Dowdstown Purple (Quinn), ridden and owned by Jono Fryer, made a successful bid to regain the British Horse Feeds & IDHS (GB) supreme ridden Irish Draught championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The dapple grey 10-year-old, by Crosstown Dancer out of Dowdstown Jane, and Jono qualified for the supreme showdown after winning the British Horse Feeds & IDHS (GB) ridden full Irish Draught final.

“He’s a proper diva,” laughed Jono. “People say he’s been a fantastic servant to us, but that’s not true – we’re his servants and we’re at his beck and call.”

Despite his larger-than-life personality, Quinn has become one of the most consistent horses on the circuit.

“He’s Mr Consistent,” said Jono. “He’s always there in the top line-up and he just keeps producing. We‘re very lucky to have such an amazing pure-bred Irish Draught.”

The pair won the inaugural Irish Draught championship here in 2024. The British Horse Feeds-sponsored championship was created to celebrate the quality and versatility of full and part-bred Irish Draughts, providing the breed with a prestigious championship at Hickstead and an opportunity to showcase its many attributes. Jono believes the class is already helping to change perceptions of the breed.

“Over the last three years we’ve known two or three people every year who have gone looking for an Irish Draught after watching this championship,” he said. “That‘s really important.

“People need to realise the different shapes and sizes they come in and the way they move. They’re not cart horses – they’re the backbone of so many disciplines and they’re incredibly versatile.”

Also a winner at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), this latest Hickstead success further cements Dowdstown Purple's place among the country's leading Irish Draughts.

Occupying the runner-up spot in the championship was the winner of the part-bred class, Polly Coles’ My Diamond Solitair, ridden by Simon Reynolds.

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A “groundbreaking” new approach will allow horses without recorded pedigrees be considered for entry into the Irish Draught Horse Studbook (IDHS) in a move to restore rare bloodlines – an initiative that could help other native breeds in future.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has introduced the “genomic grade-up rule” for IDHS, described by the governing body as “the first initiative of its kind in an Irish sport horse studbook”. Breeders can submit a hair sample – at a cost of €200 (£173) – and using advanced genomic tools, it will be assessed whether the animal “carries the core genetic make-up of a pure-bred Irish Draught”.

Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and once approved, horses will be designated “genomic grade up” in the supplementary section of the studbook. Their progeny, by or out of another Irish Draught, will be eligible for the studbook’s main section.

“This provides a scientifically robust pathway for identifying and restoring rare or long‑absent Irish Draught bloodlines, strengthening the future of Ireland’s national breed,” said an HSI spokesperson, adding that this genomic technique is also being investigated for use with the traditional Irish horse designation.

HSI head of breeding, innovation and development Sonja Egan said the genomic grade-up is a “significant and forward-looking step for the studbook, and in support of daughter societies worldwide”.

“The studbook has embraced existing genomic research and genomic technologies, which have the power to protect the integrity of the breed while creating new opportunities to reintroduce valuable bloodlines that may otherwise be lost,” said Dr Egan.

“It marks a major milestone in how we conserve and strengthen the Irish Draught horse population, with significant potential for development in the traditional Irish horse population and, where other studbooks are interested, other native rare breeds.”

HSI senior equine geneticist Jennifer Doyle added that she is “delighted to support breeders” with this new innovative method of identifying Irish Draughts.

“The potential to identify these horses that would otherwise have been lost to the ID studbook marks a significant change in our ability to conserve and protect bloodlines in an important native rare breed,” said Dr Doyle, adding that this is just “one benefit of many”, using this type of genotyping.

“I hope this launch is the first of many genomic discoveries that will support the many dedicated breeders of our native rare breeds.”

Olive Broderick of Kylemore Stud told H&H she and some other breeders believe that the breed needs genetic diversity and “any help in this area would be beneficial” – but added that rare bloodlines are “mostly rare because the stallions were not used as they were not considered good enough”.

Mrs Broderick suggested that an appendix register – accommodating approved Irish draught (AID) mares – should be reinstated for horses that have been inspected and are true to type, as this “added greatly to the quality of the breed”.

“AID mares generally were 25% thoroughbred. Crossed again to Irish Draught and you were almost full Irish Draught, but the quality and hybrid vigour it brought to the breed was very notable. This would be very interesting and worthwhile once more in my opinion,” she said.

Mrs Broderick said that she sees no harm in the grade up – on the basis that horses are inspected first.

“I would suggest it be allowed only for a limited time and number initially and the resulting foals born from the newly upgraded stock be closely inspected and followed for four years,” she said.

Irish Draughts are on the Rare Breed Survival Trust watchlist and the organisation’s chief executive Christopher Price told H&H the initiative “represents a positive, science-led step” in conserving the breed.

“Advanced genomic tools can assess whether an individual animal has the correct genetic make-up for inclusion in the supplementary section of the studbook. Alongside traditional pedigree recording and registration, which remain vital for long-term breed management and continuity, similar genomic tools could also be considered to support conservation in other native breeds that have defined a clear genetic profile,” he said.

“There are many reasons why pedigree records may be incomplete or lost and this system can create a pathway for such animals to contribute to the future of the breed while ensuring breed integrity is maintained.”

An Irish Draught Horse Society of Great Britain (IDHS (GB)) spokesperson told H&H the society learned of the rule on 18 March and “needs to assess what it will mean for IDHS (GB) in practice”.

“We need time to study the scientific literature underpinning the new development, consult with our council and members and ask HSI how the implementation of the rule will impact on current methods of evaluation,” said the spokesperson.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Blarney Quercus gave owners Peter and Kathy Bowdler just the tonic as he claimed the British Horse Feeds and Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) (IDHS (GB)) full ridden Irish Draught final and the overall section championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The eight-year-old Baltydaniel Romeo gelding was ridden by his producer Charles Le Moignon to victory.

