Beecher: Stallion and mare scheme in need of overhaul

Irish Horse Board (IHB) chairman Jim Beecher believes the current stallion and mare inspection and classification regime is no longer fit for purpose and needs change.

He outlined his opinion yesterday after announcing at the AGM of the IHB in Cavan on Tuesday that there would be no stallion inspections next Spring, while a consultation process takes place addressing the merits of the inspection and classification system.

“We are examining the role inspections play. We have an open mind. We see the need for some changes, but we don’t know what they are, which is why we are consulting with people,” said Mr Beecher, who is also chairman of the Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) breeding sub-board.