Irish Independent: Breeders opting for 'traditional' stamps

More than 400 breeders chose to have their foals' passports officially stamped as 'Traditional' when registered with Horse Sport Ireland in 2013 and the number is expected to grow in 2014.

The move follows a concerted campaign by the Traditional Irish Horse Association (TIHA) to have special recognition for the traditional Irish breeding and cross-breeding of Irish Draught, Thoroughbred and Connemara horses and ponies.

The TIHA was also behind several successful events showcasing traditionally bred horses, including the Festival of Traditional Irish Breeding at Limerick Show, a traditional foal sale at Goresbridge and the Hunter Show and Go at Scarteen.

The association is now calling on breeders to make any proposals on its activities for 2014 and beyond to the TIHA National Council by tomorrow, January 8.

The council is drafting a five-year plan and the AGM will take place on Sunday, February 16th in the Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone at 2pm.

Meanwhile, the TIHA is running a stallion auction with no less than 30 stallion nominations, including Carrick Diamond Lad, Jackaroo, Emperor Augustus, Financial Reward, Spirit House and Cougar, up for grabs.

Full details are available here.

Caitriona Murphy, Irish Independent, Published 7th January 2014