IDSHS RULES AND OPERATING REGULATIONS
2023 / 2024 PERFORMANCE AWARD SYSTEM
We want to celebrate our members and their wonderful Irish Draughts and Irish Sport Horses. As these are such versatile horses, with members participating in a wide range of equestrian activities, we want to recognise our members and their horses in whatever activities they participate in.
The awards system will operate on a points-based structure, where members earn points for their participation in events, and additional points are awarded for achieving placement in an event.
The awards year will run from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
At the end of the award year, there will be prizes for the highest achievers.
Committee member, Darren Caulfield, has been appointed as our Performance Awards Coordinator.
Points Reward System
Points can be accrued in a wide range of activities, and once you reach a certain number of points, you will receive an IDSHS gift. All points will need to be verified by the IDSHS Performance Award committee member.
Open Competitors
The top four horses achieving the highest number of points will receive prizes.
Amateur Competitors
The top six horses achieving the highest number of points will receive prizes.
How to Accrue Points
The following events will accrue points for competing and placing. Each event is assigned a specific point value, and additional points are awarded based on your placement, up to 6th place.
For each day you compete in the following events, you will earn 10 points:
- Eventing and Horse Trials
- Dressage
- Showjumping
- Combined Training
- Navigation Ride
- Working Equitation
- Endurance
- Western (Campdrafting, reining, cutting, barrel racing, etc.)
- Driving (including reining, delivery vehicles, etc.)
- Polo and polocrosse
- Vaulting
- Para-equestrian
If you attend an event that we have not included, please let us know so that we can endeavor to add it.
In addition, you will receive extra points depending on how you place in the event, with placements awarded up to 6th place:
- 1st place – 6 points
- 2nd place – 5 points
- 3rd place – 4 points
- 4th place – 3 points
- 5th place – 2 points
- 6th place – 1 point
Events with points and additional placing points up to 4th place:
- Hacking and showing – 10 points
In addition, you will receive extra points depending on how you place in the event, with placements awarded up to 4th place:
- Supreme – 6 points
- Champion – 6 points
- Reserve Champion – 5 points
- 1st place – 4 points
- 2nd place – 3 points
- 3rd place – 2 points
- 4th place – 1 point
Events with points for completion only:
The following events held off your property accrue 5 points per day:
- Clinic
- Trail ride
- Hunt club day
- Pony club / adult
- riding club rallies
- Riding lessons
Performance Awards Criteria
Here are the finer details regarding the Performance Award System:
- Points are attributed to horses who are registered (or who have summitted registration paperwork to the Registrar) with the IDSHS.
- Only horses owned by current members are eligible. Riders and/or handlers do NOT need to be members.
- Your registered horse MUST be in your name, so if you need to transfer them into your name, contact us asap.
- Points will only be awarded when evidence is provided such as by a copy of your results (electronic or photos) or photo of you at the event.
- Only events completed during the award year are permitted.
- Point records will be validated by the IDSHS Performance Award coordinator, Darren Caulfield.
How to join the Performance Award System
Membership renewals are open now for the 2023/2024 period. You will be able to select whether you would like to join the awards system at the top of the renewal form. There will be no added cost to join the system.
At any time if you have not joined or your membership has lapsed, but would like to do so, please click this link: Join / Renew Membership
STUDBOOK INSPECTIONS
What you should consider BEFORE bringing your horse forward
Breeding Objectives and Breed Standards
The primary goal of the Irish Draught and Sport Horse Society of Australia (IDSHS) is to breed Irish Draught horses that adhere to the breed standard, exhibiting desirable conformation, movement, and temperament. The Irish Draught is a foundational breed often crossed with thoroughbreds to produce high-quality, versatile horses with excellent athleticism, temperament, and soundness.
The Breed Standard provides a detailed description of the ideal characteristics of the Irish Draught. Inspectors play a crucial role in assessing horses presented for inspection and inclusion in the Stud Book, taking into account their responsibility to owners, breeders, and the entire Irish Draught breed.
