Lenamore

They call Ireland the ‘Land of the Horse’ and not without good reason. If you mention the word eventing, Irish horses spring to mind. As a country we continue to produce some of the best sport and riding horses in the world and Irish bloodlines continue to influence and shape equestrianism.

The Irish eventing horse is brave, courageous, and athletic with the ability to handle the worst and best of conditions. It is then of no great surprise that the Irish Sport Horse Studbook has been the leading eventing Studbook in the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horse (WBFSH) rankings for 14 of the past 16 years. In addition to leading the eventing studbook rankings in 2012 it was the Irish Sport Horse Mr Medicott who claimed the number one position in the individual event horse rankings. Mr Medicott was later awarded the title of the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Horse of the Year 2012. An outstanding sporting achievement confirming Irish horses as the leading consistent equine athlete to partner with.

Eventing may have originated as a calvary discipline in France, whereby combined training was an important element for fitness and combat for both rider and horse. Nowadays it is the Irish bred horse that rides to the fore  in the performance sport of eventing.

Andrew Nicholson NZL on Mr Cruise Control (ISH\

High Kingdom ISH & Zara Phillips

In 2012 British Eventing sire rankings of young horses was published and highlighted the dominance of Irish-based stallions’ progeny in eventing, with 15 of the top 20 sires being Irish based. The recently retired Irish Sport Horse Lenamore was also announced the all time highest British Eventing point earner.

At the London 2012 Olympic Games, 13 Irish Sport Horses represented seven different nations in eventing. With four Irish sport horses, in top 10 further  cements Ireland’s reputation of excellence for the  production of world-class eventing horses.

Irish breeders and producers have a wide variety of quality equine stock that suits every rider’s eventing ability. The Irish bred horse has a great temperament, a great brain, and gets better with age, so regardless of what stage a rider is at, Ireland has the right horse to match their ability. As a horse producing nation we tick all the right boxes.

The Irish Horse Gateway is Horse Sport Ireland’s portal to finding horses of a lifetime, and is the gateway to sourcing your next quality eventer . For futher information go to  http://www.irishhorsegateway.ie/ad-category/irish-horses-for-sale/or contact the IHG team at info@irishhorsegateway.ie .

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Bred in Dundrum, County Tipperary in the heartland of Ireland, a Connemara gelding aptly named Dundrum,  rode to fame with his partner Tommy Wade, as champion show jumpers during the late 1950’s and early years of 1960’s.

Dundrum is still regarded by many as show jumper of the century, a high accolade for a horse that stood at just 15 hh.

There is a saying “good things tend to come in small packages” but small horses are often overlooked or seen as a disadvantage in the world of equestrian sport.  Tommy Wade, recognised the ability and potential in this small horse, and soon small became mighty in the world of international show jumping.

Dundrum early days were more functional then sensational, and saw him pulling luggage carts from the station in Tipperary to local hotels. But this spirited gelding proved not the most convivial cart horse, and was passed on. Sold to Tommy Wade, an Irish show jumper, it started the partnership of lifetime. Dundrum had wins from International Grand Prix, to speed classes, and Puissance.

At 15 hh he became the most brilliant show jumper of that era and was heralded as the people’s champion. From the cities to the countryside this special horse was loved. He was a symbol of national pride and a true ambassador for Ireland.

In 1961 Dundrum became Supreme Champion at Wembley HOYS, when he cleared a 7”2” Puissance wall. After spectacular wins at five major events in the Dublin Horse Show, he became Ireland’s hero by making sporting history.   Ireland as a horse nation continues a proud tradition breeding horses of true distinction. Visit Ireland; visit the Irish Horse Gateway, to find your Irish Horse of a lifetime.

Watch rare vintage footage of Dundrum at Dublin Horse Show

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Geesteren CSI3* saw the Irish Sport Horse mare Loughview Lou-Lou add yet another win to an already impressive showjumping record when clinching the €74,000 Grand Prix ridden by Ireland’s Dermott Lennon.

Loughview Lou Lou & Dermott Lennon in Geesteren CSI3* Grand Prix 2013

In February 2011 Dermott Lennon, 2002 World Champion, took over the ride on Loughview Lou-Lou. Since then they have recorded international wins in Aachen, Dublin, Geneva, Maubeuge, St. Gallen, Toronto and London when impressively winning the CSI5* Olympia Grand Prix. Dermott and Loughview Lou-Lou have also represented Team Ireland on Nations Cup teams in Gijon, Lummen and Aachen in both 2012 and 2013.

Loughview Lou-Lou was certainly given a solid and well-rounded education by her breeder and owner Judith Sossick of Co. Antrim.

“I had great fun with Lou-Lou in the early days. I showed her in-hand as a youngster, under saddle in the hunter classes as a four-year-old and in showjumping classes as a five-year-old at the RUAS. She also competed in loose jumping, working hunter and registered showjumping classes on the national circuit. She won a class in Cavan as a four-year-old and qualified for the Cavan Classic as a five-year-old. No matter what Lou-Lou competed in, we were always in the rosettes. She always was special.”

As a young horse Loughview Lou-Lou was a consistent competitor under Conor Drain. The combination were successful in the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series winning the 6/7 Year old age group in 2008. Representing the Irish Sport Horse Studbook that year at FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium, they qualified for the 6 Year Old final placing 16th overall.

“The ISH Studbook Showjumping Series is a great stepping stone for young horses, to keep them at the same level as our international counterparts with the added bonus of good prize money. Results in the World Breeding Championships at Lanaken show Irish horses are as good as any other.”

Loughview Lou-Lou is by the stallion Limmerick (HOLST) out of the Irish Sport Horse mare Loughview Diamond Lucy, who is by Jack of Diamonds (ID C1). Loughview Diamond Lucy is proving to be a prolific dam of showjumpers with seven of her progeny having competed in Ireland to date. Loughview Limelight, full brother to Loughview Lou-Lou is now competing in Norway.

At 20 years of age Loughview Diamond Lucy has produced another filly foal this year by the 2010 six year-old young horse World Champion Cobra (HOLST) and is back in foal to him again for 2014.

Loughview Diamond Lucy, Judith Sossick & Loughview Lou-Lou.
Photo credit: Siobhan English Photography

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Born in Italy in 1937 Graziano Mancinelli enjoyed a long list of Grand Prix and Nations Cup wins throughout an International showjumping career spanning over 20 years. Much of Mancinelli’s International success came aboard Irish bred horses such as The Rock, Turvey, The Rockette, Water Surfer, Oxo Bob, Petter Patter, Doneraile and Impeccable. He participated at five Olympic Games riding a different horse in each. At the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, Mancinelli rode to victory claiming the individual showjumping gold medal with the appropriately named Irish bred gelding Ambassador. Bred by Waterford’s Tom Clancy Ambassador had previously been ridden successfuly by Ireland’s Tommy Brennan. The pair enjoyed international success and represented Ireland at the 1971 European Championships in Aachen, Germany, placing 10th individually.