”

Quercus was bred at Blarney Castle, and bought by Peter and Kathy as a foal after they saw him win at Dublin.

“They like to do that, buy them as babies and run them on,” said Charles, “and I’m fortunate enough to be able to ride them afterwards.”

He added: “Peter and Kathy couldn’t be better owners; they never put any pressure on and win or lose, we just have a nice day. So it was marvellous to be able to do this for them, particularly with Peter having been so poorly.”

Peter has recently undergone open-heart surgery having been rushed to Morriston hospital in early June, so neither he nor Kathy was able to witness the victory, which Charles hoped would be “just the tonic.”

Kathy received the news for both over the phone, and shed happy tears.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” she said. “We were sorry to have missed it, but it would have been a bit too far for Peter to travel just yet and are grateful to everyone who has kept us up to date on what’s happening.”

Charles was equally positive about Quercus himself: “He’s a gentleman. At my age, I only have nice temperament horses, but he really is an absolute gentleman. He’s been very well brought up and is a lovely, lovely horse who is just coming into his own.”

The team will now aim Quercus at some Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers.

“Looking forward to the next few years, there’s so much more to come from this horse. That’s the great thing about him, he’s got a future rather than a past.”

Reserve champion was awarded to the winner of the British Horse Feeds and Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) (IDHS (GB)) ridden Irish Draught sports horse/ part bred Irish Draught division. This was Myles Cooper astride Alan Marnie’s recent recruit, Under Attack.

Formerly owned by Myles’ long-term owner Liz Worthy, he has been produced for the past few seasons by Simon and Natalie Reynolds. As Myles is a director of Alan’s business and he’s now under Alan’s ownership, he will move to Team Marnie’s HQ in August.

The nine-year-old was bred by Billy Moran by Billy’s prolific stock-getter Tiger Attack and is a regular on the middleweight hunter scene as well as Irish Draught classes.

Ride judge Matthew McGivern said: “My co-judge and I were really splitting hairs in the championship. But the pure Irish Draught winner who was our eventual champion never missed a beat all the way through, and just had the edge for me. They are both beautiful horses, though, and it could easily have gone the other way.

“Our champion gave me a superb ride – you could tell he was so well prepared. But the standard has been very high throughout. There was a real mixture of established and younger horses, and the atmosphere lit up a few, but not one gave me a disappointing ride.”

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Last season, the inaugural British Horse Feeds and Irish Draught Horse Society (IDHS) of Great Britain supreme ridden Irish Draught championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) welcomed top-class competition. 2025 Royal International Irish Draught judge Matthew McGivern will be assessing the ride phase of the class, and gives insight into his background and what he will be looking for on the day…

Who is Matthew McGivern?

Matthew’s passion for horses began with his grandfather, who was heavily involved in the South Pembrokeshire Hunt, and “took no encouragement” to keep Matthew home from school so that they could follow hounds. As well as hunting, Matthew spent his childhood competing in an array of Pony Club competitions.

“It was a ‘learn to stay on until you can’ sort of childhood experience,” recalls Matthew.

His first love was eventing, and Matthew travelled and worked on eventing yards until his career was interrupted by a back injury, which prompted a shift towards showing.

“I had a couple of young horses coming through, and wondered what else they could do,” he explains. “So I fell into showing in a way but hit the ground running and enjoyed it.”

Matthew believes that you can learn a great deal from observing professionals, and cites the late greats, Robert Oliver and Allister Hood as two inspirations.

Matthew now works for the NHS, but continues to enjoy showing and producing alongside Pembrokeshire based breeder, Sarah Baker.

He led Heronsmill Tiger Lilly – whose dam, Copybush Eye Of The Tiger is a full sister to Sarah’s 1994 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in-hand supreme champion Copybush Catchphrase – to win the Price Family In-Hand Supreme at HOYS in 2019. He also led Copybush So Fashion to qualify for the same prestigious final last term.

Judging experience

Matthew – typically laid back – fell into judging, too.

“It was purely by accident. I had a horse for Sarah Whitfield, who was a quirky, beautiful, pure Irish Draught that I fell in love with – he was my first introduction to the breed,” says Matthew. “When it came to selling him, I found him a lovely home, and his new owners, who were fans of the breed, suggested I try for the Irish Draught panel.”

Matthew has since thoroughly enjoyed judging at the Irish Draught championships among other appointments, and he has also been appointed to the Retraining of Racehorses panel.

What will Matthew be looking for on the day?

Matthew is “absolutely” looking forward to his appointment to assess the 2025 Royal International Irish Draught class alongside conformation judge, Sue Deakin.

On the go-round, Matthew will be looking for a horse that “is mannerly, covers the ground and has free-flowing movement appropriate for its breed.”

He explains: “Traditionally, the Irish Draught is a jack-of-all trades; they worked the farm, went hunting on a Saturday and pulled a cart to church on a Sunday, but this doesn’t excuse their way of going in a showing class. They should go correctly and give a pleasant ride.”

Once on board, manners are again going to be important to Matthew, and his winning mark will be awarded to a horse that “knows its job” and is “light in the hand.”

Nevertheless, “I don’t want anything that’s ponderous,” says Matthew. “I don’t want anything that you’ve got to be booting along or driving like a tractor. I’d like to get on, and be able to appreciate the work someone has put into its ride.”

As for pet hates…

“There’s nothing worse than when you see a big horse that is getting rushed out of its rhythm to try and make it look like something is not. I would much rather see something go correctly, than a rider trying to force something that is unnatural to an animal. These are Irish Draughts, not Valegro!

“Also, I don’t like anything that either snatches the bridle or won’t accept a contact. I would like to think that I’ve got quite light but guiding hands, but believe anything you ride, regardless of what type it is, should be able to accept a contact and be able to work correctly from leg to hand.

“Neither do I like a manufactured contact. It needs to be something that works correctly from behind and goes up into your hand, rather than something that’s pinned down at the front.”

