Throughout the world Ireland is recognised for its ability to produce exceptional sporting horses. The saying goes France for wine and Ireland for horses is thanks to the hardwork, dedication and commitment of the Irish breeder.  Through their continued passion,   investment of expertise and knowledge it ensures the Irish Sport horse is continually in the  limelight at home and overseas.

In recognition of this, the HSI 2013 Breeders Awards took place this week in the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, following the Irish Horse Board Co-Op AGM.  Content is courtsey of Horse Sport Ireland. (opens in new window)

John Hughes received the outstanding contribution award while Dr. Noel Cawley was presented with an award in recognition of his successful show jumping breeding programme. William Micklem received an award for his successful eventing breeding programme.

In what was an exceptional year for young Irish Sport Horses, Agata Leonard received an award in recognition of the Gold medal won by Arraghbeg Clover (ISH), ridden by Ireland’s Greg Broderick, at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium.

Mary Quinlivan received an award as the breeder of Fernhill Adventure (ISH) who won a Silver medal under Aoife Clark (IRL) at the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses in Le Lion d’Angers, France.

Recipients with their HSI Breeder awards, back row, from left, Alyssa O’Neill, Caoimhe Kenny, Ruaidhri Ó Cianain, Orla Dooley, PJ Hegarty, Gina McCann, Judith Sossick, Rosemary Connors, Agata Leonard and Mary Quinlivan. Front row, from left, William Micklem, John Hughes, Dr. Noel Cawley, Raymond Sloyan, Pat Nihill and Tom Hurley during the HSI Annual Breeder Awards at Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

A total of 13 HSI Breeders Awards were presented by the Chairman of the HSI Breeding sub-board Jim Beecher, the details of which are outlined below.

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2013 HSI Breeders Awards Recipients:

1. Breeder of the Top International Event Horse 2013

Mr Cruise Control (ISH) bred by Jenny McCann, Co. Kildare

2. Breeder of the Top International Showjumper 2013

Castlefield Eclipse (ISH) bred by Pat Nihill, Co. Clare

3. Breeder of the winner of the CCI3* at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials 2013

Fenyas Elegance (ISH) bred by PJ Hegarty, Co. Cork

4. ISH that contributed most to an Irish Showjumping Team 2013

Loughview Lou -Lou (ISH) bred by Judith Sossick, Co. Antrim

5. Highest Placed ISH at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses, Lanaken 2013

Arraghbeg Clover (ISH) bred by Agata Leonard, Co. Offaly

6. Highest Placed ISH at the World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses, Le Lion d’Angers 2013

Fernhill Adventure (ISH) bred by Mary Quinlivan, Co. Cork

7. Breeder of Top ISH Showing Mare 2013

Woodfield Valier (ISH) bred by Rosemary Connors, Co. Waterford

8. Breeder of Top Irish Draught Showing Mare 2013

Elm View (ID) bred by Raymond Sloyan, Co. Mayo

9. Young Breeder Team Award

Junior Young Breeder Team – Orla Dooley (Kilkenny), Caoimhe Kenny (Laois), Alyssa O’Neill (Kildare) & Ruaidhri O’Cianain (Galway)

10. Recognition for a successful eventing breeding programme

William Micklem, Co. Wicklow

11. Recognition for a successful showjumping breeding programme

Noel Cawley, Co. Kildare

12. Outstanding Contribution Award to ISH Breeding

John Hughes, Co. Meath

13. Special Award in recognition of his contribution and dedication to the Irish Horse Register

Tom Hurley, Co. Kilkenny

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The highly consistent Irish Sport Horse stallion Codarco has been sold to Irish International Showjumper Billy Twomey. Ridden by 27 year old Thomas O’Brien until now the Darco son Codarco was bred and produced by the O’Brien family based in Galway Equestrian, Co Galway. He has remarkable results to date including winning the 4 year old final at the Dublin Horse Show in 2011, winning the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping series league as both a 5 and 6 year old which led to his qualification to represent the Irish Sport Horse Studbook at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium.