The late Tom Clancy senior, or Tomás as he was better known, was born on the family farm in Island Stradbally, Co. Waterford, in December 1918. From an early age Tomás always worked with horses on the farm. Ambassador’s dam was a heavy type working mare that pulled a plough and other machinery on the farm. Tomás was friends with the late Maurice Phelan of Ballinabanogue Stud that stood the Thoroughbred stallion Nordlys. The two were talking and said that they would cover the working mare with Nordly’s to see what they would get. The mare herself was ridden to the stud as it was only a few miles away and in 1963 horseboxes would have been rare.

Ambassador was born in 1964 and was a highly strung young horse. He was sold on to Denis (Dinny) Ryan as a 3 yr old and subsequently passed on to Jimmy McEvoy where he was trained. It was then that Tommy Brennan took up the ride. Ambassador was sold to Frank Kiernan and Tommy Brennan continued to compete on him and to win numerous classes. He was on the Aga Khan team at the Dublin Horse Show in 1970 as a 6 yr old. He was then sold on to Graziano Mancinelli of Italy. He returned to the Dublin Horse Show in 1971 as part of the Italian team and competed once again in the Aga Khan and divided the Puissance the same year where the wall stood at 7ft 1in.

Tomás retired from horse breeding in the early 1970′s and his son, Tom Clancy Junior, inherited his passion of horses and took up the mantle.

As a sport horse breeder Tom Junior has also achieved international success. In 1981 Tom purchased the then two year old Irish Draught filly Mish Lass. Retained as a broodmare her second foal was the 1985 filly by the Thoroughbred stallion Spectrach. Named Bluebird the grey filly went on to represented Great Britain on Nations Cup teams under John Popely at top Nations Cup shows including Aachen, Falsterbo and Rome. In 1997 the Irish Sport Horse mare went on to win the coveted Hickstead Derby.

The bloodlines of Bluebird are still continued in the Clancy family’s breeding programme. TC Miss Cruise, a 2007 Irish Sport Horse mare by Cruising, is out of a half sister to Bluebird and has a colt foal by this year by the 2011 Croker Cup winner Financial Reward (IRE) (TB).

The second broodmare on Clancy’s farm is TC Silver Bounce, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse mare by the recently deceased performance Irish Draught sire Grange Bouncer. This damline is a prolific producer of top eventers including horses such as Ashdale Cruise Master (Oliver Townend) and Market Focus (Bill Levett). TC Silver Bounce has recently given birth to a colt foal by Bonmahon Stud’s Thoroughbred stallion Ansiei (ITY). Tom Clancy Junior and his wife Deirdre are current members of the Waterford Sport Horse Breeders Group – a group of sport horse breeders that aim to breed and produce horses that meet the market requirements in Showjumping and Eventing.

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Relating to the Irish Horse Gateway 7th August 2013 to 31 December 2013

Horse Sport Ireland provides refunds of air or ferry travel costs to the purchasers of horses and ponies registered in a studbook licenced by the Department of Agriculture that have been purchased from sellers registered with the Irish Horse Gateway, subject to the conditions outlined below:

1. Rate of Refund for Airfare

The maximum rate of refund is as follows:

• Great Britain claimants – €65
• European mainland claimants – €160
• USA & Australia claimants – €415
• Other countries – refund to be decided on application

Note: The refund rate cannot exceed the cost of the ticket

More information on the Inward Buyer programme »

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During the week of the Dublin Horse Show the Irish Horse Gateway had the pleasure of meeting Erin Gilmore from ProEquest.

Michael Doherty (HSI/IHG) brought Erin to meet Dr. Noel Cawley, whose Newpark Lodge Stud in County Kildare has produced Shane Sweetnam’s Solerina, Jessie Drea’s Touchable and Cruise on Clover, ridden by Thomas Ryan.

Photo Credit : Erin Gilmore ProEquest

One of the highlights of Erin’s trip was standing among a group of mares with a five month old filly by Flexible by her side.

On a beautiful sunny summers day Erin captures the Irish passion for horses and delights in seeing Irish horses and young stock thriving in their natural environment.

Read Erin’s article here:

http://www.proequest.com/news/2013/08/23/where-it-all-begins

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Congratulations from the Irish Horse Gateway to Reed Kessler who is now officially the new rider of the Irish Sport Horse Cos I Can (ISH).  Bred by John Griffin, Ballyvogue House, Asketon, Co. Limerick Cos I Can (ISH) – 2003 gelding by Olympic Lux (KWPN) out of Carel View Lass (ISH), by Harlequin De Carel (SF).

Reed Kessler and her Irish Sport Horse “Cos I Can ” Photo credit Reedcat5000photoinstagram

Kessler is a rising star as one of the USA’s top show jumping riders.  At nineteen she was the youngest rider in the US team at the London Olympic Games, only 18 days over the minimum age limit allowed for competition under Olympic Rules.  Kessler was seen in action as part of the USA team at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show this year.

Cos I Can is a ten-year old gelding who was purchased privately from Shane Breen the Irish team rider for an undisclosed sum. Shane and Cos I Can had jumped a double clear in the Nations’ Cup of Great Britain at Hickstead. This purchase follows on from another US show jumper Jessica Springsteen daughter of the rock legend Bruce Springsteen, acquiring the Irish bred show jumper Lisona (ISH) earlier this year.

HSI Chairman Pat Wall said: “Shane Breen is to be complimented for producing Cos I Can to this level and while the horse will be a loss to the Irish team, he will be a good ambassador for Irish breeding. Having the horse in the US with Reed Kessler, a highly skilled high profile young rider, will put the spotlight on Ireland as a source for good show jumpers. We wish Reed good luck with the horse and we will be following their progress with interest.”

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As the Autumn closes in the hunting season will soon be upon us. Ireland is known throughout the world for its big banks, ditches, rugged countryside and of course the famous Irish Hunter.

The Irish hunting field for many riders is often considered the ideal start for both horse and rider where prospective jockeys,event riders and show jumpers learn their skills of bravery and balance.The traditional Irish Hunter is for many the preferred choice on the hunting field and is  tremendously sought after in England and America due to its temperament, agility, bravery and athleticism. The Irish horse out hunting can rarely be matched with it’s super natural ability over fences, fantastic gallop along with intelligence and plenty of guts.

According to the Hunting Association of Ireland hunting with hounds in Ireland is a tradition that goes back to ancient times and is featured strongly in mystical Celtic legends and literature. Hunting is very much a family sport and is common to find over three generations of the same family hunting together and is one of the largest equestrian activates in Ireland.