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The equestrian world can be tough and competitive and critical.

But it can also be the most supportive, kindest, most wonderful place, as demonstrated perfectly at Lincolnshire County Show this week.

Farrier and breeder Matthew Strawson stepped in to save the day on 18 June, when Gillian Black, whom he had never met, fainted before her class. Not only did he take her two-year-old Irish Draught Fuerty Supremacy into his in-hand class, and won, he then took him into the championship, for which Matthew’s own mare and foal had also qualified.

“River” stood champion, and Gillian told H&H she wanted to share the story to give Matthew the credit he is due.

“I’ll always be grateful to him,” she said. “I thought ‘God, would anybody else have done that? And then I thought, that doesn’t matter, because he did, didn’t he? He didn’t have to do it but it was a lovely, lovely thing to do.”

Gillian said she thinks it was the heat on Wednesday (18 June) that caused her to faint; the temperature was recorded somewhere on the showground at 31C. She had shown River in one class that morning and was fine.

“I was standing at the side of the ring and said to my friend ‘I don’t feel well’, next minute I fainted and was on the floor,” she said. “My next class came up really fast and I could hear people saying ‘Is there anyone who could take this horse in as she’s fainted’.”

Matthew, of Brook House Farm Irish Draught stud, came to the rescue, and brought River to Gillian after they had won their class, by which time she was recovering in a chair.

“He said ‘We’ve got a problem now’,” she said. “He said ‘You’re in the championship and so are my mare and foal; we’re in together!’”

Matthew’s Melrose Girl and her foal Raymond had also qualified, and of course Matthew could not lead them and River in the championship.

“River is 17hh, powerful and strong, and has only been castrated five weeks,” Gillian said. “I still felt dithery and my legs were like jelly, I couldn’t do it. He said ‘You’ve got to take him in, he might win this championship, he’s absolutely amazing’. I just couldn’t, so he said ‘Right. I’ll take him in’.”

There was time to get organised and by the time of the championship, Gillian felt well enough to lead the foal, while Matthew took River.

“He took the champion, and we got called in with the mare and foal too,” she said. “It’s just a lovely, lovely story. If this doesn’t show good, true showmanship from another competitor, helping somebody else out when their own horses were in the same class, I don’t know what does.”

The three posed for pictures afterwards by the ring, and River caused amusement by reaching up to nuzzle Matthew’s face.

“Everyone started laughing, saying ‘He likes him’,” she said. “I messaged when I got home to say it was such a kind thing to do. I couldn’t thank him enough. He said he was happy to help and it was really well deserved; he’s beautiful.”

The pair have since found out they had connected on social media; Gillian runs Irish Draught groups and had shared the Strawsons’ stallions, but neither knew who the other was at the time.

Matthew told H&H his family shows for pleasure and a hobby.

“Anyone would have done it in my shoes,” he said. “I just saw this lovely horse and people saying he needed someone to show him, and said ‘I’ll do it’!

“He was absolutely beautiful, a lovely big old boy, and I was chatting to him the whole way round, and he was really responsive. And we must have done all right as the judge loved him. I thought he was going to win.”

Matthew said the Irish Draught community is a very friendly and supportive one.

“It was a pleasure to do it,” he added. “He was a lovely horse to run with.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A former police horse who led the procession at Prince Harry’s wedding and was thanked for his work by Ed Sheeran – and was a “beloved companion, a true equine hero” – has died aged 23.

The Horse Trust confirmed that 17.2hh Irish draught gelding Rubin had succumbed to a “sudden and severe” bout of colic, after a happy retirement.

A spokesperson for the charity said Rubin joined South Wales Police aged four and became the mounted branch’s longest-serving equine recruit, “dedicating an incredible 14 years to the force”.

“He was widely regarded as one of their best and bravest, always leading by example and offering steady guidance to younger, less experienced horses,” the spokesperson said.

“A horse of many talents, Rubin played a key role in some of the most prestigious and high-profile events in recent history. He proudly led the procession at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, alongside fellow Horse Trust resident Samson, basking in the attention.”

Rubin was also on duty at the London Olympics, Royal Ascot, Six Nations rugby matches and a NATO conference, as well as many other community and ceremonial events.

“He even rubbed shoulders with the stars and was thanked in person by singer Ed Sheeran for policing his four nights at the Principality Stadium,” the spokesperson said. “Whether standing guard at an art display or providing reassurance in the heart of a bustling crowd, Rubin carried out his duties with unwavering courage and grace.

“In the later years of his career, Rubin became a trusted teacher, helping new and inexperienced riders find their confidence. Always dependable, always steady, he ensured those in his care felt safe. He was a true gentle giant, known for his affectionate nature, he loved his cuddles (or ‘cwtches’ as his Welsh teammates fondly called them) and would happily stand for hours being groomed by his two and four-legged friends alike.”

Rubin arrived at the Horse Trust in 2022 for a “well-earned retirement filled with love, care, and adoration from his devoted supporters”.

“He was a firm favourite at our open days, always eager to greet visitors with his signature warmth and charm,” the spokesperson said. “His passing, after a sudden and severe bout of colic, was a heartbreaking loss. Despite the very best efforts of our veterinary team, the prognosis for recovery was very poor, and the incredibly difficult decision was made to let him go peacefully.

“Rubin was not just a remarkable police horse, he was a beloved companion, a guardian, a teacher and a true equine hero. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, and he will for ever be remembered with love, gratitude, and immense respect.

“Rest in peace, Rubin. We miss you already.”

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The inaugural British Horse Feeds and Irish Draught Horse Society (IDHS) of Great Britain supreme ridden Irish Draught championship held on day five of the 2024 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) welcomed top-class competition.

Making history by lifting the first-ever championship sash was Ingrid Shervington Jones’ home-bred six-year-old Goosey Gander, winner of the sport horse section, ridden by his producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable.