In 2012 Thomas O’Brien and Codarco finished best of the Irish at Lanakenplacing 5th in the 5 year old final. This year O’brien and Codarco finished 2nd in the 6 year old consolation final at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championship for Young Horses.

Thomas O’Brien (IRL) & Codarco (ISH)

Interestingly Codarco’s dam, Vereedom G by Orame, is currently infoal to Billy Twomey’s former Nations Cup stallion Luidam who has already sired top international showjumpers including Kent Farrignton’s Blue Angel and Luikka who is now competing with Germany’s Marc Bettinger.

Click here to watch to watch Thomas O’Brien taking to Irish Horse TV regarding the sale of Codarco

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Sunday 8th December saw Switzerland’s Paul Estermann and the Irish Sport Horse Castlefield Eclipse claim the CSI4* Sportland Salzburg Grand Prix. Estermann and Castlefield Eclipse fought off a strong field which saw combinations such as dual Olympian Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum riding her London 2012 mount Bella Donna settling for 3rd place.

This October Estermann also rode the Irish bred mare to win the Menerbio CSI2* Grand Prix. Previous to this the pair were members of the Swiss Nations Cup team who placed 2nd in both St. Gallen and La Baule. Castlefield Eclipse became the highest placed Irish Sport Horse in the 2013 World Breeding Federation for Sport Horse (WBFSH) Showjumping rankings. As a result of her achievement Castlefield Eclipse’s breeder, Pat Nihill from County Clare, was presented with an award at Horse Sport Ireland’s (HSI) annual Breeders Awards nights.

The 2002 mare is by the Kennedy Equine Center owned sire OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Pat Nihill’s Irish Sport Horse mare Furisto Clover Hill, by Furisto (HANN).

Castlefield Eclipse’s breeder Pat Nihill accepting his award from HSI Breeding sub-board Chairman Jim Beecher

Breeding details: Castlefield Eclipse (ISH) – 2002 bay mare by O.B.O.S. Quality 004 (OLD) out of Furisto Clover Hill
(ISH), by Furisto (HANN). Bred by Pat Nihill, Bridgetown, O’Brien’s Bridge, Co. Clare. Owner: Fasana
Jocelyne.

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US Showjumper Laura Chapot has recently purchased Cian O’Connor’s Irish Sport Horse ISHD Dual Star. Cian achieved top international placings with the now 11 year old mare including 4th place in the 1.45m speed class at HOYS (Birmingham) CSI3*, 7th in the 1.45m speed at Verona CSI5* and most notably 2nd in the 1.60m H&M Ivy Stakes at London’s Olympia CSI5* show this time last year.

Cian O’Connor & ISHD Dual Star competing at Verona CSI5* 2013.
Photo courtesy of Cian O’Connor

Laura Chapot was previously a member of the winning US Nations Cup team at Rotterdam in 1997 and also represented the US at two World Cup finals. In 1996 she rode the International superstar Gem Twist at the World Cup final in Geneva.  Laura is the daughter of the international showjumpers Frank and Mary Chapot – both of whom have competed at Olympic level.

ISHD Dual Star is joining two other Irish Sport Horse in Laura Chapot’s string of Showjumpers – Castellana who won the Cavan 6/7YO final with Cian O’Connor in 2012 and the 6 year old mare Cast a Dream who won the National Balmoral 6/7 YO class under Daniel Coyle.

Speaking about the sale of ISHD Dual Star Cian O’Connor said: “I am delighted that Dual Star is gone to Laura and I feel that it will be a very good partnership. She is a gifted rider and gets on well with all kinds of horses, in particular sensitive mares. Laura loves to win and horses really jump for her.”

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, will give us the first glimpse of Laura riding ISHD Dual Star. Cian O’Connor will also be attending festival for the entire 12 weeks of competition using it as an opportunity to educate some of his younger horses such as his new mare Quidam’s Cherie (Quidam’s Rubin x Lifestyle).