Along side the hounds and Whipper- In there is a welcomed revival in the Irish hunting world. Side-Saddle is back in vogue adding that touch of glamour from a bygone era. Women wearing vintage habits and veils in traditional wools and tweeds with beautifully crafted tack which has being handed down through the generations add to the spectacle of the meets.

As land of the horse many people come to these shores for great hunting on great Irish horses. The Irish hunting season runs from October to March. Many hunts welcome visitors with a ready supply of well-schooled local horses that are available.  For those who are enthusiasts of the Irish Draught and  Irish Hunter, an article featured in the issue of “In and Around Horse & Country” called “Irish Draughts No Blarney“   page 16 & 17 is a must.

For more information :

Hunting Association of Ireland Ltd (HAI)
Web: www.hai.ie

Side-Saddle Asc.

Web: www.ssaireland.com

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The Irish Sport Horse team for the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses 2013 was recently announced by Horse Sport Ireland. In addition to the 15 horses selected to represent the Irish Sport horse Studbook there are also a number of additional Irish bred horses heading for the Lanaken event next week.

Austria’s Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati rides her own Irish Sport Horse Kilnaboy Buffet in the five year-old age class. Bred by County Clare’s Patrick McCormack, Kilnaboy Buffet is 2008 grey stallion by the Thoroughbred sire French Buffet out of Cotton Foot (ISH), by Tammouz (TB).

The Irish Sport Horse stallion Olympic Cruz will compete in the six year-old division under Belgian rider Lieven Devos. Olympic Cruz formally competed in Ireland as a four year-old under the Connolly family’s CSF prefix. By Cruising and out of the Clover Hill mare Olympic Clover (ISH), Olympic Cruz was bred by Galway’s Brian Connolly. This damline has been well represented in international competition recently through Showjumpers such as Mullentine Loughgall (Capt. Michael Kelly, IRL), Newmarket Venture Clover (Dermott Lennon, IRL), Point Two Elvis (Clem McMahon, IRL) and Clarkes Ferro (Dag Ov Kingsrod, NOR).

Italy’s Alessandro Colombo ride’s the six year-old Irish Sport Horse Jay Flight owned by F.L. Sport Horses SRL. Jay Flight (ISH) competed in Ireland under Ellie Moloney during the 2011 and 2012 season. Bred by Eddie Moloney of Kilkenny’s Warrignton Equestrian Centre the 2007 bay mare is by Warrenstown You 2 (ISH) out of Jay Lo (ISH), by Ramiro B (BWP). Dam, Jay Lo (ISH), competed in Ireland up to 1.20m level and is a half sister to the Grand Prix showjumpers Rolo Tomasi (ISH) and Bob Dolton (ISH).

Other Irish-bred horses travelling to Belgium next week include Condor Z (ZANG) and Cobana LVS Z (ZANG) in the five year-old age category with Ireland’s Joe Owens and Wang Chung M2S (KWPN) who will compete in the Sires of the World competition under Canada’s Eric Lamaze. Condor Z is a 2008 grey gelding by Cobra (HOLST) out of Icing (ISH), by Cruising (ISH), and was bred in County Armagh by Tom & Linda Magee. Also by Lissava Stud’s stallion Cobra (HOLST), Cobana LVS Z is out of Caretina Z (ZANG), by Caretano (HOLST). This bay gelding was bred by Anne-Marie O’Gorman. Wang Chung M2S is a 2002 chestnut stallion by Royal Bravour (KWPN) out of Harnita (KWPN), by Ahorn (KWPN), and was bred by Morningside Stud in County Clare.

The 15 horses selected to represent the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Team at this year’s championships can be view here.

The Irish Horse Gateway would like to wish all of these Irish bred horses’ good luck during the championships and congratulate the breeders on their successes to date.

2010 six year-old Gold medalist NLS Coole Al Clover (ISH), rider Clem McMahon (IRL) & Eamonn Kenny, father of the breeder Brian Kenny, receiving his breeder prize.

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FENYAS ELEGANCE WINS BLENHEIM PALACE CCI***
Blenheim Palace CCI3* saw Aoife Clark make history by becoming the first Irish rider to win the prestigious event. This victory was made all the sweeter by the fact that her ride, Fenyas Elegance, is also Irish bred. Fenyas Elegance, owned and bred by West Cork’s PJ Hegarty, is a nine year-old Irish Sport Horse mare by Ricardo Z (ZANG) out of Fenya (ISH), by Good Thyne (USA) (TB).

“This means a huge amount. She’s been a star this week, and is at just the right age to be looking at the World Equestrian Games and Rio [2016 Olympic Games],” said Aoife (Horse & Hound)
“I knew I had to go clear,” Clark said. “We’ve only had one showjumping rail down all year, but there was still pressure.”

It is therefore no great surprise that Fenya showjumped consistently in Ireland up to 1.20m level before producing her first foal, Fenyas Elegance, in 2004.

Fenyas Elegance & Aoife Clark. Photo credit: Eventing Nation

In total Irish bred horse claimed four of the top five places in the CCI3* class. USA’s Clarke Montgomery and the Irish Sport Horse gelding Loughan Glen took 3rd place. Bred by Daragh Geraghty, Galway, Loughan Glen is by Limmerick (HOLST) out of Tattymacall Mustard (ISH), by the Thoroughbred sire Cut the Mustard (USA). Fourth place went Gemma Tattersall (GBR) and the Irish Thoroughbred Arctic Soul. This ten year-old gelding is by Luso (GB) (TB) out of Dream Cocktail (IRE) (TB), by Roi Danzi (TB), and was bred by Michael Whitty. Highand Ford (ISH) and Richard Jones (GBR) completed the top five combinations. This thirteen year-old gelding is by Highland King (ISH) out of Forest Mistral (IRIP), by Cruising (ISH), and was bred in County Kildare by Diana Warrington.

FERNHILL PIMMS WINS BLENHEIM PALACE CIC***8/9YO
Irish-bred horses also claimed four of the top ten places in the CIC*** 8/9YO class. William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Fernhill Pimms (AES) took the number one slot. By Ard VDL Douglas (KWPN) out of the Thoroughbred mare Celestial Drive, by Dublin Taxi (TB), Fernhill Pimms was bred by Imelda Creighton of Old Mill House Stud.

The breeders were delighted with the win adding “Pimms is from an extremely successful performance family which includes Celestial Touch and Sugar Brown Babe to name just a few. He was the best looking and moving athlete bred so far at Old Mill House Stud”.

