Introduction

The purpose of this Plan is to set out the strategy of the Irish Draught Horse Society Limited to implement the Breed Objectives of the Society.
                                          
Genetic Conservation
The Society will provide pedigree information on all horses in the Studbook. It will encourage the conservation of genetic diversity and the avoidance of inbreeding, by providing data on the closest and most distantly related crosses for a particular horse.
 
The Society will establish links with Weatherbys and with Genbank, the largest worldwide genetic database collecting DNA sequences, to ensure that all Irish Draught DNA sequences are retained and available in the future to prevent genetic and breed characteristic erosion and to facilitate research into the breed.

Data Collection on Breed Characteristics
The Society will introduce linear scoring, adhering to the Breed Standard of the Society, for all Inspections. Linear scoring will standardise the assessment process and will provide ongoing data to monitor changes and the development of individual traits within the breed. It will provide detailed, objective information to owners, prospective owners and breeders on individual characteristics.

Studbook Harmonisation
The Society will establish a Studbook that recognises all Irish Draught horses. Studbook Rules will be equitable in all countries and for all horses in the Studbook. Every individual horse in each country will have a unique entry identifier. The Studbook combined with individual linear scoring data will provide a comprehensive audit of all pure-bred stock.

Marketing and Promotion
The Society will conduct ongoing research to identify existing and future market opportunities for the Irish Draught horse. Once identified, the Society will focus information and promotional campaigns on these potential markets. Increased demand for Irish Draught horses will encourage an increase in breeding.