Inspectors carefully evaluate stallions, recognizing their potential influence as sires of many offspring. They consider not only the stallion’s adherence to the breed standard but also their ability to enhance the breed by compensating for any shortcomings in modern thoroughbreds.
By upholding these standards and making informed breeding decisions, IDSHS aims to produce Irish Draught horses that possess the desired qualities, ensuring the preservation and improvement of the breed’s quality, substance, and movement.
Studbook Inspections:
Inspections play a vital role in the IDSHS’ commitment to maintaining the integrity of the breed and ensuring the quality of breeding stock. The Stud Book, maintained by IDSHS, serves as a comprehensive record of pedigrees and information for Irish Draught breeding stock.
It’s important to note that the Stud Book specifically focuses on breeding stock, and as such, it does not include geldings. The purpose of the Stud Book is to trace and document the lineage of Irish Draught horses, capturing valuable information that helps breeders make informed decisions regarding breeding programs and maintaining the breed’s standards.
During inspections, qualified inspectors appointed by IDSHS carefully evaluate horses presented for inclusion in the Stud Book. These inspections adhere to the Breed Standard outlined in the IDSHS Operating Regulations, which describes the desired characteristics, conformation, movement, and temperament of the Irish Draught breed.
Through these inspections and the Stud Book, IDSHS aims to ensure the preservation and improvement of the Irish Draught breed in Australia, maintaining the breed’s distinct qualities and contributing to the overall quality, soundness, and versatility of Irish Draught horses.
Eligibility:
Progeny of Registered Irish Draught (RID) Parents:
The horse must have both parents registered as Irish Draught (RID).
OR
Crossbred Horses:
The horse must have a registered Irish Draught (RID) stallion as one parent.
The other parent must be either a registered Thoroughbred stallion/mare with documented proof (ASB registered, ASB verified, or ASB passport).
OR
Approved Crossbred Horses:
The horse must have a registered SID (Sport Irish Draught) or AID (Approved Irish Draught) mare.
The other parent must be a registered Irish Draught (RID) stallion.
In addition to the parentage requirements, the following criteria must be met for acceptance into the Stud Book.
Age Requirement:
The horse must be a minimum of three years old.
Pedigree Registration:
The horse must be pedigree registered and foal identified with the IDSHS.
Microchipping:
The horse must be microchipped for identification purposes.
DNA Testing:
The horse must undergo DNA testing to verify parentage.
Ownership:
The horse must be owned by a financial member of the IDSHS.
Veterinary Soundness Examination:
The horse must pass a thorough veterinary soundness examination.
Inspection:
The horse must be presented for inspection before the panel of IDSHS Inspectors.
It’s important to note that fillies must have at least half Registered Irish Draught lineage (through an RID sire/dam and ASB Thoroughbred) to be eligible for inspection. Colts, on the other hand, will only be inspected if both parents are Registered Irish Draught (RID).
Preparation:
Behavior and Handling:
- It is important that the horse candidate is relaxed and well-behaved when being handled.
- The horse should be able to stand quietly and remain calm during the assessment process.
- The horse should also move freely and comfortably in hand at the walk and trot.
Hoof Trimming or Shoeing:
- To ensure the horse’s comfort and proper movement, hoof trimming or shoeing should be done at least one week before the assessment.
Consideration for Young Fillies and Colts:
- Owners are advised to carefully evaluate their younger fillies and colts.
- Consider if the horse would benefit from additional time to mature before being presented for assessment.
- Reference the breed standard to assess the horse’s development and conformation.
- It’s important not to bring the horse forward too soon or unprepared, as the inspectors evaluate the horse as they see it on the assessment day.
By following these guidelines, owners can help ensure their horses are well-prepared and have the best opportunity for a successful assessment. Taking the time to assess the horse’s readiness and meeting the behavioral and grooming requirements contributes to a more accurate evaluation of the horse’s potential within the breed.
