United States Eventing Association

IDHSNA Returns As Title Sponsor Of The USEA Future Event Horse Series

The United States Eventing Association is delighted to welcome back the Irish Draught Horse society of North America as title sponsor of the USEA Future Event Horse Series. The IDHSNA plays an integral role in the success of the FEH Series which is now in its fifth year.

“The Irish Draught Horse society of North America is pleased to be returning as title sponsor for the Future Event Horse program for 2011,” said Larry Robbins, president of the IDHSNA. “It’s a program our members have really enjoyed participating in. Breeders and owners of Irish Draughts and Irish Draught Sport horses already know their horses are a great match for eventing and we relish the opportunity to show others the many benefits of the breed in open competition.”

“A small breed society in terms of numbers, the IDHSNA makes up for that in their enthusiasm for their horses and the FEH program,” continued Robbins. “The IDHSNA looks forward to working with the USEA in educating the membership of the values of the FEH program to young horses, trainers, and eventers looking for their next competition horse.”

“Many of the top event horses over the years have the Irish Draught breed in their heritage, and the full-bred Irish Draught has begun to make a name for itself at the lower levels of our sport as well. We’re very excited about this new partnership with the IDHSNA,” said USEA CEO Jo Whitehouse."

Irish Horses and Eventing – a Perfect Match

The Irish Draught Society of North America is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of the Irish Draught Horse and Irish Draught partbreds. The Society strives to assist in the conservation of the breed throughout the world and maintains the studbooks for qualified Irish Draught and partbred Irish Draught horses in North America.

Think you don’t know any famous Irish Draught Sport Horse eventers? Think again! Some of the most successful four-star event horses in the world are Irish: McKinlaigh, Custom Made, Biko, Headley Brittania, Ben Along Time, Giltedge, Supreme Rock, Ballincoola, Ringwood Cockatoo, Tankers Town, and many other horses.

Though the even temperament, durability and power of the Irish Draught, mixed with the speed and athleticism of the Thoroughbred is a fabulous combination for the rider with upper-level aspirations, Irish Draught Sport Horses and purebred Irish Draughts make wonderful junior and adult amateur mounts as well.

This breed possesses a fabulous temperament combined with athleticism, willingness, intelligence, and common sense—as well as great stamina and world-class jumping ability!

What is the IDHNSA/USEA Future Event Horse Series?

The IDHSNA/USEA Future Event Horse (FEH) series was introduced in 2007 as a pilot program as, what the USEA hoped would be, a successful pre-cursor to the already popular USEA Young Event Horse series, which is designed for four- and five-year-olds. Since the “test year” was so successful – with more than fifty young horses competing at the year-end Championship show – 2008 saw the FEH’s first season as a bonafide USEA program.

The FEH program focuses on yearlings, two-year-olds, and three-year-olds, and judging the potential they have to become a successful event horse. Each age group is judged separately, and genders within the age group are judged separately when the number of entries allows.

The program has been successful and more shows are constantly being added to the calendar. These classes are very laid-back and serve as the perfect opportunity for breeders and owners to showcase their future competition horses.

Want to learn more about hosting FEH classes at your venue? It’s a great chance to get involved with the program – simple, fun, and a chance to make a few bucks, too! Please give us a call at the USEA office: 703-779-0440 ext. 3006.
For more information on the IDHSNA/USEA Future Event Horse Series, click on the FEH logo on the USEA homepage – www.useventing.com, or contact Wendy Weinstein at [email protected] .

Want to get involved with the IDHSNA? Log on to IrishDraught.com to find out more about these wonderful horses.