Cian O’Connor & Quidam’s Rubin competing at Olympia CSI5* 2013.
Photo credit: Michael Doherty

Breeding details of the above Irish Sport Horses:

ISHD Dual Star (ISH) – 2002 mare by Quick Star (SF) out of ISHD First Chance (ISH), by Concorde (KWPN). Bred by Irish Sport Horse Developments (ISHD).

Castellana (ISH) – 2006 mare by Cruise On (ISH) out of My Cherie (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Bred by Hazel Mathews.

Cast A Dream (ISH) – 2007 mare by Castana (ID C1) out of Tobyhanna (IRE (TB), by Scribana (GB) (TB). Bred by Terry McLoughlin.

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“His greatest asset was his consistency. You could guarantee jumping a clear round.”J W

Born: 1968

Colour: Bay

Breed: IRISH SPORT HORSE

SIRE: Ozymandias (TB)

DAM :Irish Draught mare

John Whitaker’s first thoughts on sight of this Irish bred gelding were that this may not be the  show jumper prospect  he was hoping for. The young gelding was Ryan’s Son standing at 16hh.  But it was this very talented athletic horse that proved to be a world class showjumper and who changed this eighteen year old Yorkshire teenager’s career practically overnight. John Whitaker went from a milkman on his family’s dairy to that of a world-class international sportsman. Together Ryan’s Son and Whitaker became the ones to watch on the local circuit, around Huddersfield and their partnership went from strength to strength for over 14 years.

Ridden in the same snaffle bit he came in as a four year old, this honest and brave Irish gelding for ten years became the highest earner in prize money and an Olympic silver team medallist while endearing himself to legions of fans worldwide.

Whitaker recalls about the gelding’s love of a good buck after the last fence “He was showing off. He knew he had finished by the applause and by feeling me switch off the pressure. He said: ‘that’s it, I have done it’, and bucked. It was off-putting, though, if the audience clapped after a difficult combination in the middle of a round, because he bucked then too, which would put you wrong for the next fence.” Horse and Hound

Other notable and prestigious wins include the Midland Bank Great Northern Championship, the Bass Grand National, and the Everest Double Glazing Championship. He was a winner at the Royal International Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and was the leading national money winner four times (1976, 1978, 1979 and 1983). In 1980. Ryan’s Son won the Irish Horse Board’s prize for the best horse bred in Ireland in his career as he had jumped nine double clear rounds in Nations Cups

Ryan’s Son and John Whitaker had many other defining moments of sporting glory from silver in European Championships to bronze in the World Championships. The Irish Sport Horse is renowned for competitive longevity and stamina. At 17 years of age Ryan’s Son cemented this characteristic of the Irish Sport Horse by winning the King George V cup.

Ryan’s Son and Whitaker won Hickstead in 1983 and it was at this historic derby in 1987 where Ryan’s Son had a fall that proved fatal. Ryan’s Son remains for many the heroic Irish gelding that jumped with heart and was the horse that was so transformative in the career of John Whitaker.

RIP RYANS SON

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Michael Doherty of the Irish Horse Gateway is now a featured contributor on the hugely popular Eventing Nation’s blog . Michael has kicked of the series of articles with a post called “Erin Go Irish”. Over the coming weeks this newest series will be showcasing the many successes of Irish-bred horses and ponies in eventing. Michael will be highlighting to the Evening Nation audience just what it is that makes Irish horses so great and competitive in eventing.

For the very first in the series Michael is delving into the year-end British Eventing rankings, which featured Irish horses in five of the top 20 spots and sharing some great insights.  So stay tuned to our Facebook and blog posts where we will keep you informed of each new article as it is posted.

To read and follow Michael’s blog enjoy the first article here on the Eventing Nation website :

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“The Irish Sport Horse is a wonderful, wonderful horse. They tend to mature later, last longer and have a lot of heart… they’re the best.” Peter Leone

Victoria Waters, Peter Leone and KEC Jaliska (ISH)

The Irish Horse Gateway catches up with Victoria Waters again as we take a look back at a training session with her Irish Sport Horse KEC Jaliska and Peter Leone at his farm Lionshare in Greenwich Connecticut.