Fernhill Pimms & William Fox-Pitt.
Photo credit: Horse & Hound

Following closely in second place was Chris Burton and the Irish Sport Horse Graf Liberty. Another by Lougherne stud’s Limmerick (HOLST), this one is out Lisheen Star (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOSLT), and bred by Brian Livingstone in County Down.
Australia’s Bill Levett claimed fourth on his Master Imp (TB) sired Irish Sport Horse Improvise. Bred in Kilkenny by Anastasia Lawlor, Improvise is out of Diamond Wood (TB), by Marwood (TB). The same combination placed second in Tattersalls CCI3* this summer.
Carol Gee’s Fernhill prefix was flying high with the addition of Fernhill Quality Street (ISH) to the top ten, in 8th place. This nine year old Irish Sport Horse gelding was bred Ronan Sheehan of Cuffesgrange Sport Horse in Kilkenny. Fernhill Quality Street (IH) is by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Coolmore Joyita (ISH), by Puissance (ISH) and was ridden by Australia’s Kevin McNab.

Blenheim Palace International horse trials 2013 has been an outstanding showcase for the strength and success of the sport horse breeding industry in Ireland and for this the Irish breeders deserve great credit.

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Each September some of the world’s most promising five, six and seven year-old horses congregate in the small town of Lanaken, Belgium, to participate in the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses.

In recent years the Irish Sport Horse studbook has been well represented and enjoyed well deserved success in the young horse championships. 2009 saw Capt. David O’Brien take the silver medal in the six year-old division aboard Drumiller Lough (ISH). This gelding by Heartbreaker (KWPN) out of Pearl Diver (ISH), by Mountain Pearl (ID), was bred in Armagh by Paul Dillon. With the sweet taste of success still fresh in the mouths of the Irish contingent the studbook representatives upped the ante in 2010. Clem McMahon and the Irish Sport Horse stallion NLS Coole Al Clover clinched the Gold medal in the six year-olds. By Aldatus Z (OLD) out of Laurel Lodge (AID), by Clover Hill (ID), NLS Coole Al Clover was bred by Brian Kenny of County Laois. Next up was the seven year-old final with Tipperary’s Greg Broderick riding Ballypatrick Mystique (ISH). The pair produced a double clear and collected the Bronze medal. Ballypatrick Mystique (ISH) is by Heritage Fortunus (HANN) out of Lady Ligustra (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST) and was bred by Ita Brennan in Kilkenny’s Mill House Stud.

2010 six year-old Gold medalist NLS Coole Al Clover (ISH), rider Clem McMahon (IRL) & Eamonn Kenny, father of the breeder Brian Kenny, receiving his breeder prize.

Forward on to September 2013 and Greg Broderick was again Lanaken bound on the back of an incredibly successful season on Ireland’s National showjumping circuit. Broderick and Arraghbeg Clover (ISH) topped the Irish Sport Horse Studbook showjumping series league for five year-olds and followed up with a win in the Irish Breeders Classic making the pair strong contenders at the Championships. Unsurprisingly the pair did not disappoint and qualified for Sundays final where they put on quite a show to the delight of strong Irish support to win Gold. Ireland’s Bertram Allen boosted the Irish spirits claiming the silver medal aboard Denver. That afternoon Allen added to his tally by winning the Gold medal in the seven year-old class riding Barnike.

Declan Orpen (co-owner), Greg Broderick & Araghbeg Clover, Ashleigh Skillen (groom)

Accepting the well deserved Gold medal Greg Broderick delivered an admirable speech praising his mount Arraghbeg Clover (ISH) and the sport Horse Industry in Ireland. Arraghbeg Clover (ISH) is by the Clover Hill (ID) sired Irish Sport Horse stallion Captain Clover, a Lanaken competitor himself as a five year-old with Gabriel Slattery in 1997. The dam, Blidsworth Lion Queen, by Bonnie Prince (TB), is a half sister to Windgate’s Paragon ridden by Ireland’s Conor Swail. The proud breeder of Arraghbeg Clover, Agata Leonard, was in attendance to witness the victory and collect a breeder’s prize. Having taking a break from sport horse breeder the win has inspired Agata Leonard to start breeding again.

Greg Broderick & Arraghbeg Clover with family and friends. Breeder Agata Leonard (far left)

The five year-old consolation final was won by another Irish combination – Alexander Butler and the Irish Sport Horse mare Talks Cheap. Bred in County Limerick by Ronnie Kelly, Talks Cheap is by Tinaranas Inspector out of the Colin Diamond (ISH) mare Dreaming (ISH).

This years FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses was a demonstration to the world of the quality of horses and riders that Ireland has to offer.

Congratulations to all involved from the Irish Horse Gateway.

Click here go fiind your next Irish  horse at the Irish Horse Gateway .

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IRISH SPORT HORSE STUDBOOK TOPS WBFSH EVENTING RANKINGS 2013

THE WBFSH 2013 rankings were announced last week. The Irish Sport Horse Studbook has taken the top spot in the studbook rankings for eventing. At the 2013 WBFSH annual meeting, the winning studbooks in the three disciplines were honored. The Irish Sport Horse Studbook topped the 2013 rankings on 1068 points, with six horses contributing to the final ranking points.

WBFSH president Jan Pedersen and HSI Director of Breeding & Programmes Alison Corbally

The Irish Sport Horse Studbook won the eventing rankings every year since the conception of the rankings in 1994 up until 2010. In 2012, the Irish Sport Horse Studbook never looked in doubt of winning and ultimately finished on 1,427 points, to reclaim the top spot in the rankings. In that same year, Mr Medicott (ISH) was named the number one event horse in the world.

This year, in sixth place, Mr Cruise Control (ISH) is the highest placed Irish Sport Horse in the individual eventing rankings. Born in 1999, the grey gelding was bred by Hartwell Stud’s Jenny McCann and sired by their resident stallion, Cruising (ISH). He is out of the Broussard (TB) mare Chia (ISH). This June, New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson rode Mr Cruise Control to victory in the highly contested Luhmuhlen CCI 4*.

Mr Cuise Control (ISH) & New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson

Ballynoe Castle RM (ISH) ranked 31^st individually following some top five international placings, including 4^th in the Rolex Kentucky CCI 4* with Bruce Davidson Jnr (USA).  Bred by Sylvester Cullen in County Wexford, this 13 year old gelding is by Ramiro B (BWP) out of Ballyvaldon Natalie (ISH), by Blue Laser (TB). Ballynoe Castle RM (ISH) is a full brother to CIC 3* eventer Tommy B Good (ISH), ridden by Ireland’s Denise O’Brien.

Ballynoe Castle RM (ISH) & Bruce Davidson Jnr (USA)

Following closely in individual 34^th place is the 2012 London Olympics Team Silver Medallist, High Kingdom (ISH). With Zara Phillips (GBR), High Kingdom finished  second to Mr Cruise Control in Luhmuhlen CCI 4*. A full brother to Olympic event horse Mandiba (ISH), High Kingdom (ISH) is by Master Imp (TB) out of High Dolly (ISH), by Chair Lift (TB), and was bred by Wicklow’s William Micklem.