Process:
During the inspection process, the British Inspection Test is utilised to evaluate and score various characteristics of the horse. The inspectors assess the following traits:
- Type (character and temperament)
- Feet
- Forelegs
- Hind legs
- Action (Propulsion)
- Head & Neck
- Shoulder
- Barrel and Back
- Hindquarters
To determine the final score, each inspector independently examines the horse, including picking up its feet. The horse is expected to stand calmly during the inspection and showcase free and confident walking and trotting both on straight lines and on a circle. The assessment considers the horse’s movement, action, temperament, and adherence to the breed standard. Marks are assigned to each characteristic and then totaled.
Afterwards, the inspectors collaborate to reach a consensus on the final mark for each trait and an overall total mark. This final mark determines the horse’s eligibility for entry into the Stud Book.
Following the inspection, the owner is provided with the assessment results and given the opportunity to discuss the outcome with the inspectors. This allows for further clarification and understanding of the evaluation.
Stud Book Categories
Registered Irish Draught – RID
This category applies to both males and females. The sire must be RID. The dam of a male must also be RID. The dam of a female must be RID or AID.
Appendix Irish Draught – AID
This category applies only to females. One parent must be registered Irish Draught (RID).The other parent must be RID, AID and/or SID.
Supplementary Irish Draught – SID
This category applies only to females. One parent must be Registered Irish Draught (RID) and the other parent must provably have only RID and/or registered Thoroughbred blood.
The eligibility of a mare for any category on the basis of pedigree does not guarantee assignment to that category if the mare passes inspection. The category assigned is a separate decision based on both the mare’s expression of Irish Draught type and her overall assessment score.
A mare with a lower assessment score may be placed in a lower category than that for which she is eligible on the basis of pedigree and/or expression of Irish Draught type.
A veterinary inspection and identification must be performed prior to the application of the Society’s Brand and inclusion in the ID Stud Book. The Inspection Panel has the right to refuse registration and branding to any horse that fails the veterinary examination.
Irish Sport Horse Pedigree Register
Purpose:
The purpose of the Irish Sport Horse (ISH) Pedigree Register is to maintain records of the pedigrees and performances of Irish Sport Horses and their progeny.
Additional Functions:
Serves as a holding register of purebred Irish Draught colts and fillies prior to their inspection for the IDSHS Stud Book
A holding register of fillies of Irish Draught and Thoroughbred breeding which are eligible for inspection for the IDSHS Stud Book
A register of all horses with breeding other than Irish Draught and Thoroughbred
The final and ONLY register for ALL geldings, regardless of pedigree
Have at least provable 1/8th Registered Irish Draught blood for fillies and geldings and at least 1/4 Registered Irish Draught blood for colts and stallions
Have met the pedigree registration requirements
Have been DNA tested and microchipped
No formal inspection is carried out by the Inspection Panel of horses seeking entry into the ISH Pedigree Register.
Horses may be presented at any age for the Irish Sport Horse Pedigree Register.
A veterinary inspection and identification must be performed prior to the application of the Society’s Brand and inclusion in ISH Pedigree Register.
The Inspection Panel has the right to refuse registration and branding to any horse that fails the veterinary examination.
The number of horses requiring inspection varies greatly from year to year. This makes it difficult to realistically schedule inspections on a fixed basis. Inspections are conducted, in general, every two years in Queensland and Victoria where breed numbers are largest. Inspections in other states are conducted on a needs basis.
Where possible, owners are asked to bring horses to central points to minimise costs to the society and to maximise the effectiveness of the inspectors, the veterinary surgeon and the brander. This also enables owners and breeders to meet, chat and compare stock. However, visits have been made by the inspectors to individual properties in all states to facilitate the registration of stock in more distant areas.
Upcoming Studbook Inspection Dates
If you have a horse that is eligible to be studbook inspected, please contact the secretary/registrar for Inspection dates in your area.
The 2024 National Tour will be set between September and October. More information will be sent out to members when it becomes available. If you have any questions about studbook inspections, please do not hesitate to contact us.