 Victoria Waters’ column “Quest for the Prix” chronicles “her trials and tribulations, the good the bad and the very ugly, in learning how to ride and compete at the top level of show jumping – a Grand Prix competition, as a middle-aged novice to the sport”.

Victoria Water’s horse KEC Jaliska is an Irish Sport Horse, bred and raised at the Kennedy Equine Centre (KEC) in Ireland. Victoria had her shipped to the US on trial. It was love at first sight. She was bought in March 2011.  She is now eight and stands 16.2 hands. Her dam is Coshla Sue and her sire is Aldatus Z.

 Victoria thought and rightly so we might like to share this article.  The Irish Horse Gateway loves to hear and read about the progress of Irish bred horses abroad.  We also love to hear that great riders like Peter Leone have a “propensity for Irish Sport Horses”.   

Read the interview here : “Learning From the Master”   Follow Victoria on Facebook or her website.

About Peter Leone

After a successful junior career Peter won the International Jumping Derby in Newport Rode Island at the age of twenty, regarded then as the most challenging show jumping event in the nation.  Peter has trained with many prominent horse men including Bertlan De Nemethy, Frank Chapot, George Morris, and Michael Matz.   He has been competing successfully on the Grand Prix circuit for almost two decades and has build a distinguished resume during his professional career.  He is a member of the USEF Team and has represented the US on numerous occasions including 1982 when he helped the US finish fourth in the World championships in Dublin Ireland and in 1996 as part  of the USEF’s Silver medal team and the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.  For more information go to his website

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In part 2 of  Eventing Nation’s “Erin Go Irish” series Michael Doherty of the Irish Horse Gateway writes about Irish Sport horses, The Deputy, Fenyas Elegance and Kilronan .  This great series highlights the many successes of Irish-bred horses and ponies in eventing.  

Fenyas Elegance at Blenheim. Photo by Samantha Clark

If you missed Part one catch up here where Michael discusses Mr. Cruise Control and Calico Joe. Read PART 2 on Eventing Nation 

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“Together they competed for Ireland on at least 10 winning Nations Cup teams, two European Championships, a World Championships and placed 4th in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. ”  Team Ireland Equestrian.

Carling King (ISH) – 1991 Chestnut, Gelding, by Clover Hill (RID), out of Gortnageer Star, by Chairlift (TB)

The Irish show jumper Carling King by Colverhill,  has sadly died.  The Irish Sport Horse  was ridden by Irish rider Kevin Babington. This iconic gelding  won our hearts as well as numerous medals over the course of his equestrian career. Carling King won a team gold medal for Ireland at the European Championships in 2001 and was a long serving member of 11 winning Nations Cup teams.

Carling King (ISH) Photo credit HSI

Upon his retirement in 2007,  Carling King who competed at the highest level of sporting equestrianism contribution to the sport and his country was honoured.   At the  Nations Cup in Wellington, Florida  a presentation was made to rider Kevin Babington and owner Saly Glassman by International Horse Board (IHB) director general Nick Finnerty. ‘‘This was a remarkable horse, and the Irish teams were enriched by his presence,” said Dan Butler, Equestrian Federation of Ireland Secretary General afterwards. “Everyone here, I am sure, will join me in wishing Carling King a long and happy retirement.”

Carling King was bred in Glenamaddy, Co. Galway in Ireland  by the late Dr Pat Geraghty. In 1996 he went on to win the five-year-old national championships at the world famous Royal Dublin Horse Show (RDS).  As a seven year old Carling King was purchased by  Saly Glassman. He was relocated to America where he then was partnered with Kevin Babington as his rider.

Carling King went on to win the Hickstead Grand Prix in 2000, the King Georges V Cup at Hickstead in 2003, as well as individual fourth at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

His retirement was spent at home with his rider Kevin Babington in the US  where he lived out the rest of his happy days. A touching tribute was posted on Kevin Babington’s Facebook page which sums up their heartfelt relationship.