High Kingdom (ISH) & Zara Phillips (GBR)

Our next Studbook representative is Harbour Pilot (ISH) who was bred in County Wicklow’s Kilbride Stud by Jacqueline Mars. Another by Cruising (ISH), Habour Pilot (ISH) is out of the eventing Thoroughbred mare Shannon who competed with Karen O’Connor (USA).

Harbour Pilot (ISH) & Hannah Sue Burnett (USA). Photo credit – Horse Junkies United

Ranked individual 50^th is the 11 year old gelding Cambalda (ISH). Ridden by American rider Jennie Brannigan, Cambalda (ISH) had a successful eventing season recording three second place finishes at CIC 3* level. Sired by Balda Beau (TB) and out of the Irish Sport Horse mare Cathys Lady, Cambalda (ISH) was bred in County Kilkenny by John Irish.

Cambalda (ISH) & Jennie Brannigan (USA). Photo credit – Pics of You

The final of our Studbook representatives accounting for the first place ranking is Fernhill Eagle (ISH) who finished in individual 51^st place. Fernhill Eagle (ISH) is ridden by Phillip Dutton making him the fourth of our top six Irish Sport Horse’s to be ridden by an American rider. The pair finished eleventh at Rolex Kentucky CCI 4* earlier this year. Fernhill Eagle (ISH) is by the Irish Sport Horse sire Coronea Eagle out of Tango Teela (ISH), by Cornelscourt (TB).

Fernhill Eagle (ISH) & Phillip Dutton (USA). Photo credit -Triple Crown Feed

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THE FEI WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses takes place in Le Lion d’Angers, France, this week. Horse Sport Ireland has confirmed the combinations selected to represent Ireland at the Championships. A team of three 6 year old and ten 7 year old horses will travel to Le Lion d’Angers. Janet Murray will act as Chef d’Equipe, with Ian Fearon travelling as Showjumping Coach. The 7 year olds will compete in the CCI 2*, while the 6 year olds will compete in the CCI 1*.

Chef d’Equipe Janet Murray, left, Show Jumping coach Ian Fearon and Dressage coach Heike Holstein. Coilog Equestrian Centre, Kilmeague, Co. Kildare. Picture credit: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE

The dressage phase will take place on Thursday and Friday, with the cross-country on Saturday and showjumping on Sunday. The full list of horses and riders selected is shown below. Twelve of the thirteen horses selected to represent Ireland are Irish Sport Horses. Fourteen additional Irish Sport Horses will compete for nine other nations at this year’s Championships.

Horses selected to represent Ireland are listed below, including full breeding details.

7 Year Olds/CCI 2*:

• Fernhill Adventure (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Newmarket Venture (HANN) out of Cloverwood (ISH), by Clover Hill (ID). Breeder: Mary Quinlivan, Co. Cork. Owner: Richard Last. Rider: Aoife Clark (IRL)

• November Night (ISH) – 2006 mare by Bonnie Prince (TB) out of Coolnalee Kate (ISH), by Flagmount King (ID). Breeder: Pat Doherty, Co. Waterford. Owner: Susanna Franke & Peter Cole. Rider: Ciaran Glynn (IRL)

• HHS Comporta Beach (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Beachball (ISH) out of Elley’s next in Line (ISH), by Coevers Diamond Boy (ISH). Breeder: Norman E Watt, Co. Tyrone. Owner: Ann Marshall. Rider: Elizabeth Power (IRL)

• Day By Day (ISH) – 2006 mare by Jumbo (BSHR) out of Decision Day (ISH), by Lafontaine (TB). Breeder/Owner: Kate Jarvey, Co. Limerick. Rider: Austin O’Connor (IRL)

• Cooley Rorkes Drift (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Courage II (HOLST) out of Doon-A-Ree Lass (ISH), by Rachel Comet (TB). Breeder: William McCarrison, Co. Down. Owner: Fiona Elliott. Rider: Jonty Evans (IRL)

• Ferns (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Donnelly Cool Diamond (ISH) out of Shanballa Rebel (ISH), by Rich Rebel (TB). Breeder: Patrick Cantwell, Co. Tipperary. Owner: Minister for Defence. Rider: Capt. Brian Curran Cournane (IRL)

• Hillcrest Harry (ISH) – 2006 by Harlequin Du Carel (SF) out of Ballybeg Miracle (ISH), by Ballinvella (TB). Breeder: David McCormack, Co. Tipperary. Owner/Rider: Rodney O’ Donnell (IRL)

• Greenfort Hermes (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Hermes De Reve (SF) out of Hillvella Suzy (ISH), by Ballinvella (TB). Breeder: Joseph & Geraldine Prendergast, Co. Offaly. Owner/Rider: Michael O’ Toole (IRL)

• Briary Swan (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Tjipke (KWPN) out of City Queen (ISH), by Errigal Flight (ISH). Breeder: Brian McDonnell, Co. Tipperary. Owner/Rider: Nicola Ennis (IRL)

• Mark Kyle & Jemilla (SHBGB) – 2006 mare by Mill Law out of Jessica XIX, by Louella Maschallah. Breeder: S Morely. Owner/Rider: Mark Kyle (IRL)

6 Year Olds/CCI 1*:

• Oakley (ISH) – 2007 gelding by Beachball (ISH) out of Broadstone Garnet (BSHR), by Runton. Breeder: Messrs Teague & Mulgrew, Co. Tyrone. Owner: Dr Cormac McKay. Rider: Clare Abbott (IRL)

• Wasting Light (ISH) – 2007 gelding by Ghareeb (TB) out of Barnview Diamond (ISH), by Furisto’s Diamond (ISH). Breeder: Patrick Jones, Co. Wexford. Owner: John Forde. RIder: Aoife Clark (IRL)

• Bridgemans Cocoa Malt (ISH) – 2007 gelding by Chocoa (HOLST) out of Mollys Diamond Strike (ISH), by Maltstriker (KWPN). Breeder: Brendan O’ Shea, Co. Kerry. Owner: Emer McGrath. Rider: Sarah Ennis (IRL)

Irish Sport Horses selected to represent other nations are listed below, including full breeding details.

