We had a very successful inspection day on 1 April 2026 at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell. Two stallions were recommended for Class 1. Both stallions received the BLS Award, kindly donated and presented by Mrs Pam Symonds in memory of her late husband, Bernard Leckie Symonds. They were also the first stallions to receive a new special rosette for high standards of Presentation and Condition.
Inspection results
Horses in blue highlight – Bred in Great Britain, horses in green highlight – bred in Ireland
Five mares came forward from eight applicants. All five met veterinary and inspection requirements. They also all achieved a special rosette for high standards of presentation and condition. Several mares undertook the jumping lane and one mare, Rebecca Mellard’s nine year old Hazelwood Princess Clover, was awarded a Bronze Merit in Athleticism.
The following four Irish Draught mares were recommended for Class 1:
*Mares inspected under the current Irish Inspection Amnesty
Congratulations to all breeders, owners and handlers!
Thank you so much to Moreton Morrell’s Events Organiser, Wayne Rodwell, to our Inspectors Philip Scott from Ireland, Mark Mortimer and John Newborough, our veterinary advisor, Mr Liam Kearns
MRCVS from Three Counties Equine Hospital, arena team leader Andrew Gardiner from Ireland and his dedicated team members who apply their skills to help every horse show itself to its potential.
Thank you also to all the stallion and mare owners, to our stable manager Mary Tearney, vet clerk David Rudd, caterer, cake bakers, the Inspection Management Team and all others who came to help on the day.
Please see 1st Class Images for some great photographs of this event: https://www.1stclassimages.com/images/2026/idhs-stallion-mare-grading-26