“When we think of those companions who travelled by our side down life’s road, let us not say with sadness that they left us behind, but rather say with gentle gratitude that they once were with us.”

Rest in Peace, Carling King

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In the third part of the Eventing Nation series, Michael Doherty of the Irish of Irish Horse Gateway continues his weekly articles discussing what makes Irish horses so competitive in our sport. This week, Michael looks  at the Irish horses short-listed for Canada’s team. 

Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott – Photo by Kasey Mueller

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By Beau Charmeur (TB) out of a Prince Hansel (TB) mare.

“He had a full brother who competed the Grand National, amazing conformation, beautiful withers–which actually kept me in the saddle most of the time, great shoulder, wonderful length hip to hock.  He was an unbelievably good looking horse with impressive size at 17.3. He had an amazing work ethic and loved to be ridden every day, and an unbelievable gallop and incredible brain.  A gentle giant.”  Karen O’Connor Podcast from Chris Stafford Radio

The 17.3-hand Irish-bred bay gelding stood out in the eventing world with his flashy white blaze. He was named by William Micklem, the Irish breeder and coach of elite sports horses after the South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko. Micklem’s brother John spotted Biko in Jack Deacon’s yard in Co. Wexford, Ireland. William Micklem bought him as a 3-year-old from Wexford and invested some years of training before selling Biko as a 6- year old to the late Dick and Vita Thompson, for Karen O’Connor with whom the horse developed a wonderful partnership.

Karen O’Connor and Biko
Photo credit: William Micklem Website

The Irish Thoroughbred gelding caught the imagination of the American public and became a famous “ambassador for the sport of eventing. After winning a silver medal with O’Connor at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Biko was then honoured by the USEA’s “Horse of the Century” award for the 20th century and in 2006 he was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame

“Biko was a truly magnificent horse because he had such fine qualities all around, which is really unusual,”. “He was beautiful; he had exceptional strides, jump, and gallop, with fantastic technique and scope. He could have been a racehorse, like his brother Jumbeau, or he could have been a show jumper. He turned out to be an impressive eventing horse, which is no surprise. He had no fear of jump heights or water, and he had gallop to spare.” William Micklem The Horse Magazine.

In 1996 the silver-medal Olympic eventing team riders were invited to the White House by President Bill Clinton. His daughter Chelsea Clinton wanted to meet O’Connor first, because she was such a fan of Biko. He was retired in 1999 after sustaining a bad tendon injury at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford, U.K. He died Jan. 29 2014 at his home at Karen O’Connor’s farm

BIKO R.I.P

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Susan Kayne is the creator of Unbridled TV, an equine lifestyles TV series broadcasting on HRTV. She spent several weeks riding in Ireland last year.

Trail Riding in Galway photo credit Susan Kane

We hope you enjoy this lovely piece she wrote about trail riding in Galway and be inspired to visit Ireland Land of the Horse .  This article features Susan riding the native Irish Pony the Connemara.  The breed is infamous for its great stamina and versatility, Connemara’s are capable of carrying an adult in the hunt field, yet gentle enough for a young child, fearless as a showjumper, yet suitable and steady as a driving pony. These attributes make the Connemara Pony an ideal riding, hunting and performance animal and have enabled the breed to establish a secure position in the riding industry. Today there are approximately 2,000 foals born per year in Ireland and the breed is now recognised throughout the world as a top class performance pony. At present there are 17 different countries which have established their own Connemara Pony Breeders’ Societies. – Find out more abou this fantastic breed on our website .  As land of a 1000 welcomes, if you would love to visit us to buy or horse or have some fun on riding in Ireland the Irish Horse Gateway website will give you all the details you need to know about how to plan that visit.

Click here to read Susan Kane from Unbridled TV exploring Land of the Horse from the saddle. 

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In the third installment of Eventing Nation’s “Erin Go Irish” Michael Doherty of Irish Horse Gateway writes about Irish Horses at Rolex.

David O’Connor and Giltedge.