7 Year Olds/CCI 2*:

• BELGIUM:
  • Airkan Sylvester (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Chakiris (USA) (TB) out of Glendiamond Girl (ID), by Welcome Diamond (ID). Breeder: Messers Tim & Breda Hurley. Owner: Lieven Tsjoen. Rider: Steve Van Winkel (BEL)

• GREAT BRITAIN:
  • OBOS Cooley (ISH) – 2006 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of OBOS Demira (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: O.B.O.S, Co. Cork. Owner: George & Jayne Apter. Rider: Laura Collett (GBR)

• The Precious One (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Master Imp (TB) out of Dark Touch (ISH). Breeder: Garret Young, Co. Carlow. Owners: Team Ruthledge. Rider: Ruth Edge (GBR)

• Hayestown Clover Quin (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Harlequin du Carel (SF) out of Honey Clover (ISH), by Clover Hill (ID). Breeder: Eamon Kenny, Co. Laois. Owner/Rider: Janine Jansen (GBR)

• Cavalier Venture (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Newmarket Venture (HANN) out of Newmarket Rare Cavalier (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Billy Daly, Co. Cork. Owners: Janette Chinn, Edward & Sue Davies. Rider: Mary King (GBR)

• Shearwater Billy (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Laughton’s Flight (ISH) out of Coolgrange Special. Breeder: Thomas F Brennan, Co. Kilkenny. Owners: Shearwater Insurance & Mr J Shearwater. Rider: Kylie Roddy (GBR)

• ITALY:
  • Premier Clover Royale (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Gelvin Clover (ID) out of Rosy Cavalier (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Dominic Rice, Co. Armagh. Owner: Az. Agr. Moranzoni Elisabetta. Rider: Gianluca Gardini (GBR)

• NEW ZEALAND:
  • Green Mount Flight (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Errigal Flight (ISH) out of Burns Regular Gal (ISH), by Loughehoe Guy (ISH). Breeder: Hugh Cass, Co. Laois. Owner: Lizzie Brown. Rider: Lizzie Brown (NZL)

• Bango (ISH) -  2006 gelding by Garrison Royale (ISH) out of No Sale (ISH), by Don Tristan (TB). Breeder: James Foley, Co. Wexford. Owner/Rider: Tim Price (NZL)

• RUSSIA:
  • Balladeer Land (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Cavalier Land (ISH) out of Killeenmore (ISH), by Diamond Lad (ID). Breeder: Peter Rice, Co. Monaghan. Owner/Rider: Yuri Shumskiy (RUS)

• SWEDEN:
  • Spring Sensation (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Colin Diamond (ISH) out of Good Lady (TB), by Good Thyne (USA) (TB). Breeder: John Martin MCLoughney, Co. Tipperary. Owner: Shonaid Jemmett-Page. Rider: Anna Hamilton (SWE)

6 Year Olds/CCI 1*:

• JAPAN:
  • Calzini (ISH) – 2007 gelding by Moshaajir (USA) (TB) out of Ballycanew Beauty (ISH), by Tomgar Power Crest (ISH). Breeder: Bryan Maguire, Co. Wexford. Owner: Takeaki Tsuchiya (JAP)

• NEW ZEALAND:
  • Stellor Seaurchin (ISH) – 2007 gelding by Ramiro B (BWP) out of Seashell (ISH), by Sea Crest (ID). Breeder: Claire Gilna, Co. Wicklow. Owner: Richard Ames. Rider: Caroline Powell (NZL)

• USA:
  • Back To Business (ISH) – 2007 mare by Harlequin du Carel (SF) out of Moxella (OLD), by Quick Star (SF). Breeder: Don & Elizabeth Hadden, Co. Wicklow. Owner; Eleanor Hadden. Rider: Brianne Stanley (USA)

The post TWENTY SIX IRISH SPORT HORSES HEAD TO LE LION D’ANGERS 2013 appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

“The Irish Sport Horse Studbook won the eventing rankings every year since the conception of the rankings in 1994 up until 2010. In 2012, the Irish Sport Horse Studbook never looked in doubt of winning and ultimately finished on 1,427 points, to reclaim the top spot in the rankings. In that same year, Mr Medicott (ISH) was named the number one event horse in the world.” Horse Sport Ireland

To say we breed excellent sport horses for eventing might be a slight understatement.   The consistency to stay at the very top for this long means quite simply, Ireland is a nation who produces the most exceptional sporting horses.  The Irish Sport Horse Studbook  has won the FEI WBFSH Eventing Studbook  an astonishing 15 out of 17 years.

Cambalda (ISH) & Jennie Brannigan (USA). Photo credit – Alice Conrad

Ireland’s breeders have systematically delivered in the eventing world enabling the ISH Studbook to covet this title once again is truly affirmation that Ireland is Land of the Eventer. Congratulations to the breeders  for all their hard work and commitment.   By breeding  elite equine athletes it shines a light on Ireland  promoting  it as a premier buyer destination for eventers.

The Irish eventer has enormous raw talent, athletism and bravery, qualities needed in abundance in the sport of eventing. With proven demand worldwide for the Irish eventer the Irish Horse Gateway enables  buyers immediate access to Irish horses 24 hours a day 365 days of the year with confidence.  The horses for sale pages showcase a range of quality prospective and proven eventers along with plenty of raw talented young stock to choose from.  Buying an Irish Horse has never been easier.

Along with buyer incentives like the inward buyer programme (opens in new window) when you visit you  get the chance to enjoy  Irish food, culture, hospitality and of course horses.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for on the Irish Horse Gateway sales page get in touch with us and we will endeavour to help source that horse of a lifetime with our breeders and producers.

Contact us today,  we’re here to help.

Check out the Irish Horse Gateway listings to find your next eventer.

Horses FOR SALE  (opens in new window)

The post Irish Eventers on the Irish Horse Gateway appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

“He was great, brave, careful, honest, intelligent – as good a horse as you would ever want to go to war with.”

Robert Splaine 2013

COOLCORRON Cool Diamond an Irish equine legend, known fondly as Bobbu spent his retirement in paddocks beside Irish show jumper Robert Splaine’s house on his farm in Co. Cork where this great horse passed away on Friday the 18th of October aged 24.

The stallion was owned by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson  ridden by Robert Splaine, the Irish Show Jumping High Performance Manager, from 1995 until the horse’s retirement in 2007. His owner the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson said “”I think in this day and age more people should listen. Never were man and animal in such harmony as Robert Splaine and Coolcorron Cool Diamond. They did listen to each other. It was an honour to be part of such greatness.”

Robert Splaine and Coolcorron Cool Diamond at the Aachen Nations’ Cup, 2003

Splaine recalls “He was a very independent character, always the boss yet a perfect gentleman as long as you didn’t get between him and the feeding trough!. The stallion hadn’t been himself for a while. He was struggling, and I knew it was time to make the difficult decision. We gave Bobbu the best of everything until the very end. He more than earned it. Every time I rode him – even at home – I felt privileged. He certainly got me up in the morning. As a famous statesman once said: ‘when you’re on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have’”.

The big handsome bay and Splaine won numerous grands prix in Ireland, and were Irish National Champions in 2007, when the stallion was 18. Together they regularly represented Ireland on Nations’ Cup teams securing many Cups, including Rotterdam, Washington, Toronto, Aachen, Lummen, and St. Gallen.

“Team jumping has always given me the most pleasure,” said Splaine, “and if I were to single out our most satisfying win, it has to be when our team won the Nation’s’ Cup in Aachen. He delivered a clear round in one of the toughest Cups at one of the greatest shows in front of 45,000 spectators. It stands out in my mind and always will.”

