Selling online with the Irish Horse Gateway
RECORDED PEDIGREES
White passports are still representing a very high proportion of equine registrations in Ireland which is of no benefit to the Traditional Irish Horse sector or the equine industry in general. The TIHA development strategy will promote responsible breeding of quality horses that requires fully recorded pedigree to achieve recognition within the TIH Category of the ISH studbook.
Through our development strategy, TIHA aims to educate breeders on the merits and benefits of breeding horses using the best genetics. The scientific and market driven strategy will be focusing at all times on quality. The benefits will include a reduction in the breeding of horses of inferior quality. TIHA aims to focus the minds of breeders and producers, building on a foundation of recorded pedigrees of merit that are fit for purpose and market so as to improve the standard of the Traditional Irish Horse.
RESPONSIBLE BREEDING
Through the TIHA development plan, the TIHA will be continually reviewing annual data and production numbers and sales figures. This knowledge will help to ensure that there is no over breeding of the wrong product to contribute to welfare situations of horses of low value and with no market. The TIHA is striving to ensure responsible market led breeding only. Through a wide range of communications platforms, the TIHA breeder will have access to a wealth of data to support and guide them to be in position to make informed commercial decisions in relation to their breeding plans leading to better-bred horses fit for purpose and market
Breeding
Ireland has a world-famous reputation for the production of exceptional sporting and leisure horses and ponies. From top performance to a simple lifestyle, the Irish horse can match every rider’s ability and ambition. Breeding is the largest sector in Ireland’s Sport Horse industry and there are currently over 15,000 active breeders. The current Sport Horse population in Ireland is estimated at over 135,700 animals.
Pedigree Research
Pedigree research is vital in supporting breeding decisions. Horse Sport Ireland has an online database - CapaillOir has now replaced IHR online. It is available on www.horsesource.ie - you will need to create an account & login to examine and trace pedigrees. This is an excellent tool for breeders and buyers alike to research the breeding and performance of horses. It can be used at a pre-purchase stage, breeding planning stage or for educational & research purposes
Passports, Registrations & Inspections
TIHA Mare Scheme
The Traditional Irish Horse Association Performance Mare Scheme opens for applications each Spring.
Aims of the scheme:
• To give financial recognition to breeders who breed from quality traditionally bred mares capable of producing top quality TIH foals with performance potential
• Breeders will receive €300 on registration of qualifying foals. An additional outcross
supplement of €200 may also be payable.
• To increase the herd of quality TIH stock with performance potential which will in time
and with suitable nurture, achieve success in various equestrian disciplines
How the scheme works:
The Breeder submits details of qualifying mares to the TIHA via the TIHA page on www.ItsPlainSailing.ie or by completing the attached form and sending it to
breeding@traditionalirishhorseassociation.ie.
• The TIHA review the mare’s details and confirm to the Breeder that the mare is accepted for the Scheme.
• In 2027, when the foal registered as a Traditional Irish Horse (“TIH”) foal, the Breeder submits a copy of the foal’s passport to the TIHA via email to
breeding@traditionalirishhorseassociation.ie.
• The TIHA then pays €300 by electronic funds transfer to the Breeder of the foal. An additional outcross supplement of €200 is available for any foal that is a total outcross to Cruising, Clover Hill and King of Diamonds.
Conditions of Entry:
1. The mare must be Irish Draught, Connemara, Thoroughbred or Traditional Irish Horse
(TIH) only. TIH status can be confirmed by checking for the “TIH” designation on the mare’s passport or checking for the shamrock symbol on the mare’s record on CapallÓir (online register) accessed through www.HorseSource.ie.
2. Applicants must be current 2026 members of the TIHA. Membership can be purchased on www.ItsPlainSailing.ie at a cost of €25 for annual membership.
3. The mare or her progeny must have:
Jumped to at least 1.30 show jumping
or
Evented to 3* level
or
Have direct family that competed at this level.
4. NEW FOR 2026 Thoroughbred mares that have achieved Select Status at the Horse Sport
Ireland Mare Inspections will now be eligible for the Scheme.
5. The foal produced must registered and designated as a Traditional Irish Horse (“TIH”).
6. The Sire of the foal must be (a) Approved or (b) NA 1 in the Irish Sport Horse Stud Book,
or Approved (Class 1 or Class 2) in the Irish Draught or Connemara Stud Books.
7. It is recommended that the foal will have at least 40% Thoroughbred Blood
Interested breeders should submit details of qualifying mares to the TIHA via the below form or via https://www.itsplainsailing.com/org/tiha
For further information on conditions of entry visit the TIHA Facebook page or contact breeding@traditionalirishhorseassociation.ie.
Closing Date for Applications: 26th April 2026
(Please note the deadline will be strictly adhered to)
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Portlaoise Modern Times
At the TIHA Performance Championships in September 2022 Portlaoise Modern Time ISH (TIH) won the class for 3 & 4 year old fillies. She also won TIH prize at the HSI Loose Jumping in Tubberbride in Autumn 2022. Bred by John Kerr & David Molloy, this filly is by Portlaoise First Tuch out of Royella (Ballinvella). This filly is from the direct dam line of the Approved Stallion Clover Flush ISH (TIH) who show jumped to 1.60m.
Portlaoise Coffeebean
At the HSI Loose Jumping Competition in Kernans in Autumn 2022 another graduate Portlaoise Coffeebean ISH (TIH) was the highest placed TIH. This 2019 born fillly is by Portlaoise First Tuch out of the Cruising sired dam Roadstown Cruise and bred by David Molloy. This fillies damline is rich in performance including her half siblings 4* Event Horse Fernhill Dreamaway ISH & 145cm Showjumper Roadstown Lord ISH.
TIHA Mare Scheme Graduates
In 2022 some top-quality graduates of the TIHA Performance Mare Scheme come to the fore when two exceptional three year old fillies were successful in loose-jumping competition.
Photo credits: Jumpinaction Photography