The final was introduced to the 2024 schedule by British Horse Feeds, breed enthusiast Simon Reynolds and the IDHS with the aim of nurturing and highlighting the breed. There were 13 qualifying opportunities held throughout the year for the two classes; pure-bred Irish draughts and Irish sport horses with a minimum of 25% Irish draught blood.

Goosey Gander — who is known as Basher at home — is a son of Crosstown Dancer-sired Corrindon Dancer and Grey Goose

“When I first heard about this final I was delighted, as I knew I had this lad to ride this season,” said Katie. “I think it’s an amazing step forward for this fantastic, versatile breed by giving them a presence at such a big, prestigious show. I feel honoured to have taken part in it, let alone win the title.

“The Irish Draught has had such an influence on our show hunter breeding,” Katie added. “All the showing community is here watching, too, and it’s been an amazing experience.”

Basher was sent to Katie via Wyn Morris to sell on. But when he arrived Ingrid approached Katie about showing him.

“I absolutely love him and he is just a legend,” said Katie, whose husband Chris Hunnable debuted him in the show ring last term before Katie took the reins. “I actually had The King’s hack entered here at Hickstead, but unfortunately it clashed and I particularly wanted to ride in the first RIHS Irish Draught final.”

Basher has had four wins from six outings this season. He’ll be aimed at the breed society’s championships before he will head to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Ingrid breeds few horses, as Katie explained: “She’s a small-scale breeder and Basher was bred on her chicken farm.”

Jono Fryer’s pure-bred gelding Dowdstown Purple finished reserve in the supreme ridden Irish Draught championship. The Crosstown Dancer nine-year-old, who is out of Dowdstown Jane, is enjoying his best RIHS run to date, having stood amateur supreme hunter champion the previous day.

Second in the sport horse final was Emma Gibson’s Greenall seven-year-old Greenhall All Business (Claire Oliver). Jo Baker’s former HOYS maxi cob winner Chantilly Sandman (Matthew Ainsworth) finished second in the pure-bred division.

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After campaigning in amateur ranks at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) for several years and winning a class on four separate occasions, Jono Fryer finally went one better and lifted the overall Polly Coles supreme amateur hunter championship on his magnificent Irish Draught.

Jono’s own gelding Dowdstown Purple (Quinn) won the heavyweight division for the second year on the trot, before he powered on in the championship to be Magnus Nicholson and Charlotte Richardson’s choice for the title

The Crosstown Dancer nine-year-old was on-form from winning the Irish Draught championship at the Great Yorkshire for a third time. He is also already booked in to return to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Jono won the heavyweight spoils twice in a row on his former ride Duke Of Royal Emblem some 15 years ago.

“Quinn is getting better and better, though we’re also gelling together more; I’m learning how to really tune him,” Jono said. “There’s so much power there and he is so smart as well as being nimble. He is just a phenomenal horse.”

Jono originally bought Quinn, the reigning Irish Draught Horse society breed show supreme champion, from Jane Collins.

“Jane still takes a lot of pleasure in his successes, which means a lot; it’s what it’s all about,” said Jono.

Jono juggles horses around work as a business consultant: “I often take phone calls when I’m riding; the client will hear the hooves and ask ‘can I hear a horse’?”

Reserve in the Polly Coles supreme amateur hunter championship was Sally Iggulden and her Cougar five-year-old Centre Court II who headed the middleweight field on their debut at the final.

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A brand new showing championship for Irish draughts and Irish draught sport horses is to be held at the 2024 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

This is the first time in history that Irish draughts will have their own separate final at one of the season’s main championships. 

There will be 13 qualifying shows for the British Horse Feeds Irish Draught Horse Society (IDHS) (GB) ridden championship, which will take place on 27 July at the RIHS, at Hickstead.

The final is the brainchild of British Horse Feeds, breed enthusiast Simon Reynolds and the IDHS and it has been created with the aim of nurturing and highlighting the breed.

The opportunity is for pure-bred Irish draughts and Irish sport horses who have a minimum of 25% Irish draught blood.

IDHS show director Jane Imbush said: “It is apparent that the Irish draught horse is a breed that has undeniably had a substantial influence in shaping equine sports. It is hard to believe that it has recently grappled with the possibility of becoming endangered, primarily because of crossbreeding and undue strain on its foundation stock, threatening its genetic diversity. This concern is most definitely at the forefront of this championship series.”

Branca Gebbie, business and trade manager for British Horse Feeds, added: “We have extended the series to also include an Irish draught sport horse class as we believe that this promotes to a wider audience whilst underlining the urgency of preserving the true essence of the Irish draught breed, through the pure-bred class, an objective to which British Horse Feeds is committed to throughout this series sponsorship and collaboration.”

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A rider who had given up hope of ever finding a horse she had sold to Ireland but did so thanks to Facebook said the “biggest mistake we’ve ever made has been rectified”.

A relative of CJ Diamond’s owner recently found a post written by Charlee Cummins, the Irish draught’s former owner, some years ago. When his owner decided to sell soon afterwards, “Dylan” and Charlee were reunited.

“We’ve got him back and he’ll never go anywhere again now,” Charlee told H&H. “I can’t believe it.”

Charlee said Dylan came from Ireland as an unbacked youngster some 13 years ago, when Charlee’s mother Sandra Gear had travelled there looking for a 14.2hh for her daughter, who was then 10.

“We did a bit of everything,” Charlee said. “Nothing affiliated but we did dressage and jumping and my younger sister sometimes rode him; he was a family horse.

“Then for unforeseen reasons, we had to send him to Ireland while we sorted things out.”

The family had to sell Dylan, and despite their efforts, they lost touch. Charlee attempted to track him, to no avail.

“Nothing ever came of it, including a post I’d put in a Facebook group called ‘Trace my horse Ireland’,” she said. “A friend of Mum’s in Ireland was keeping an eye out too and my mum had a conversation with her, saying she thought we’d have to give up hope — then the next evening, I got a message from a girl saying ‘I think I’ve got the horse you’re looking for’.”