At the European Championships in Donaueschingen in Germany in 2003, the pair were on the Nations’ Cup team and contributed to Ireland’s qualification for the 2004 Athens’ Olympics. An injury sustained in that very event kept Coolcorron Cool Diamond out of the reckoning for the Olympic Games the following year.

Coolcorron Cool Diamond was a prominent sire greatly in demand. He was of traditional Irish breeding by the legendary King of Diamonds with Nordlys lines in his pedigree. He had the wonderful much sought after characteristics of the Irish Sport Horse which he has passed on down his line. He was approved by Horse Sport Ireland and Selle Francais.

Splaine said: “The plan was when he retired he would take up full-time stud duties as there was only a limited amount of time to cover a few mares while he was competing. But for some mysterious reason at a certain stage he seemed to take against the process and wouldn’t complete covering. We were never able to resolve the problem. However, thankfully there is a limited amount of frozen semen still available.” “In spite of all the challenges the Duchess and I take great pride in the fact that he did produce Mister Cool, with whom Helen Kearney won three Paralympic Medals at London in 2012.”

Enjoy this great footage of  the Legend Coolcorron Cool Diamond at MillStreet in 1999

COOLCORRON COOL DIAMOND R.I.P

The post Poignant farewell to Coolcorron Cool Diamond Irish show jumping legend appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

A total of sixteen Irish-bred event horses take on this years CCI4* at Les estoiles de Pau, France. The event was last won by an Irish-bred in 2008 when Germany’s Bettina Hoy rode the eventing icon Ringwood Cockatoo to victory ahead of Mr Medicott (ISH) in third with his then rider Frank Ostholt, also from Germany.

2008 Pau CCI4* winners Bettina Hoy (GER) riding Ringwood Cockatoo (ISH)

Mr Medicott contests Pau CCI4* again this year ridden by his new rider Phillip Dutton (USA). The chestnut gelding has already participated in two Olympic Games with two separate riders – Frank Ostholt in Beijing 2008 (winning Team gold) and Karen O’Connor in London 2012 (highest placed American combination). 2012 saw Mr Medicott being named the number one event horse in the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horse (WBFSH) rankings and also being named the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Horse of the Year.

Mr Medicott (ISH) & Karen O’Connor (USA) – London Olympic Games 2012

Andrew Nicholson rides two of his top Irish Sport Horses in the CCI4* – Mr Cruise Control and Viscount George. Nicholson and Mr Cruise Control already claimed a CCI4* this year when the pair won Luhmühlen in June.

Mr Cuise Control (ISH) & New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson

Ireland’s representatives in the CCI4* are Joseph Murphy and Aidan Keogh, both riding Irish-bred horses. Murhpy rides his Olympic mount Electric Cruise as well as DHI Topstory while Keogh rides Master Tredstep.

Electric Cruise (ISH) & Joseph Murphy (IRL) – London Olympic Games 2012

In total Irish-bred horses are represented on five of the eleven nations competing this year. Want to know where to find your next Irish-bred event horses? Visit www.irishhorsegateway.ie

The post 16 Irish-bred event horses take on Pau CCI4* appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

“The pure-bred Irish Draught gelding, Loughkeen Dancing Lord, produced and ridden by society president Robert Oliver, was the winning heavyweight hunter at the Horse of the Year Show in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and was also reserve champion Show Hunter of the Year in 2010.  The half-bred gelding Lenamore, by RID stallion, Sea Crest, won Burghley in 2010 at the age of 17. In 2012, 13-year-old Avebury, another half-bred gelding, by the three-quarter Irish Draught Jumbo, also won Burghley, the arguably biggest 4* event in the world. Avebury also received the Wide Awake Trophy for the Top British Bred event horse for 2012.” Farmers Gaurdian UK August 23 2013

Dreaming of buying and owning an Irish Draught just got easier.  The Irish Horse Gateway connects buyers to sellers of Irish horses, helping buyers find an Irish horse of their dreams.  Buying your next Irish Draught or Sports Horse  is only a click away.   The Irish Draught is a firm favourite for many of us riders who love the fact that these horses offer the ultimate in versatility, trainability and of course intelligence.  The Irish Draught is a horse that makes riding, schooling and competing  ever so pleasurable.

The Horse of the Year Show is the pinnacle of the showing and equestrian calendar for the UK and Ireland. Qualifying for the event is a tremendous achievement, as the show attracts the champions of champion horses from many disciplines. This year in the ridden showing classes three beautifully fully bred Irish Draughts geldings took the much sought after honours at the famous HOYS.

Loughkeen Dancing Lord by Crosstown Dancer out of Loughkeen Young Lady by Carrabawn View and bred by Hugo Perdue in Co. Offaly started the ball rolling when he won the TopSpec HW Show Hunter of the Year and that makes it his fourth win at HOYS in six years.With 26 in each division of the cob classes it was the lightweight winner The Comedian by Welcome Flagmount out of Liskillen Harmony by Pride of Glenogra and bred in Co. Meath by Aidan Travers that was crowned Virbac 3D Champion Cob of the Year.

For the third consecutive year Hallmark IX won the Leeman Family Maxi Cob Championship. Bred in Co. Donegal by Martin Howley, the 158.5 cm chestnut is also by Welcome Flagmount his dam being Rebel Rose by Glenagyle Rebel. The nine-year-old Hallmark IX is no stranger to HOYS either and he subsequently added the title of Supreme Horse of The Year 2013 to his other four consecutive wins at the venue.

Irish Draught horse breeders should be much encouraged by the outstanding successes of these horses proving that quality will win out in the long run.

Irish Draughts can be found competing at the highest level across most equestrian disciplines. They make exceptional hunters and are always  in the ribbons in working hunter and showing classes.  It is said their superior bone and temperament are  their winning attributes. The breed is renowned for its strength, intelligence, courage, durability and gentle temperament. From the earliest times horses have always been a part of Irish life.  Over the years small active native horses were crossed with Norman horses and Spanish Andalusian stallions to increase the size of the native breed.

Steeped in Luck at WEG Irish Draught

In addition, the Thoroughbred has also played a significant role in the development of the Irish Draught breed throughout the centuries. Their strength, intelligence and lightness of step means that they can perform in many varied disciplines including showjumping, eventing, dressage, hunting, showing, driving, le trec and endurance riding.  Above all, their reliability makes them extremely safe and sound horse for the amateur and leisure rider.

Irish Draught Horses  play a major role in the production of sport horses in Ireland.  Ever since show jumping had its birth in Ireland and went on to become an international sport, Irish Draught crosses have been a foundation breed for the Irish Sport Horse. The even temperament, athleticism and durability of the breed, crossed with Thoroughbred and sport horse breeds has created a potent mix which is well up to the demands of today’s equestrian sports.  Numerous Irish Draught crosses have competed to the highest level in equestrian sport.

