‘These are Irish Draughts, not Valegro – don’t try to make them look like something they’re not’: 2025 Royal International Irish Draught judge on what he’ll be looking for
In the next of our exclusive articles for H&H subscribers on what the judges will be looking for in specific classes at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, Irish Draught judge Matthew McGiver shares details about his equestrian background, how he became involved in showing and what he will be prioritising as the ride judge at Hickstead
Last season, the inaugural British Horse Feeds and Irish Draught Horse Society (IDHS) of Great Britain supreme ridden Irish Draught championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) welcomed top-class competition. 2025 Royal International Irish Draught judge Matthew McGivern will be assessing the ride phase of the class, and gives insight into his background and what he will be looking for on the day…
Who is Matthew McGivern?
Matthew’s passion for horses began with his grandfather, who was heavily involved in the South Pembrokeshire Hunt, and “took no encouragement” to keep Matthew home from school so that they could follow hounds. As well as hunting, Matthew spent his childhood competing in an array of Pony Club competitions.
“It was a ‘learn to stay on until you can’ sort of childhood experience,” recalls Matthew.
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Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.