Charlee said Dylan’s owner’s aunt had been scrolling through old posts on the group when she spotted Charlee’s.

“I was in complete shock and thought it couldn’t be true, but then she sent a picture and it was him,” she said. “The girl was kind enough to let us go over and visit him, in February. I was just happy he had such a nice home, but then it turned out she was going to sell him, and he came home just over a week ago.”

Dylan, who is now 17, settled into his new yard quickly.

“I think he remembers us,” Charlee said. “When we first saw him, he didn’t react much but then he pricked his ears and started banging the door. When we used to have him, he’d whinny when he heard our footsteps, and he does that now, before he even sees you.”

Charlee urged anyone in a similar position not to give up hope.

“It was just amazing,” she said. “I’d thought about it happening so many times but never thought it would, and it’s like we’ve got a closer bond now.

“Letting him go was the biggest mistake we’ve ever made but it’s been rectified now.”

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Janet George, the hunt supporter and passionate Irish draught breeder, died at home on 21 November, aged 72, from a heart condition.

Born Miss Dobell-Brown in Australia in 1949, Mrs George was adopted as a baby and left home at 14. She got her first job at a solicitors’ in Sydney operating a switchboard, and moved to the UK aged 29.

She gained British Horse Society qualifications and got a job teaching at Lea Castle riding school, Worcestershire, where she worked with disabled riders and taught beginners. It was through the riding school she met her husband Robert George, and the couple married in 1982. Mr George worked in computing, and was joint-master of the United pack from 2001 until 2013.

In the 1980s the couple bought Silver Birch Farm in Shropshire, where Mrs George started breeding sheep. She was an avid pro-hunt campaigner and during the 1990s was chief press officer for the British Field Sports Society, which became the Countryside Alliance in 1997. During her time with the organisation she was instrumental in the famous Countryside March in London in March 1998. She also worked as a press officer for the British Horse Society.

“She was magnificent on all media, but breathlessly so on breakfast television, where her forthright, eloquent, passionate, honest and intelligent arguments won the day against all comers,” said retired journalist Joanna Dakin.

On leaving the Countryside Alliance, Mrs George formed her stud, Indigo Irish Draughts. Her broodmares included Little Macha, Indigo Macha Pride and Corraslira Cleo, and stallion Lady’s Tralee Raj was her “pride and joy”. A highlight of her breeding career was when Indigo Legacy, out of her broodmare Indigo Diamond Surprise and by Lady’s Tralee Raj, received class one grading and a bronze merit from the Irish Draught Horse Society.

A spokesman for the Irish Draught Horse Society of Great Britain said Janet was a great supporter of the breed and always had time to help those with an interest in horses.

“There are many happy owners out there with Indigo stock, and Janet will be very sadly missed,” said the spokesman.

Mrs George was a long-term and valued contributor of the H&H forum community, generously giving advice on a number of topics to other users. In the numerous tributes left to her on the forum, she has been described as having “a wealth of knowledge”, someone who was “willing to help” and who will be “sorely missed”.

Mr George predeceased Mrs George in 2020, owing to pancreatic cancer.

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A rider is urging others not to dismiss signs their horses might be having problems urinating after discovering her gelding’s penis was covered in “huge masses” of melanomas.

Lowri Caswell, 22, has known her 17-year-old Irish draught Dennis for four or five years but in 2020 he became hers when she was given him by a close friend.

“I began riding him for his old owner, Elaine Owen, and competing him across the country in one-day events, showing, dressage, side-saddle, clinics, you name it — he’s a once in a lifetime horse who has done it all and he’s my best friend,” Lowri told H&H.

“We won many events and even just out hacking, galloping through fields, he is everybody’s dream horse. He’s a bit of a legend in Gower, where we live.”

In January this year Lowri’s mum noticed Dennis was urinating slightly oddly and then realised they had never seen him drop his penis.

They kept an eye on him and one day when he did drop it, Lowri’s mum “caught a glimpse of what looked like a mass”.

“We’re experienced horse owners, horses have been in our family for decades and we spoil our horses as they are our pets, they have a five-star life, but it was something we’d never noticed with him,” Lowri said.

“We casually thought it was a bean which needed removing, as most geldings need, but my mum wanted to be absolutely sure, so we booked in with the vets to have it all checked out.”

When Dennis, who is a grey, was sedated and examined, huge masses of melanomas were discovered.

“t was only a matter of time before those huge growths would have ulcerated and he would have had to be put down. We were distraught, as he truly is the most special horse I think I will ever own in my lifetime,” Lowri said.

“We blamed ourselves for not checking sooner, but we weren’t to know as they were not visible and only by absolute luck did my mum spot them on the one occasion he dropped his penis in five-plus years.”

Vet Richard Coomer, a director at Cotts Equine, advised that the only option was radical, three-hour surgery to remove Dennis’s sheath and penis and redirect his urethra to just below his anus, so he would urinate backwards like a mare.

“We cried for days beforehand and due to Covid, we couldn’t even go in to the vets and check he was all ok. We just had to have complete trust and faith in the professionals,” Lowri said.

The surgery was a success and Dennis spent a month on box rest, being walked for 10-15 minutes four or five times a day, with daily turnout to reduce the swelling.

“We had two emergency vet callouts, where we thought we were going to lose him, as he was displaying colic symptoms, we think was due to the amount of medication he was on,” Lowri said. “It was a very stressful two months.”

Dennis was given the all-clear to resume walking under saddle in May and he is learning to adapt to his new way of urinating.

“He still wees on his tail and legs as he hasn’t quite mastered it but we are hoping this will come with time,” Lowri added.

“He is now back to full health, we have spent all summer cantering on the common and he has had the best summer pain-free and is happier and cheekier than ever!