“Since becoming a CCI4* event in 1998, three Irish Sport Horses have clinched first place at Rolex Kentucky. In 2001, USA’s David O’Connor won the event riding the Glen Bar (ISH) sired gelding Giltedge (ISH). O’Connor and Giltedge, affectionately known as Tex, enjoyed an illustrious career resulting in an impressive medal tally. Interestingly, Jacqueline Mars, who owned the gelding, is also the owner of a 2014 entrant in Harbour Pilot.

Read the  the full article here

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“I’ve ridden horses with more talent, but none that tried harder. He came into my world at a perfect time and the incredible adventures that he took me on were life-changing. “I’m just grateful that I had the good fortune to be his partner, and I so appreciate everything the Harrises did for him when he was competing and in his golden years of retirement. Knowing he had such wonderful care and left us peacefully was such a comfort when it came to say good bye to him.” Carol Kozlowski on Erin Go Bragh.

Erin Go Bragh and Carol Kozlowski: Photo credit unknown

The great eventing stallion Erin Go Bragh passed away in November 2013 is now rightfully taking his place amongst many of the great horses in the Irish Horse Gateway Hall of Fame. Erin Go Bragh was one of the most well known Connemaras in Eventing. He died peacefully at the age of 30. During his career he became known fondly as the “The Little Horse” and a world class famous eventer. As a Connemara he brought to the fore all the wonderful breed characteristics of the “Irish Sporting Pony”. The breed is infamous for its great stamina and versatility. Connemara’s are capable of carrying an adult in the hunt field, yet gentle enough for a young child, fearless as a showjumper, yet suitable and steady as a driving pony and as Erin Go Bragh proved elite eveners. Today there are approximately 2,000 foals born per year in Ireland and the breed is now recognised throughout the world as a top class performance pony.

Erin Go Bragh was partnered with rider Carol Kozlowski. Go Bragh starting point in his career saw him as a wonderful driving horse before his true potential was unlocked when partnered with Carol in 1998. From there they became a huge hit and a favourite on the circuit. He stood at 15.1 hh but his heart and ability was staggering as he took on the larger horses in the world of Three-Day Eventing with bravery and ability

Their wins include top events such as Southern Pines, Movern Park, Groton House and Ledyard Three-Day Event.   This famous Connemara Stallion features amongst Chronicle of the Horse top 100 Horses of the 20th century. He sired more than 225 offspring during his breeding career and many of his progeny have also gone on to compete at the highest level in eventing. Erin Go Bragh was bred and owned by the late Edward and Jacqueline Harris.  Jacqueline Harris, Swiss by birth began the breeding programme of Connemara’s at Hideaway Farm and she was responsible for the breeding and training programs of Erin Go Bragh, his sire and his grandsire. Their successful breeding program of Connemara ponies in the 1960′s have contributed to a long line of champion event horses as Erin’s Shamrock and of course Erin Go Bragh, a breeding program that continues today.

Read the moving tribute from Carol who writes in Eventing Nation in Memory of Erin Go Bragh

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Michael Doherty of Irish Horse Gateway latest article is now live on Eventing Nation website. This week he writes another great piece in the series called “Erin Go Irish” that takes an in-depth look at Irish Horses in Eventing and what it is that makes them so great. This article sees Michael focusing on Buck Davidson Eventing Irish Horses. Read the latest post here.

Buck-Davdidson-Ballynoe-Castlehttp://eventingnation.com/home/erin-go-irish-buck-davidsons-irish-sport-horse-team/

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The $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale CSI 5* Grand Prix ended in a thrilling fashion with Kilkenny born Richie Moloney and the Irish Sport Horse gelding Slieveanorra producing a top-class double clear round to finish in second place, just over one second behind the world number 1 Scott Brash riding Hello Sanctos.

Richie Moloney (IRL) & Slieveanorra (ISH) .Photo credit Erin Gilmore

The 12 year-old Irish Sport Horse Slieveanorra was bred by Ronnie Hollinger in County Monaghan. The chestnut gelding is by the great jumping sire Voltaire (HANN) who competed under Belgium’s Jos Lansink and out of the  Irish Sport Horse mare Creevagh Quaich, by Flagmount Diamond (ID).

