THE Kildare Branch of the Irish Draught Breeders Association are busy getting ready for all the sport and thrills that they hope this year’s new show format will deliver with entries closing this Sunday (May 14th).

This year the Kildare Branch are holding an inaugural day of In-Hand classes for yearlings, two and three-year-olds on Saturday, May 20th in the quiet, inviting and spacious arenas of Punchestown starting at 2pm.

The aim is to support our youngstock so they can gain some experience and showcase their early abilities and personalities in a supportive and friendly environment for not only the horse but the handler, owner and breeders alike.

On Sunday, May 21st, the showing kicks off at 10am where a well designed Performance Hunter course including some newly purchased obstacles is promised. There are classes for Irish Draughts in height categories from 80cm up to 1m and also performance classes for TIH, Connemara ponies and leisure horses, with similar height categories. Classes will be held on the all weather arenas in Punchestown and should give anyone looking to get a warm-up show done ahead of some of the bigger events an ideal opportunity to get some ring time.

Notable judges George Chapman (Wexford) is judging the youngstock on Saturday and his son, Aubrey Chapman, is judging the ridden exhibits on Sunday.

There is decent prize money on offer too for all the classes along with Championships and Perpetual Trophies, including breeders’ prizes.

As is now renowned with the IDHBA shows, there’s always a warm welcome and tea and coffee available to all visitors and exhibitors on the day!

All the information is available on the Branch Facebook page or contact the show secretary directly, Elaine O’Meara at 087 6844364 or email idhbakildare@gmail.com. Entries are online only at https://itsplainsailing.com/org/idhbakildare