THE Irish Draught Horse Society would like to extend its warmest congratulations to Horse Sport Ireland for reinstating the amnesty for pure-bred stock.

This had a three-year run previously, and its termination at that stage had left many pure-bred and genetically valuable stock ineligible to be inspected.

We would like to commend HSI and acknowledge the progressive and transparent culture that has developed there.

We have experienced a willingness to engage and listen to evidence and argument, in our pursuit of policy necessary for the health of the Irish Draught Herd.

We in the IDHS believe that the arguments to support the amnesty are compelling and far outweigh any opposing concerns.

We have been steadfast in our pursuit of an amnesty solution to the problem of uninspected stock, in an endangered herd, being lost to that herd.

We have had much dialogue with HSI, but in particular we must highlight the tireless work of two of our greatest breed custodians.

Elizabeth Deane Cogan and John Anthony Cogan (RIP) had been instrumental in presenting this solution, and stuck to a rocky path, to make the first amnesty happen. And their work continued during the lapse of the scheme.

This is a restorative scheme to improve the health of the breed. We welcome the opportunity for all pure-bred breeders to bring out their stock for inspection.

This will allow genetically diverse animals from Class 4 (uninspected) parentage to be inspected.

It also means that C4 stallions, who represent the greatest reserve of genetic diversity, can be used and have their stock have full eligibility.

This is another plus for genetic diversity, as it features as a problem in current herd dynamics.

We would hope that the terms of this amnesty, will over the lifetime of the scheme, become part of permanent policy for the breed. Once again, we congratulate HSI on this positive decision.

Seán McGuirk,

On behalf of the IDHS Ltd