(Subject to numbers and Covid-19 restrictions)
QLD
TBA
NSW
TBA
VIC
TBA
TAS
TBA
SA
TBA
WA
TBA
IDSHS MEMBERS
IDSHS RULES AND OPERATING REGULATIONS
2023 / 2024 PERFORMANCE AWARD SYSTEM
We want to celebrate our members and their wonderful Irish Draughts and Irish Sport Horses. As these are such versatile horses, with members participating in a wide range of equestrian activities, we want to recognise our members and their horses in whatever activities they participate in.
The awards system will operate on a points-based structure, where members earn points for their participation in events, and additional points are awarded for achieving placement in an event.
The awards year will run from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
At the end of the award year, there will be prizes for the highest achievers.
Committee member, Darren Caulfield, has been appointed as our Performance Awards Coordinator.
Points Reward System
Points can be accrued in a wide range of activities, and once you reach a certain number of points, you will receive an IDSHS gift. All points will need to be verified by the IDSHS Performance Award committee member.
Open Competitors
The top four horses achieving the highest number of points will receive prizes.
Amateur Competitors
The top six horses achieving the highest number of points will receive prizes.
How to Accrue Points
The following events will accrue points for competing and placing. Each event is assigned a specific point value, and additional points are awarded based on your placement, up to 6th place.
For each day you compete in the following events, you will earn 10 points:
- Eventing and Horse Trials
- Dressage
- Showjumping
- Combined Training
- Navigation Ride
- Working Equitation
- Endurance
- Western (Campdrafting, reining, cutting, barrel racing, etc.)
- Driving (including reining, delivery vehicles, etc.)
- Polo and polocrosse
- Vaulting
- Para-equestrian
If you attend an event that we have not included, please let us know so that we can endeavor to add it.
In addition, you will receive extra points depending on how you place in the event, with placements awarded up to 6th place:
- 1st place – 6 points
- 2nd place – 5 points
- 3rd place – 4 points
- 4th place – 3 points
- 5th place – 2 points
- 6th place – 1 point
Events with points and additional placing points up to 4th place:
- Hacking and showing – 10 points
In addition, you will receive extra points depending on how you place in the event, with placements awarded up to 4th place:
- Supreme – 6 points
- Champion – 6 points
- Reserve Champion – 5 points
- 1st place – 4 points
- 2nd place – 3 points
- 3rd place – 2 points
- 4th place – 1 point
Events with points for completion only:
The following events held off your property accrue 5 points per day:
- Clinic
- Trail ride
- Hunt club day
- Pony club / adult riding club rallies
- Riding lessons
Performance Awards Criteria
Here are the finer details regarding the Performance Award System:
- Points are attributed to horses who are registered (or who have summitted registration paperwork to the Registrar) with the IDSHS.
- Only horses owned by current members are eligible. Riders and/or handlers do NOT need to be members.
- Your registered horse MUST be in your name, so if you need to transfer them into your name, contact us asap.
- Points will only be awarded when evidence is provided such as by a copy of your results (electronic or photos) or photo of you at the event.
- Only events completed during the award year are permitted.
- Point records will be validated by the IDSHS Performance Award coordinator, Darren Caulfield.
How to join the Performance Award System
Membership renewals are open now for the 2023/2024 period. You will be able to select whether you would like to join the awards system at the top of the renewal form. There will be no added cost to join the system.
At any time if you have not joined or your membership has lapsed, but would like to do so, please click this link: Join / Renew Membership
STUDBOOK INSPECTIONS
What you should consider BEFORE bringing your horse forward
Breeding Objectives and Breed Standards
The primary goal of the Irish Draught and Sport Horse Society of Australia (IDSHS) is to breed Irish Draught horses that adhere to the breed standard, exhibiting desirable conformation, movement, and temperament. The Irish Draught is a foundational breed often crossed with thoroughbreds to produce high-quality, versatile horses with excellent athleticism, temperament, and soundness.
