OVER 80 people attended the recent launch of the IDHBA 10th Anniversary National Show at Punchestown, ahead of the event on Saturday, September 2nd at the Co Kildare racecourse.

Chairman of Punchestown, David Mongey, said the venue is delighted to be able to help showcase Irish Draughts and welcomes the opportunity to use the facility for more sport horse activities.

Chairman of HSI Breeding Sub-Committee, Dr Jack Murphy, officially launched the National Show, the highlight of which is expected to be the new HSI-sponsored Side Saddle class. Open to purebred Irish Draughts, it will undoubtedly showcase Irish Draughts looking their most elegant and noble.

Now affiliated to The Side Saddle Association of Ireland, members of Side Saddle Ireland will be eligible to claim double points towards the Irish Draught Award by competing in this class and the prize fund of €1,000 is also sure to attract attention.

Side Saddle Ireland’s Sarah Conway, from the newly formed Kildare Branch of the IDHBA, said how delighted Side Saddle Ireland are to have a class like this to promote the art of side saddle.

Elaine Hatton, HSI’s director of international marketing and Irish Horse Gateway, sponsors of the Performance Irish Draught Class, said their association with this show and Irish Draughts is important as part of HSI’s programme to support breeders and help showcase the beautifully produced Irish Draughts. This year, there are 27 horses from all over Ireland qualified to take part in the championship.

In all, there are 28 classes at this year’s show, including championships, ranging from pure-bred Irish Draught foals, broodmares, youngstock and ridden horses. Also included is a Working Hunter class for the Traditional Irish Horse, who must have a minimum 25% ID breeding; fences will be max 90cms high and wide.

In the In-hand section, the criteria for the Mare of the Future Competition have been extended so that the mare can be three, four or five years old, but she must have a foal at foot.

In addition to generous prizes, there are three stallion nominations for the Champion Mare, Mare of the Future and Supreme Champion and the Rider of the Champion Ridden Horse will receive their choice of a pair of Dubarry boots.

Nine Irish Draught judges will adjudicate, three from Britain, one of whom will be a ride judge.

ENTRIES OPEN

Entries are now open and the schedule and entry form can be found online at www.idhba.ie/nationalbreedshow2017.html.

Non-members of IDHBA very welcome to exhibit.

Entries close on August 25th, one week before the show, and cost €15 for members or €20 for non-members of the IDHBA.

Please telephone Michael Murphy on 086 8497325 for further information.