A scheme aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of Irish Draught stallions has been extended to Northern Ireland.

The Irish Draught Society (Northern Region), in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Horse Board, is introducing a system whereby Irish Draught colt foals and yearlings can be accessed for the Irish Draught Colt Retention Scheme.

This scheme, up to now, was only available to owners in the Republic of Ireland. Assessments will take place in Cavan Equestrian Centre in late October/November. Applications forms are now available from NIHB office 028 97 528 324 or download from Irish Draught website at www.irishdraught.ie/NorthernIreland-Branch.asp.

Applications must be returned by October 18, with fee of £20 (non refundable) to NIHB office.

"The purpose of the scheme is to identify top class Irish Draught colts and provide encouragement to owners to retain these colts as potential stallions. It is hoped that this will increase both the quality and quantity of Irish Draught stallions," said a spokesman.

The financial incentives will be:Foals - A payment of £350 will be available for colt foals who are selected. The payment will be paid to owners of selected colts on their presentation, as an entire yearling, for assessment in Autumn 2006.

 Yearlings- A payment of £400 will be available for yearling colts who are selected. The payment will be paid to owners of selected colts on the presentation of their animal as an entire two year old in Autumn 2006.

Eligibility: All colts foals and yearlings must be by an RID stallion and out of an RID mare. All colt foals and yearlings must be registered with the IHR and have an ID (Irish Draught) breed code.

Inspection: All colt foals and yearlings will be assessed on the basis of their conformation, movement and pedigree. The inspection also includes a veterinary examination. Colt foals, where possible, should be presented with their dams. All foals and yearlings should be well handled and leading properly to enable inspectors to carry out a full inspection. In addition yearlings should be trained to lunge in both directions. An up to date passport must accompany all mares, foals and yearlings. A copy of the full Terms and Conditions are available on the Irish Horse Board website www.irishhorseboard.com