“Richard the vet advised that it can take around 12 months to completely heal internally, so we are going to wait until next spring before we take him over his first jump, just to give him enough time to fully regain his health.

“But he’s been to the beach as that’s the sea is his favourite place in the world, where he spent hours splashing around and galloping through the waves in true unicorn style. Our happiness sums up how worth it this operation has been. Having a slightly stained tail is a small price to pay for adding years onto our baby’s life so we owe the staff at Cotts everything.”

Lowri said she had been surprised when the vets told her that the operation was not uncommon, as she had struggled to find information when she tried to research the procedure.

“If we had known about the severity of melanomas in greys, perhaps we would have pushed for the vets to check him sooner when he first came to us and displayed signs of discomfort, rather than passing it off as his personality,” Lowri said. “Most experienced horse owners are aware that greys are more susceptible to melanomas, but owners of greys should consider checking in places that are less visible.

“I feel it is a bit of a taboo subject, which should be spoken about more freely and would’ve given us more confidence and knowledge in making this decision.”

Richard, who operated on Dennis, told H&H that while it is still a “comparatively rare surgery”, he had performed the procedure several times.

“In the textbooks, it’s most commonly indicated for squamous cell carcinomas, which tend to occur in older horses. Because that is relatively rare, in my experience its usually melanomas that cause us to operate,” he said. “It tends to affect relatively younger, fitter horses who have plenty of life left, which makes it a much simpler decision.”

Richard said that complications are rare and horses are usually able to urinate straight after surgery.

“If it were a human being, they’d know what to expect but for a gelding, they wake up from anaesthesia and they’re suddenly weeing out of the back. Dennis was one of those who looked terribly surprised when it happened,” he said.

He noted that while other colours of horse did suffer from melanomas, most of his surgeries have been on greys.

Most of his patients have also seemed more comfortable once the masses had been removed.

“Judging that sort of low-grade pain in horses quite subjective but a lot of them seem happier and brighter, which suggests that while in theory melanomas are benign, they are a bit painful,” he added.

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Two police horses who have been the “backbone” of a force for a combined 24 years have retired from duty.

On 2 October, South Wales Police held a farewell gathering for 18-year-old Irish draught Rubin and 19-year-old part-bred Clydesdale horse Samson as they “closed the stable door” on their policing careers.

A spokesman for the force told H&H Samson, who has served for 10 years, will retire to the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire, while Rubin, who has been with the mounted unit for 14 years – and is the longest-serving horse the force has ever had – will retire to the Lluest Horse & Pony Trust in west Wales. The pair will this week make their way to their new homes, which have been selected based on their individual needs.

“They have worked tirelessly to help keep the public safe; from being part of the formal police escort at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor to being personally thanked by Ed Sheeran after policing his concert in Cardiff,” said the spokesman.

PC Rick Lewis said the pair had been the “absolute backbone” of the department.

“In Rubin’s career he’s done absolutely everything; school visits, community engagements, day-to-day patrols, major events – he’s done it all,” he said.

“Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding was a real special moment and typical Rubin thought all the crowds were just there to see him. As much as he can be a bit fussy on the ground, he loves attention and any big event we do he just loves people coming up to say hello.”

PC Sadie James described Samson as one of the boldest horses the force has had – and one of the quickest trained.

“After he was trained he was allocated to me for a number of years so we had a good bond between the two of us,” she said. “He helped the new horses learn the ropes and he was one of the lead horses we would use in any sort of public disorder situation. I think everybody on the yard is going to miss Samson, me especially.”

PC Lewis said Rubin and Samson are two horses that would “stand out and shine” in any mounted section.

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“Boys, your duty is done. Go and be horses,” he said.

The spokesman added everyone at the force wishes the pair “all the best” in their well-earned retirement.

“Thank you for your service Rubin and Samson,” he said.

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Northumbria Police is seeking new equine “friends” to join its current crop of police horses.

The force’s mounted section is looking to recruit horses between 16.2hh and 17.3hh and of draught type – including Clydesdale horses, Shire horses, Irish draughts and part-breds.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said officers are asking the public for their help in the search.

“The section is one of the most popular departments in the force and the horses always get lots of attention when they are out on patrol,” said the spokesman.

“If they’re not policing a football match, you may be able to find them patrolling the local community to deter anti-social behaviour.”

When the police horses are not at work they will spend their time relaxing at the force’s stables in County Durham where they are “pampered” by a team of grooms.

PC Julia Wright said the force’s “fantastic” team takes very good care of the horses.

“When they’re out on patrol they get a lot of attention from the public who love to find out a bit about them and give them a stroke,” said PC Wright.

“But they also have a serious job to do and they are a fantastic asset to have in public order scenarios, whether that be a protest or a football match.

“We are always on the hunt for new horses to purchase and are asking horse owners to consider whether their animals would be suitable for a career in the police.”

Mares and geldings will be considered between the ages of five and 12. They must not have any medical issues and must be trainable with a good temperament, and no vices.

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It is also desirable for them to be good with farrier, to clip, load and in traffic.

Suitable horses will be taken on a four-week trial during which time a vetting will be carried out.

For more information owners should contact PC Wright on 07590 011 332 or julia.wright.8228@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.

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The Irish Draught horse originated in 18th century Ireland, when Irish farmers could only afford to keep a single horse on a small tract of land. They required an animal sturdy enough to pull a plough, athletic and bold enough to go foxhunting and jump anything, and sensible, but flashy enough to pull the family trap to church on Sunday.

The foundation stock was the now-extinct Irish Hobby horse, described as brave and agile, a warhorse so effective that King Edward I tried to prevent Irish exports of horses to Scotland during the Wars of Independence between 1296 and 1357. These were crossed with Iberian horses captured from the Spanish Armada shipwrecks on Ireland’s west coast, as well as Anglo-Norman warhorses. Then in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thoroughbred and Clydesdale blood was introduced to create a taller horse, but one with stamina and refinement.