Richie Moloney (IRL) & Slieveanorra (ISH). Photo Credit: Erin Gilmore

Speaking about the win Moloney said “ I am delighted with the result. I’d like to thank the owners Equinimity and all the staff that worked so hard over the 12 week show. It’s nice for everybody to get this result for all of the hours that we put in. Slieveanorra jumped great in both rounds yesterday”

The look of determination as Richie Moloney & Slieveanorra jump the final fence. Photo credit: Erin Gilmore

Moloney and Slieveanorra (ISH) have recorded some great results together including winning the Wellington CSI2* Grand Prix in 2012, 2nd in the Wellington Nations Cup 2012, 3rd in the World cup qualifier CSI4* Grand Prix in Toronto 2012 and 2nd in the World Cup qualifer CSI4* Grand Prix in Bridgehampton.

Owners Equinimity LLC purchased Slieveannora (ISH) from Richie’s brother Eddie who rode the gelding to international level including winning the 2011 CSI3* Grand Prix in Vidauban.

Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra (ISH) have finished the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival on a high and can look forward to the season ahead with great anticipation.

All smiles after a great round! Richie Moloney & Slieveanorra. Photo credit: Erin Gilmore

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Over many years Connemara ponies have been driven successfully in combined driving competitions in Ireland. However, internationally they have been out of favour, where Welsh ponies have been the preferred native breed.

Combined driving is an official FEI sport. It tests the skill of the driver and the training, temperament and stamina of the ponies. Competitions, run over 2 or 3 days, comprise driven dressage, cross country marathon and cones driving phases. Separate classes are held for single ponies, pairs and teams of four ponies.

Brian O’Slatarra Connemara 4 in hand

Tipperary four in hand pony driver Brian O’Slatarra from Nenagh, has been proving over the past 2 years that the Connemara can be competitive in top class driving competitions, both here and in Britain.  Brian drives a team of four registered Irish bred Connemara’s mostly greys between 142 and 148 cms. To drive a team at this level requires at least 6 ponies in training each with the required paces, temperament and experience. Ponies will show differing aptitudes for the various phases. Often a good dressage pony will not perform well at cross country and a sub might be brought in for the marathon phase.  It can take several years for ponies to develop into competitive driving ponies and not all make the grade.

The next World Pony Driving Championships is due to take place in Breda in Holland in Sept 2015. Brian’s preparation started in 2013 when he competed at several top class competitions in Britain including CAI Sandringham.  His best result was a win at the prestigious Lowther event the local event of the famous George Bowman. His performance throughout the season was so consistent, he was rewarded by a win in the British Carriagedriving league.  At home he also scored a win in the Northern Ireland Championships but was unsuccessful in the Nationals where narrowly beaten into 2nd. Brian is hoping to commence his 2014 season at the CAI *** International Driving Grand Prix at Royal Windsor in May. This will see many of the top European teams from Holland, Germany and France compete for one of the top prizes in driving.

Brian O Slattara 4 in hand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All going well, let’s hope that 2015 will see a team of Irish Connemara ponies competing for the first time at the World Driving Championships.

 

 

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This week President Higgins was on the first state visit to the UK by an Irish President to the United Kingdom by invitation of Her Royal Majesty, the Queen . Throughout our Islands history there is a  particular  passion shared between the two nations, that common passion  is the horse in particular the Irish Horse. From the most regal of riders to the leisure rider, Irish horses have dominated the British equestrian scene through the centuries.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment , Thursday, March 20, 2014. (Photo credit Kirsty Wigglesworth)

On the recent visit to Ireland in 2011, the Queen shared her passion for all things equestrian. Her grand-daughter Zara Philips is a frequent visitor to these shores to compete in the Tattersall’s Horse Trials on her Irish bred sports horse High Kingdom.  Zara and High Kingdom were part of the Olympic Eventing TEAM GB in  2012, winning a silver medal.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has a long tradition with Irish horses especially the Calvary blacks. Today, 98% of the beautiful black horses in the Queen’s Household Cavalry are sourced in Ireland and are of Irish Draught stock.

