For the first time in a number of years, there is an appreciable rise in the number of young sires coming forward for the 2021 Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) stallion inspections at Cavan Equestrian Centre on 9 and 10 March.

When this new series began back in 2010, owners were over confident that they had a horse that could easily pass. Hence, during the first two years, entries averaged over the 100 mark. But then the message that this was no doddle began to sink in and as a result numbers dramatically dropped off until they reached last year’s low of 30.

But in a sign that confidence in the system remains strong, numbers are on the rise again with 50 set to come forward for next month’s session. While Irish Draught entries are just about on a par with last year, those in the sport horse sector have almost trebled.

A total of 18 are bidding for Class 1 designation in the Irish Draught Stud Book, which is just one down on 2020.

In the sport horse section, 29 are entered this time as compared with just 10 last time. Some of these are in the three-year-old category and will be seeking to meet the requirements for a pass in Stage 1. Stallions must be a minimum of three years old to be presented for Stage 1 inspection, those that meet the inspection and veterinary requirements are invited participate in the Stage 2 inspections.

Most of the Class 1 (Irish Draughts) and Stage 1 tests will be carried out on Tuesday 9 March, while the Stage 2 candidates will be assessed on the Wednesday with Capt. Geoff Curran of the Army Equitation School once again bringing them over the jumps.

In addition to the Irish Draughts and sport horses, it is good to learn that two thoroughbreds have been entered. Once again there is one candidate for approval in the new Irish sport pony studbook.

This time the inspections will be conducted under strict Covid-19 guidelines with only owners and handlers allowed in the centre.

Good news story

Meanwhile, there is a very positive good news story from the world young horse rankings for 2020.

Topping the seven–year–old jumping section in the hippomundo chart is the Irish-bred stallion Kingsborough Kasper that was bred by Cliodhna Carroll in Co Sligo.

By the now deceased jumping sire Kannan and out of a Revenge W mare that traces back to Alme, he was sold as a foal to England and is now campaigned by Louise Seywell. I know he is just one, but he is proof that with a bit of extra thought, we in Ireland can again breed for the top international market.

We need more like him and the current stallion inspections are a bench mark of how we are doing.