield Kingston and the Class 2 Irish Draught stallion Bannvalley Whisper will be officially approved, having both met their respective performance requirements in the past year.

Another event taking place in Cavan is a knowledge transfer evening for breeders, owners and enthusiasts of Irish Sport Horse, Irish Sport Pony, Irish Draught and Irish Cob ranks.

Guest speakers include DAFM advisors for the AIM system, veterinary experts for studbook inspections and HSI staff will also be available to answer any studbook questions. This will be held in advance of the two-day inspections on Wednesday evening at 7pm sharp at the Kilmore Hotel, Dublin Road, Cavan.

Tickets (€15) for the knowledge transfer evening and the Cavan timetable details are available on the HSI website. A full report on this year’s inspections will be included in The Irish Field’s April 4th issue.