The Irish government started recording pedigrees of Irish Draughts in 1907 and opened an official studbook in 1917, but these records, held in the Four Courts in Dublin, were lost when the building was set on fire during the Irish Civil War in 1922. Before the Civil War destroyed the records, the First World War had decimated the breed — due to their strength, soundness, and willing temperament, thousands of Irish Draughts went to the battlefields of France and Belgium and never returned. The mechanisation of agriculture following WWI didn’t help them recover their numbers either, as there wasn’t much need for horses to work the land any more, and many of the horses who survived the war were shipped abroad or to slaughter.

During the 1970s, efforts began in earnest to preserve the breed, with the foundation of the Irish Draught Horse Society in 1976 and an offshoot branch in the UK in 1979. The Irish Horse Board, part of Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, oversaw breeding (in 2008, this became Horse Sport Ireland) and since 1983, has maintained the studbook. Breed societies were later founded in the United States and Canada as more equestrians discovered that the intelligent, sensible Irish Draught was the ideal leisure and performance horse. The mounted police in the UK and Ireland use numerous Irish Draughts to this day, as they are obedient and calm enough to cope with confrontational situations.

When crossed with thoroughbreds or warmbloods, the animals produce a sport horse that excels at the highest levels of eventing and showjumping. This has been a double-edged sword: while Irish Draught lines remain popular with sport horse breeders, only 600 pure Irish Draught foals are being registered in Ireland annually, and mares aren’t producing replacements for themselves in the herd. The breed is classified as “endangered but maintained” by the UN. In an effort to preserve the traditional breed and improve genetic diversity, Horse Sport Ireland has introduced inspections of stallions and mares, grading horses on a 1-4 scale. There is, however, a great deal of debate among breeders and breed societies over the best way to ensure the survival these horses.

On the other hand, the high-achieving progeny of Irish Draught stallions in showjumping and eventing has made those bloodlines desirable and the stallions prominent on the international circuits. These include King of Diamonds, who was 21st in the world breeding rankings between 1999 and 2001, the sire of successful showjumpers like Rodrigo Pessoa’s Special Envoy, Joe Fargis’ Mill Pearl, and John Ledingham’s Millstreet Ruby. They also include Sea Crest, a 1979 stallion who had 25 daughters and sons competing at the international level in eventing and showjumping. One of his offspring was Cruising (pictured top with two of his clones), out of an Irish Sports Horse mare, who won numerous grand prix showjumping competitions and went on to become a significant sire himself.

The pure Irish Draught is an athletic enough animal for riders who want straightforward hunter, eventer, jumper, or dressage horse, and a fantastic companion. There is a reason the police use them.

Janet George, a Kidderminster breeder, who has bred Irish Draughts for 15 years, told Horse & Hound: “[They are] not as fast as the thoroughbred, have a lot more brain than most warmbloods, and are ready to learn and keep learning. Any problems you find with an Irish Draught is nearly always due to early handling/experiences — and can nearly always be sorted. They have bone and can carry more weight than a thoroughbred or warmblood, and are much more suitable for the older or more nervous riders. They are mostly all good jumpers to at least 3’6”, but they don’t possess much speed. If I wanted an eventer now, it would be an Irish Draught crossed with a thoroughbred. They make fantastic hunters or happy hackers. And with the right training and a good rider, they would compete successfully at dressage to at least advanced medium.”

Article continues below…

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The Irish Draught breed standard describes: “a versatile, powerful and athletic animal with substance and quality. It has a pleasant head, good bone and a short shin, good spring of rib, strong loins and hindquarters and an active powerful stride.” They ideally should be between 15.2hh and 16.3hh, with nine to 10 inches of strong, clean, flat bone. Though they are solid horses, their appearance should not be coarse, and their faces should be intelligent and friendly.

The breed is largely free of health problems, even though inbreeding is a concern due to the popularity of a limited number of bloodlines. However, like many of the horses native to the British Isles, Irish Draughts are ‘good-doers’ and thrive on rough grazing. If fed too rich a diet, they are prone to laminitis and other obesity-related health issues.

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First the Royal Ballet cast a pony in one of its productions. Now, their “stable-mates” at Covent Garden – the Royal Opera company – are getting in on the act.

Rupert, a 17.2hh Irish draught from Yorkshire, will star in the final act of Verdi’s comic opera, carrying the Shakespearean hero out hunting.

Ruth Greenwood of the Royal Opera House told H&H: “Hunting is one of the key themes of this new production, which is set in England in the 1950s.”

The Italian baritone Ambrogio Maestri, who plays Falstaff, undertook some special preparation for the role.

“He had never ridden before,” said Ms Greenwood. “So he had a lesson on Rupert and sang to him, to get him used to his voice.”

But stage crew are confident that Rupert, a veteran of film and TV, won’t be fazed. He’s even had rubber shoes fitted, to ensure he doesn’t slip up.

Falstaff runs from 15-30 May www.roh.org.uk/falstaff.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (10 May 2012)

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Calls for the Irish draught (ID) world to unite have been renewed following the publication of a new study on the breed that has highlighted serious conformation weaknesses developing.

In the study, by University of Limerick student Elaine Breen, four ID experts examined photographs of a group of 207 mares and stallions divided into 10-year age categories.

Finer heads in stallions, greater muscle-mass in the neck of mares and improvement to the line of the back were all reported. But, possibly in the quest for producing more athletic IDs, upright pasterns, “back at the knee” conformation, a decrease in bone and longer cannon bones were big negatives reported.

“Substance of legs and short cannon bones are considered defining characteristics…the results imply that the present population of IDs do not comply with the breed standard,” Miss Breen concluded.

One startling revelation was that the point at which the head joins the neck had became significantly thicker over time.

“This can limit the horse’s air intake and have a negative effect on performance,” said Breen.

The research was funded by the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), which also backed a 2007 study on the breed — the Kearney Report. Both recommended the implementation of a sustainable breeding plan.

