HSI take a lead from French on breeding strategy

IT could be described as vive la difference for Horse Sport Ireland as it adopts a more laissez faire approach with its proposed breeding formula which, according to chairman Joe Walsh, has been devised with the help of the French national stud.

The new policy — unveiled last Friday as part of HSI’s draft strategic plan — will see the dispensing of the current stallion approval scheme. In its place, while stallions will continue to be assessed, the information will be published to help breeders make an educated assessment.

As with the Selle Francais, success in the competition field and the success of offspring and other relatives will influence the grading of a horse.