Irish Draught Horse Society revamps site
The
Irish Draught Horse Society of New Zealand has made a fresh start
online with a brand-new website showcasing the breed. One of the
original New Zealand equine organisations to take to the Internet,
the society recently revamped its website to include more news,
information, and services to members and visitors. The revamped
site, at www.irishhorse.org.nz, was designed by equine web design
specialists Horsetalk, and is also hosted by Horsetalk.
Breeders
also now have an opportunity to have a page within the site, which
is proving an affordable way for those with smaller studs to have
an online presence, says society president Colin Price. "Our
new site offers more possibilities for the society and our breeders
to promote their horses, and the breed," he says. "Breeders
can have their own sites or pages within our site, and we are
now also offering a sales section, and an area for form downloads."
News
from the society and beyond is updated on the site after each
newsletter is produced, and back copies of the newsletter will
be available.
While
the breed carries the name "Draught", it is far removed
from its early origins as heavy horse. Now, the breed is known
as a tough and versatile sport horse. Only purebreds are known
as Irish Draughts, while the progeny of the cross between a Thoroughbred
and an Irish Draught is classified as an Irish Hunter. There are
currently three registered Irish Draught stallions in New Zealand,
and several Irish Hunter stallions.
Irish
Hunters can be registered at any age, and anyone owning such a
horse is welcome to contact the society for information. "We
run several competitions and offer prizes for Irish horses who
perform well in open company at shows and performance competitions.
The only proviso is that the horses are registered," Mr Price
says.
Successful
New Zealand Irish-bred performers include Nufarm Alibi (eventing),
Kings Ransom, Te Mania Jolly, Goodness Gracious (Showjumping)
and Thornfields Irish Impressions, Joe Bolido, Summertime (showing)
Eight of Diamonds, Komplete Kaos (dressage).
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For more information about the Irish Draught Horse Society of
New Zealand: www.irishhorse.org.nz
.