If your looking for an Irish Draught check out the for sales pages on the Irish Horse Gateway, if you can’t find what your looking for get in touch with us at info@irishhorsegatway.ie we’re here to help.

The post Dreaming of buying an Irish Draught on the Irish Horse Gateway appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

Catch up with these elegant hunting ladies who along with Side Saddle riders from all over the world will descend on Brittas house, the stately home of Oinri Jackson and Neville Jessop on Saturday, November 30 at 1pm.  The Irish Horse Gateway will be speaking with these elegant ladies shortly and learning more about the art of traditional riding, the side saddle revival and the ladies who hunt rather than lunch.  The Irish Horse Gateway has many  horses who could make for an ideal side saddle mount so check out our latest listings on the Irish Horse Gateway for sale pages.

Ladies who hunt

The hunt will see the Tara Harriers lead the field of elegant ladies across the rolling countryside of north Meath.

To add to the excitement that night the Tara Harriers Hunt Ball will be held in the Headford Arms Hotel, Kells, commencing with a drinks reception at 7pm

To continue the weekend the side saddle riders and their companions will spend Sunday afternoon hunting over Galway’s renowned stone wall country with the Grallagh Harriers (1pm meet).

Horse Sport Ireland is supporting this event by offering the ‘’Inwards Buyers’ Programme’’ to anyone attending the hunting weekend. So if you are looking to buy your next horse or pony from Ireland, full details of this offer are available on www.horsesportireland.ie

For more details please contact:

Email:sidesaddlehunt@gmail.com

Phone calls: Imelda 00 353 87 6166287

Full details on the Facebook event page:

www.facebook.com/events/149656518576394/

The post Elegant Hunting ladies on horseback – Side Saddle Hunt Weekend appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

“The Unit concentrates on Irish-bred horses as these tend to have the most suitable qualities. The Irish Horse lends itself to this type of work”. Garda Mounted unit Ireland

We live in a lightening fast digital age where all things move at extraordinary speed. In a world driven by technology and gadgetry you could be forgiven for thinking the horse as a working animal is redundant.

In fact horse power is still a welcome force in our modern cities as horses serve in the line of duty as working police horses. The Garda Mounted Unit in Ireland was established in 1998 to provide high visibility policing and crime prevention. The Unit is made up of primarily Irish Draught horses that  can stand at an imposing 16hh to 17 hh in height. For mounted police work the type of horse used is paramount.

Two Irish Sport horses in the UK mounted unit policing in Highbury for Arsenal vs Liverpool match.

“The Unit concentrates on Irish-bred horses as these tend to have the most suitable qualities. Horses are initially introduced on a 6 week trial and if suitable they are then trained to become police horses. This process involves slowly introducing them to the various hazards and problems they may encounter whilst on patrol or crowd duty.” Garda Mounted Unit

The Irish Draught and Irish Sport Horse by their very nature make ideal police horses. Some of their key characteristics are their exceptional trainability, calmness and bravery. They have superior bone which gives the horses their powerful presence on the modern streetscape. Based in one of Europe’s largest walled parks the Phoenix Park, the Mounted Unit includes stables, tack rooms, stores, paddocks and an all-weather training arena.

The Irish Horse is also favoured as a police horse by our nearest neighbours the United Kingdom.  In a 2011  Guardian article, which featured a day in the life of a mounted officer, spoke about the many  horses that serve in their mounted units coming from Ireland where breeding big, athletic horses is a specialism.

Further afield in Sweden Zeb a six year old purebred Irish Draught has joined the Swedish Mounted Police Unit, Zeb was bred in Co. Clare and exported in 2011 to Sweden.

So while Irish Horses are brave and calm, athletic and trainable and ideal for police work their versatility is endless.  Irish Horses make excellent horses to partner with from a days hunting to eventing, from local showing class to elite competition, from grand prix to olympics. Come to Ireland where you will find a horse for every rider ability, ambitions and dreams.

Find your next brave Irish Horse here on the Irish Horse Gateway (opens in new window)

For more information visit the  Garda Mounted Unit website (opens in new window)

The post Irish Horses – In the line of duty appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

Cruising The Irish Horse Gateway Hall of Fame

• 1995, Grey, 1.68m (16.2 hh),

Irish Sport Horse Stallion •

Cruising is a world famous Irish Sport Horse Stallion and international showjumper who was ridden by Trevor Coyle during his long and outstanding  show jumping career. His Grand prix wins placings and appearances in nation cup teams include, Grand Prix – Aachen The greatest Grand Prix in the world (1999), Dortmund (1999), Lucerne (1998), San Marino (1996) and Wolfsburg (1996).

Photo Credit : Hartwell Stud Mary McCann. Taken after his fantastic win at Aachen

This grey Irish Sport Horse stallion is considered one of the worlds most significant sires of the 21st century.  The stallion was for many years the predominant choice for many international breeders.

Bred by Bord na gCapall and owned by the McCann’s Hartwell Stud in the heartland of horse country, Kildare in Ireland the McCann’s steadfast focus continues in breeding quality Irish horses for show jumping and eventing. While Cruising is now in retirement his legacy and progeny keep Ireland to the fore as one of the worlds premier breeding countries.

Now at 28 years of age, Cruising has sired champion progeny that have achieved some of the highest accolades in elite equestrian sport. He is indeed the champion of champions.

Cruising is the only stallion in Ireland to have a 5* rating for his performance of his offspring in both eventing and show jumping. Cruising’s  impact on the international circuit will be felt for many years to come due to the high profile progeny like Flexible USEF horse of the Year 2012, Mr Medicott USEA Horse of the Year 2012, Mr Cruise Control who topped the British Eventing rankings for 2013 and Larkhill Cruiser to name but a few.

Cruising pedigree is world-class. He is by the Registered Irish Draught Sea Crest, a Grade A Show Jumper, renowned for winning at all major shows throughout Ireland.Sea Crest’s dam was Sea Spray by Tara, a maternal Sire of the famous Clover Hill.

Cruising’s dam Mullacrew was an International Show Jumper, her wins included competitions at Lucerne, Rome and Wembley. Mullacrew’s sire, Nordlys, was a very famous sire that sired a prolific number of exceptional jumpers including Quept (German Team member for many seasons) and Olympic Gold Medallist Ambassador (Italy).

Cruising’s grand dam was Big Idea, who is a full sister to the well known Irish stallion Ideal Waters. Big Idea by Waterserpent, was sire of a long line of famous International Show Jumpers including such horses as Kilkenny, Rockette, The Quiet Man and The rock.

For more on Cruising read Catriona Murphys Irish Independent article (opens in new window)

Watch Cruising in Aachen

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