But this has not yet been addressed because deep, long-running divisions within the ID world continue to prevent progress in addressing the problems facing Ireland’s endangered native breed.

Ireland’s governing body of equestrianism, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), has controlled the Irish Draught Studbook since taking over the Irish Horse Board and is charged with implementing a breeding plan.

But HSI chief executive Damian McDonald said “wrangling among breeders” was hindering progress.

“We are committed to developing a sustainable breeding policy for the Irish draught, and are looking at ways to give breeders a greater input into breeding policy,” he added.

The Irish Draught Horse Society (IDHS) is not yet recognised by HSI, and JP Finnegan, the society’s rare breeds representative, called for “engagement” of the two, “sooner rather than later”.

Breen also underlined the urgent need for change from the traditional method of judging — which relies to a large extent on the judge’s eye. It suggests the more scientific “linear” method of 25-point scoring — used by judges on the Continent.

Last year, the RDS, with the Irish Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, established a registered-ID genetic conservation programme. One of its first successes is the freezing of semen from US-based stallion Touch Of The Blues.

• For a copy of the study, A Comparison of Judging Techniques and Conformation Traits in Irish Draught Horses, email equestrian@rds.ieThis news story was first published in Horse & Hound (29 January, ’09)

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A day’s showing instruction with Robert Oliver, a private lesson with Pippa Funnell and Irish Draught and sport horse stallion coverings are just some of the items included in a silent auction being run by the Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) on their website.

The closing date for bids is 28 September at noon and all proceeds go to help the protection of the Irish Draught horse.

To place your bid, go to www.idhsgb.com and click on “silent auction”.

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A pure-bred Irish Draught mare made history at Harrogate when she became the first of her breed to win the Cuddy qualifier at the Great Yorkshire Show (8-10 July) — and, it is believed, be the first ever to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Judge Margaret Furness had 14 animals to choose from, with five called forward for further inspection. Enid Lord’s home-bred 16-year-old broodmare, Ballineen Glen Abbess, got the nod over Sue Grimshaw’s riding pony breeding champion, Kitty Kelley, making her first — and last — showring appearance this year with her first foal at foot.

Preston-based Enid Lord last competed at HOYS as a show jumper on her home-produced mare, Banbury Cross, in 1993 — finishing fifth in the grade C final — and little did she dream she would be returning.

“I honestly thought there was no point in us going into the Cuddy, but I always believe in supporting the breed, so I did,” she said. “I will be so proud to represent them at HOYS.”

Glen Abbess has been a wonderful model and last year, while she was in-foal, stood ridden and in-hand champion at the Royal and won the Blue Chip ridden title. This year, she repeated her Royal in-hand form and this was also her second consecutive Great Yorkshire Show in-hand tricolour.

Her strapping foal, by her own Irish draught stallion Bealagh Blue, was champion colt foal in the hunter breeding section and reserve foal overall.

Read H&H’s full showing report from the Great Yorkshire Show in this week’s Horse & Hound (24 July, ’08), on sale now

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The Irish Horse Board (IHB) has put up a €10,000 prize-fund for each qualifier for this year’s five, six/seven-year-old show jumping championships, and the Cavan final in September.

The series, run on a league system, kicks off at Louth County show on 28-29 April. It is open to Irish Sport Horse, Registered Irish Draught and Irish Draught horses registered with the IHB by a stallion approved in the main studbook with sire and dam documented on the passport.

The IHB has also increased the breeders’ prizes for each qualifier, from €250 per category to €400 per category.

“The series works on a points accumulator, and although last year’s final was by invitation, we are still working out whether the final at Cavan this year should be open,” said IHB marketing and promotions manager, Laura Whelan.

The qualifiers take place at: Punchestown (17-20 May), Mullingar (2-4 June), Millstreet (9-10 June, Galway County (16-17 June), Ballina (6-8 July), Tattersalls (21-22 July), Limerick (25-26 August) with the final at Cavan (31 August-2 September).

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The Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) is celebrating its silver jubilee with a new hunter showing series for the breed, in association with Blue Chip Feeds.

The Blue Chip £2,000 Challenge is open to horses which are registered with the Irish Draught or Irish Draught Sport Horse Register, or have 25% Irish Draught blood and are eligible for registration.

The highest-placed eligible horses in ridden hunter weights, working hunter and small hunter classes at affiliated SHB(GB) shows, as well as ridden Irish Draught classes at affiliated IDHS(GB) shows, will receive a rosette and Blue Chip £10 feed voucher.

Qualified horses must be registered with the society to be eligible to compete at the IDHS(GB) annual breed show at the Lincolnshire Showground (18-19 September 2004) for a £1,000 first prize, plus a commemorative Blue Chip rug. The reserve champion will be awarded £500 and third to seventh inclusive will be awarded £100 each.

Mark Fitton, IDHS(GB) council member and the brainchild behind the series, says: “The new series has been developed as a way of highlighting the popularity of the Irish Draught horse, in conjunction with the society’s anniversary.

“Many horses taking part in ridden hunter classes have Irish Draught bloodlines and we hope the new series will encourage owners and riders to recognise and highlight this fact.”

The series has already received considerable support from shows around the country, including The Royal, Cheshire County, Stafford County and the Royal Bath & West, so Mark is hopeful that large numbers will come forward to the final.

Mr Fitton continues: “The final will be a very prestigious event where the best pure- and part-bred Irish Draught horses do battle for a considerable prize fund. With significant prize money going down the line to seventh place, we hope that amateur owner/riders will take their fair share of the spoils.”

If successful, the IDHS(GB) may expand the series to include cobs with Irish Draught breeding next year.

Show secretaries interested in holding qualifiers should contact: Mandy Pope, The Laurels, Holly Lane, Styal, Cheshire, SK9 4JL

For more information about the IDHS(GB) visit: www.irishdraughthorsesociety.com

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now