The Breed Standard provides a detailed description of the ideal characteristics of the Irish Draught. Inspectors play a crucial role in assessing horses presented for inspection and inclusion in the Stud Book, taking into account their responsibility to owners, breeders, and the entire Irish Draught breed.
Inspectors carefully evaluate stallions, recognizing their potential influence as sires of many offspring. They consider not only the stallion’s adherence to the breed standard but also their ability to enhance the breed by compensating for any shortcomings in modern thoroughbreds.
By upholding these standards and making informed breeding decisions, IDSHS aims to produce Irish Draught horses that possess the desired qualities, ensuring the preservation and improvement of the breed’s quality, substance, and movement.
Studbook Inspections:
Inspections play a vital role in the IDSHS’ commitment to maintaining the integrity of the breed and ensuring the quality of breeding stock. The Stud Book, maintained by IDSHS, serves as a comprehensive record of pedigrees and information for Irish Draught breeding stock.
It’s important to note that the Stud Book specifically focuses on breeding stock, and as such, it does not include geldings. The purpose of the Stud Book is to trace and document the lineage of Irish Draught horses, capturing valuable information that helps breeders make informed decisions regarding breeding programs and maintaining the breed’s standards.
During inspections, qualified inspectors appointed by IDSHS carefully evaluate horses presented for inclusion in the Stud Book. These inspections adhere to the Breed Standard outlined in the IDSHS Operating Regulations, which describes the desired characteristics, conformation, movement, and temperament of the Irish Draught breed.
Through these inspections and the Stud Book, IDSHS aims to ensure the preservation and improvement of the Irish Draught breed in Australia, maintaining the breed’s distinct qualities and contributing to the overall quality, soundness, and versatility of Irish Draught horses.
Eligibility:
Progeny of Registered Irish Draught (RID) Parents:
The horse must have both parents registered as Irish Draught (RID).
OR
Crossbred Horses:
The horse must have a registered Irish Draught (RID) stallion as one parent.
The other parent must be either a registered Thoroughbred stallion/mare with documented proof (ASB registered, ASB verified, or ASB passport).
OR
Approved Crossbred Horses:
The horse must have a registered SID (Sport Irish Draught) or AID (Approved Irish Draught) mare.
The other parent must be a registered Irish Draught (RID) stallion.
In addition to the parentage requirements, the following criteria must be met for acceptance into the Stud Book.
Age Requirement:
The horse must be a minimum of three years old.
Pedigree Registration:
The horse must be pedigree registered and foal identified with the IDSHS.
Microchipping:
The horse must be microchipped for identification purposes.
DNA Testing:
The horse must undergo DNA testing to verify parentage.
Ownership:
The horse must be owned by a financial member of the IDSHS.
Veterinary Soundness Examination:
The horse must pass a thorough veterinary soundness examination.
Inspection:
The horse must be presented for inspection before the panel of IDSHS Inspectors.
It’s important to note that fillies must have at least half Registered Irish Draught lineage (through an RID sire/dam and ASB Thoroughbred) to be eligible for inspection. Colts, on the other hand, will only be inspected if both parents are Registered Irish Draught (RID).
Preparation:
Behavior and Handling:
- It is important that the horse candidate is relaxed and well-behaved when being handled.
- The horse should be able to stand quietly and remain calm during the assessment process.
- The horse should also move freely and comfortably in hand at the walk and trot.
Hoof Trimming or Shoeing:
- To ensure the horse’s comfort and proper movement, hoof trimming or shoeing should be done at least one week before the assessment.
Consideration for Young Fillies and Colts:
- Owners are advised to carefully evaluate their younger fillies and colts.
- Consider if the horse would benefit from additional time to mature before being presented for assessment.
- Reference the breed standard to assess the horse’s development and conformation.
- It’s important not to bring the horse forward too soon or unprepared, as the inspectors evaluate the horse as they see it on the assessment day.
