PUREBRED STALLIONS

Prior to a stallion being accepted for Inspection, a significant veterinarian review must be completed and provided to the Registrar by a specified date (see Stallion Inspection Application and Veterinarian Requirements). This pre-inspection review includes completion of an endoscopic exam, extensive veterinary exam, review of Unsuitable Conditions and multiple radiographic panels.

All results from radiographs and exams must be received by the Registrar’s office by  August 15 directly from the veterinarian completing the veterinary work.  

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At Inspection, purebred stallions will be seen by the veterinarian for identification, measurement and jogging for soundness. Following the veterinarian review, the horse enters the arena, and the inspectors complete the overall review of the stallion as described in the previous section. The stallion will then be required to free jump. This will typically be a small 'starter' fence and 2 jumps, ending with an oxer. 

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Jumping for Merit  

Graded/Approved mares and geldings 3 years old and up will be given the option to free jump for Bronze Merit. If the horse is a sporthorse and does not pass, the horse will not be able to jump for merit. Purebred mares or geldings grading at Class 1 or Class 2 are allowed to jump for merit if the owner wishes. Horses should be familiar with a Jump Chute before jumping at Inspection.  

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Jumping heights and distances are at the discretion of the inspectors (who have the best interest of the horse in mind). The jump chute will typically be set with 3 jumps. The first warm-up jump will be approximately 19-1/2 feet (6 meters) from the turn. The second jump will be in a straight line approximately 22 feet (6.8 meters) after the first jump. The last jump, usually an oxer, will be in a straight line approximately 24 feet (7.3 meters) from the second. The inspectors may use their discretion as to the number of attempts needed to assess a horse over the obstacles and as to the height of the fences. Jumps start as small and inviting and move up at the inspectors' direction.  

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Following the jumping phase the horse will be put back on lead line and the handler will stand the horse up again. The Inspectors will approach the handler/you with feedback and grading information. After this, the horse can leave the arena typically via a designated exit.  

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Typically, the maximum height of the fence will be 1.00m and width of 1.05m. for purebred mares and geldings. This will also be maximum for 3-year-old purebred stallions and 3-year-old sport horse stallions. The usual maximum height for sport horse mares and geldings is 1.15m and width of 1.05m

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Veterinary Review and Soundness 

The society covers costs associated with the veterinary travel and professional fees incurred during the inspection including the basic examination as listed on the veterinary soundness form. The Society does not cover the cost of additional veterinary examinations outside the scope of the inspection exam that are deemed necessary to determine the fitness of a horse for entry into an IDHSNA Studbooks.

It is the owner's responsibility to prove soundness if any question arises. If there is concern that a past injury may negatively affect the veterinary portion of the inspection, bring documentation from your veterinarian detailing the history of the injury to the inspection site. Disputes regarding veterinary findings may require further investigation by an accredited college of veterinary medicine or board-certified equine veterinarian whose opinion shall be considered final. Any and all such costs are the owner's responsibility. The Inspection organizer will provide you with next steps should this situation occur. 

If for any reason a veterinarian feels that there is a possibility that a horse has been drugged, the veterinarian may take urine or blood samples. The owner of the horse who is responsible for testing costs.  

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Foals at Inspection

Any foal that is in the inspection area accompanying her dam during inspection must be on a halter and lead, and with their own handler. This is necessary for the safety of the horses and all personnel that may be assisting in the arena. Mares with foals at foot will be able to go through the jump chute at the discretion of the owners and inspectors. The foal must be able to stand quietly with its own handler during the jump chute portion for the safety of all involved.  

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Attire of handler  

There is no set attire for the handler, although many choose to dress in a jacket, slacks and hat. The handler(s) should be well groomed and present a neat appearance. Shoes appropriate around horses which allow the handler to move comfortably with a horse are desirable.  Helmets are strongly recommended. 

Photographs  

An official conformation photograph at a designated area will be taken of your horse at inspection. Typically, this conformation photo will be taken after the veterinarian review and prior to entering the arena for Inspection. The horse should be stood up square for the conformation photo. The IDHSNA designated official will have details at your site. The photographer may be a volunteer or a professional photographer.

If a professional, the horse’s owner will need to select and purchase the conformation photo of the horse and provide to the Registrar. This photo will be part of the horses Inspection record, posted on the IDHSNA website for each horse’s Linear Profile listing, and provided to the Society publication, The Blarney, for section on Inspections.  

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Reminder  

Each inspection site will have an IDHSNA designated official overseeing the inspection. This will normally be the Regional Chairperson and/or a designee. This individual is a volunteer, please treat them respectfully. All requests and questions should be directed to this designated official.  

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To help ensure a successful inspection experience, owners are encouraged to prepare their horses by practicing key elements such as standing for veterinary and conformation evaluations, in-hand presentation at the walk and trot, and working at liberty.  If presenting a stallion or a mare/gelding for merit, it is especially important to train and have  the horse familiar with a jump chute.  

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Unsuitable Conditions for Stallions, Mares, and Geldings 

Taking age and competition history into account, horses with evidence of hereditary/genetic physical abnormality likely to affect the animal’s usefulness as a breeding animal are not eligible for Classification as Irish Draught Class 1 or Irish Draught Class 2. 

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The list of conditions that are considered unsuitable includes: 

• Defective genital organs including cryptorchidism. 

• Respiratory conditions including recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, subepiglottic cyst, rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch, and abnormal epiglottic cartilage, and recurrent airway obstruction. 

• Pharyngeal conditions including cleft palate and dorsal displacement of the soft palate

• Parrot mouth and other dental conditions considered undesirable. 

• Musculoskeletal conditions include: 

• Osteochondrosis and other defects of endochondral ossification

  • Palmar/plantar first phalanx osteochondral fragments 

• Subchondral bone cysts 

• Osteoarthritis or Periarticular newbone of the phalangeal joints (ringbone)

  • Ossification of the collateral cartilages (sidebone)

  • Osteoarthritis of the tarsus (bone spavin)

  • Distension of the tarsus (bog spavin)

  • Distension of the tarsal sheath (thoroughpin) o Plantar tarsal soft tissue enlargement (curb) 

• Multiple splints

  • Defects of the navicular bone and associated structures

  • Bony enlargements (will require further evaluation with radiographs prior to acceptance. e.g. enlarged fetlock) 

• Unequal sized feet (will require radiographic examination) 

• Neurological conditions including cervical stenotic myelopathy, hyperflexion of the hindlimb (stringhalt), shivering and polyneuritis equi 

• Skin conditions including gross and multiple sarcoids, dermal allergies (sweet itch) and hernia. 

• Ocular conditions include blindness, anterior uveitis and cataract. Wall eye will require further specialist examination. 

• Respiratory conditions including recurrent airway obstruction. 

• Tracheal scar 

• Pathological cardiac murmurs (if mild may require further evaluation). 

• Deafness. 

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Horses can also be excluded if they exhibit temperament deemed unsuitable in a breeding animal or showing evidence of vices. This is not a definitive list; other conditions may be deemed to be undesirable for a breeding animal and the final judgment rests with the IDHSNA appointed Veterinarian on-site at the inspection.