HSI Launches Innovative Genomic Grade Up rule for Irish Draught Horses

Horse Sport Ireland is pleased to introduce the new Genomic Grade Up (G‑Grade Up) rule for the Irish Draught Horse Studbook, the first initiative of its kind in an Irish sport horse studbook. 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.

Using advanced genomic tools, including genetic clustering and admixture analysis, HSI can now assess whether an animal carries the core genetic make‑up of a pure-bred Irish Draught. 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.

Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with the HSI Geneticist providing a scientific recommendation to the Head of Breeding, Innovation & Development. Where approved, horses may be designated G‑Grade Up within the Supplementary Section of the studbook, and their progeny where by or out of another Irish Draught will be eligible for the Main Section (Class 4).

The genomic test fee is €200, which covers DNA analysis only. Passport changes, where applicable, incur an additional fee. Completion of the test does not guarantee approval eligibility or entry into the Irish Draught studbook.

HSI is also currently investigating the use of this genomic technique for the Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) designation, with the aim of further supporting and safeguarding Traditional Irish Horse breeding.

“This is a significant and forward‑looking step for the Irish Draught Studbook, and in support of daughter societies worldwide,” said Dr Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding, Innovation & Development at Horse Sport Ireland.
“Through the microsatellite (MS) to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) transition the studbook has embraced existing genomic research and genomic technologies which have the power to protect the integrity of the breed while creating new opportunities to reintroduce valuable bloodlines that may otherwise be lost. It marks a major milestone in how we conserve and strengthen the Irish Draught horse populations, with significant potential for development in the Traditional Irish Horse population and, where other studbooks are interested, other native rare breeds.”

“I am delighted to be able to support Irish Draught breeders with this new innovative method of identifying ID horses. The potential to identify these horses that would otherwise have been lost to the ID studbook marks a significant change in our ability to conserve and protect bloodlines in an important native rare breed,” said Dr Jennifer Doyle, Senior Equine Geneticist at Horse Sport Ireland.
“This rule change is just one benefit, of many, that we are starting to see from the transition to SNP genotyping in the studbook. We are still only in the first steps of a significant scientific journey with SNP genotypes and I hope this launch is the first of many genomic discoveries that will support the many dedicated breeders of our native rare breeds!”

Please see updated Irish Draught Breeding Programme rule wording below, and please click here for genetic and genomic services.

5.2.1.3 Genomic Designation: G-grade up register

The studbook will review genomic designation on a case-case basis for entire male and female animals as follows:

• The breeder submits a hair sample, where required, and the relevant fee to the studbook
• The animal is genotyped and assessed through:

• The genetic clustering of the breed within the existing Irish Draught breed gene pool
  
  AND
• Via the admixture technique

• These tests are completed to assess the animals pure-bred status and ensure that it contains the relevant genetic make-up of a pure-bred Irish Draught horse.
• The HSI geneticist will make a recommendation on the pure-bred status of the tested animal, based on the analysis, to the Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development.
• Should the animal be recommended for inclusion in the breeding programme the Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development will designate that:

• The horse can be upgraded to the supplementary section of the studbook (G-Grade Up)
  
  OR
• Be endorsed into the Irish Draught Horse supplementary section (G-Grade Up) for breeding purposes where it is already registered in another studbook

• These genetic findings will take precedence over the crossbreeding programme and or any unknown pedigree of the animal.
• The progeny of the G-Grade Up animal will be eligible to enter the main section under Class 4.
• Where the animal meets the criteria, the applicant will submit a fee to the studbook for passport updating.

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