As well as Irish Horses having Royal favour they also play a key role in policing the UK’s streets. The Metropolitan Mounted Branch use Irish Sport Horses and Irish Draughts as part of active policing.

But aside from the Irish Horse royal connections, the Irish Horse is still a firm favourite across a wide spectrum of British equestrian disciplines. The versatility of the Irish horse and pony as well their wonderful temperaments and wiliness to work  from the hunting field to  Eventing to the UK’s show rings; the British have what can only be called an enduring love affair with the Irish horse  making it as popular as ever.

Zara Phillips and High Kingdom (ISH)

Buying a horse from the UK has never been easier using the Irish Horse Gateway. As an initiative of Horse Sport Ireland all our registered sellers have signed a code of conduct. There are sample contracts for buyers as well as a wide range of horses for sale. All of these benefits offer buyers a greater sense of confidence and ease when buying a horse in Ireland.

The Irish Sport Horse export figures in 2011 amounted to €26m, with Britain as the major market. So it seems our equine links, our passion and common bond remains steadfast between Ireland and the UK when it comes to the Irish Horse.

The post The British Enduring Love Affair with Irish Horses appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

Michael Doherty of Irish Horse Gateway writes each week in a feature series in Eventing Nation discussing what makes Irish horses so competitive in the sport of eventing. This week, Michael takes a look at Irish horses at Badminton.    Click here to read “Badminton Bound” on Eventing Nation.

Mary King & Imperial Cavalier at Barbury Castle, 2012 Photo: Samantha Clark

The post Badminton Bound appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.

This weekend sees the FEI World Cup final for Showjumping and Dressage taking place in Lyon, France. Two Irish-bred horses feature in this years Showjumping final, both representing Team USA.

23 year-old Saer Coulter is riding the Waterford bred stallion Carmena Z. Formally ridden by Ireland’s Shane Breen Camena Z was bred by Carmel and Dermot Ryan who owned the beautiful grey up to Nations Cup level. The 14 year-old stallion is by Jos Lansink’s Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games mount Carthago out of the Irish Sport Horse mare Irma, by Irco Mena. Saer Coulter and Carmena Z got off to a promising start today (Thursday) when placing 4th in the 1.45m Two Phase warm-up class.

Saer Coulter (USA) & Carmena Z.
Photo credit: Erin Gilmore

Charlie Jacobs will also be representing the 11 strong Team USA at the French final. Jacobs rides the Irish-bred gelding Flaming Star who he piloted to win the $50,000 Holiday & Horse CSI2* Grand Prix in Wellington last December. Bred by County Derry’s Liam McKee Flaming Star was produced in Ireland by John Higgins before going to the UK. In 2010 Daniel Neilson rode Flaming Star at international level recording placings in shows such as Caen, Oldenburg and La Coruna. Since partnered with Charlie Jacobs Flaming Star has enjoyed a successful career in both National and International Grand Prix classes in the United States and Canada.

Charlie Jacobs (USA) & Flaming Star.
Photo credit: Mancini Photos

Billy Twomey is the sole representative of Team Ireland for this years FEI World Cup in Lyon. Riding Tinka’s Serenade for the World Cup final classes Billy also has entered the 9 year-old Royale du Rouet in the CSI3* competitions. Lyon will be the second World Cup final appearance for Tinka’s Serenade. The Tinka’s Boy sired mare competed in the Leipzig World Cup final in 2011.

Billy Twomey (IRL) & Tinka’s Serenade.
Photo: Sportfot

We wish our Irish rider and our Irish-bred horses good luck in their FEI World Cup actiion this weekend.

The post Irish-bred Showjumpers Carmena Z & Flaming Star in World Cup final this weekend appeared first on Irish Horse Gateway.