THE recent annual general meeting of the Traditional Irish Horse Association (TIHA) saw two new National Council members elected, Liam Lynskey from Swinford and David Molloy from Mountrath.

After the chairman, secretary and treasurer’s reports were presented, Hugh Leonard outlined the work carried out by the Association.

The RDS presentation went ahead as planned in August and was used to launch Professor Emmeline Hill’s research into the DNA of the Traditional Irish Horse. Seamus Davis brought the meeting up to date on Professor Hill’s DNA research. UCD requested 10 extra blood samples to complete the project and these were provided by the TIHA. The final results can be expected shortly.

Limerick show hosted many Traditional classes and was very well supported as were the Association’s TIH hunter classes at many venues around the country.

Leonard informed the AGM that a colt foal, by Ardcolum Duke out of a 1.50m mare featured in Marcus O’Donnell’s book, Elite Traditionally Bred Mares, was on the ground and looked a fine prospect. He thanked Joe Flynn for his generosity in providing the covering free of charge and said the Association plans to ensure the foal is kept entire to see what kind of horse he makes. Other elite mare owners have been approached to work with the TIHA in ensuring that as many as possible of the mares leave TIH offspring behind them.

John Watson outlined a breeding programme to assess, vet and X-ray mares not included in O’Donnell’s book but who would have much to offer the TIHA herd when bred to approved thoroughbred or TIH sires.

Full details will be published shortly.

Nottingham conference

THE Saddle Research Trust (SRT) has confirmed the date for the next global gathering of leading researchers to discuss the complex relationship between horse, saddle and rider. The conference will held on Saturday, December 8th 2018 at Nottingham University and is set to deliver an impressive line-up of influential speakers from across the globe. Entitled “Horse, rider, saddlery interactions: welfare and performance” the packed programme will focus on the latest research, from new techniques in equine pain recognition to rider posture and equine biomechanics. Eminent speakers have already confirmed their attendance including world-renowned veterinarian, author and researcher, Professor Hilary Clayton and leading equine orthopaedic expert Dr Sue Dyson.

Early bird tickets are on sale now, with half price savings available until December 31st 2017.