SEVERAL events for Irish Draught fans to pencil into diaries include the Irish Draught Horse Breeders’ Association (IDHBA) Westmeath/Offaly branch’s upcoming table quiz on Friday, February 20th in Egan’s Bar, followed by an Easter Sunday date for the branch’s stallion parade at Mullingar Equestrian Centre. Open to Class 1 and Class 2 stallions, the parade starts at 12 noon and offers free admission and a raffle, including stallion nomination prizes.

Well in advance of the proactive midland branch’s annual show in Moate on Sunday, June 28th, there’s a great opportunity for Draught, traditional and Connemara owners and exhibitors to attend a Demo Day on Sunday, February 22nd in Kildalton College.

Organised by the IDHBA, the programme offers an insight into preparing for inspections, showring and competition from the judges’ viewpoint and lots of practical tips for ridden, performance and loose jumping classes.