2026 Stallion Selections Timetable

The 2026 Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections are taking place in Cavan Equestrian Centre on March 26th and 27th.

This year, a total of 49 stallions will be presented for selection, including 20 Sport Horse stallions, 26 Irish Draught stallions, and 3 Sport Pony stallions.

2026 will see the first stallion being presented under the new Genomic Grade Up (G‑Grade Up) rule for the Irish Draught Horse Studbook. This is a significant and forward‑looking step for the Irish Draught Studbook, and in support of daughter societies worldwide. This groundbreaking approach allows horses with or without pedigree documentation to be considered for entry into the breeding programme based solely on their genetic profile. 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.

For more on this exciting new development, please CLICK HERE

Horse Sport Ireland is also delighted to announce that this year, there will be a special presentation made to on Day 2, Friday March 27th to Zapatero VDL (KWPN) to mark the recent awarding of his second 5* merit.
Originally approved by the Irish Sport Horse Studbook in 2022, and awarded his first 5* merit in 2024 for his eventing progeny, Zapatero VDL will be receiving a commemorative rug for the 5* merit awarded to him for his showjumping progeny.

Also on Day 2, there will be presentations made to Castlefield Kingston (OS) and Bannvalley Whisper (IDC2) who are both being officially approved within the Irish Sport Horse Studbook for their showjumping performances.

2024 European Pony Individual Gold Medallist, Double Pleasure (BE/SIES), will also be receiving a commemorative rug.

This year, there are several horses coming forward for Linear Profiling and to be officially Approved including the thoroughbred stallion Amhran Na Bhfiann, the 1.50m jumping stallion Durango VDL (KWPN) and a 5* Linear Profiling for the Holsteiner stallion Fernando who represented the Netherlands at Nations Cup level, including a double clear round in the 2016 Aga Khan Nations Cup at the RDS Dublin Horse Show with Johnny Pals.

The list of Irish Draught Stallions can be accessed by CLICKING HERE

The list of stallions coming forward for inspection in the Irish Sport Horse and Irish Sport Pony Studbooks can be found by CLICKING HERE

The timetable for Thursday and Friday can be found HERE

We look forward to welcoming prospective breeders to Cavan ahead of the 2026 breeding season.

Horse Sport Ireland’s Stallion Selections are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Equine Technical Support fund.

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