HORSE Sport Ireland have published updated Irish Draught Horse studbook rules with the former Irish Draught amnesty re-introduced with immediate effect (see section 5.1.4). The amnesty will be in place for a three-year period and is for animals to be classified during that time. This amnesty does not extend to animals with a year of birth inside the three-year amnesty time-frame. This amnesty is effective immediately and will expire on 31 December 2026.

The studbook has also introduced a novel kinship classification method for targeting rare breed mares within the studbook (see section 5.1.2.1). Where the mare meets the kinship percentage for the year in question, they will be classified as ‘Class 1’. The studbook will confirm the 2024 kinship threshold and inform interested breeders where they can apply in due course.

Additional mare selection dates will be considered subject to demand and funding availability.

Owners can download a digital copy of the rules on the HSI website.