By following these guidelines, owners can help ensure their horses are well-prepared and have the best opportunity for a successful assessment. Taking the time to assess the horse’s readiness and meeting the behavioral and grooming requirements contributes to a more accurate evaluation of the horse’s potential within the breed.
Process:
During the inspection process, the British Inspection Test is utilised to evaluate and score various characteristics of the horse. The inspectors assess the following traits:
- Type (character and temperament)
- Feet
- Forelegs
- Hind legs
- Action (Propulsion)
- Head & Neck
- Shoulder
- Barrel and Back
- Hindquarters
To determine the final score, each inspector independently examines the horse, including picking up its feet. The horse is expected to stand calmly during the inspection and showcase free and confident walking and trotting both on straight lines and on a circle. The assessment considers the horse’s movement, action, temperament, and adherence to the breed standard. Marks are assigned to each characteristic and then totaled.
Afterwards, the inspectors collaborate to reach a consensus on the final mark for each trait and an overall total mark. This final mark determines the horse’s eligibility for entry into the Stud Book.
Following the inspection, the owner is provided with the assessment results and given the opportunity to discuss the outcome with the inspectors. This allows for further clarification and understanding of the evaluation.
Stud Book Categories
Registered Irish Draught – RID
This category applies to both males and females. The sire must be RID. The dam of a male must also be RID. The dam of a female must be RID or AID.
Appendix Irish Draught – AID
This category applies only to females. One parent must be registered Irish Draught (RID).The other parent must be RID, AID and/or SID.
Supplementary Irish Draught – SID
This category applies only to females. One parent must be Registered Irish Draught (RID) and the other parent must provably have only RID and/or registered Thoroughbred blood.
The eligibility of a mare for any category on the basis of pedigree does not guarantee assignment to that category if the mare passes inspection. The category assigned is a separate decision based on both the mare’s expression of Irish Draught type and her overall assessment score.
A mare with a lower assessment score may be placed in a lower category than that for which she is eligible on the basis of pedigree and/or expression of Irish Draught type.
A veterinary inspection and identification must be performed prior to the application of the Society’s Brand and inclusion in the ID Stud Book. The Inspection Panel has the right to refuse registration and branding to any horse that fails the veterinary examination.
Irish Sport Horse Pedigree Register
Purpose:
The purpose of the Irish Sport Horse (ISH) Pedigree Register is to maintain records of the pedigrees and performances of Irish Sport Horses and their progeny.
Additional Functions:
Serves as a holding register of purebred Irish Draught colts and fillies prior to their inspection for the IDSHS Stud Book
A holding register of fillies of Irish Draught and Thoroughbred breeding which are eligible for inspection for the IDSHS Stud Book
A register of all horses with breeding other than Irish Draught and Thoroughbred
The final and ONLY register for ALL geldings, regardless of pedigree
Requirements for Entry:
Have at least provable 1/8th Registered Irish Draught blood for fillies and geldings and at least 1/4 Registered Irish Draught blood for colts and stallions
Have met the pedigree registration requirements
Have been DNA tested and microchipped
The number of horses requiring inspection varies greatly from year to year. This makes it difficult to realistically schedule inspections on a fixed basis. Inspections are conducted, in general, every two years in Queensland and Victoria where breed numbers are largest. Inspections in other states are conducted on a needs basis.
Where possible, owners are asked to bring horses to central points to minimise costs to the society and to maximise the effectiveness of the inspectors, the veterinary surgeon and the brander. This also enables owners and breeders to meet, chat and compare stock. However, visits have been made by the inspectors to individual properties in all states to facilitate the registration of stock in more distant areas.
Upcoming Studbook Inspection Dates
If you have a horse that is eligible to be studbook inspected, please contact the secretary/registrar for Inspection dates in your area.
The 2024 National Tour will be set between September and October. More information will be sent out to members when it becomes available. If you have any questions about studbook inspections, please do not hesitate to contact us.
(Subject to numbers and Covid-19 restrictions)
QLD
TBA
NSW
TBA
VIC
TBA
TAS
TBA
SA
TBA
WA
TBA