09 Fall "The Blarney" - Irish Draught Horse Society

Transcription

The Blarney
2009 Fall edition
North West Sport Horse
Breeders association
Show
agM Financials
the irish Horse Fair
Royal Dublin Show the teenage experience
an Opinion Shared What to breed for in a
Sport Horse
Vet’s Corner - Sand Colic
and MORe...
Member News | Regional Reports | Board News | Calendar | Forms
The Blarney - Fall
The official Newsletter of the
Irish Draught Horse Society of North America Inc.
Next CONTENT Deadline: DECEMBER 05, 2009
2009 ANNUAL YAERBOOK EDITION
See Page 3 - Calendar for updated The Blarney Yearbook Deadline
Co-Editors: Judie Framan - Email: [email protected]
Kate Triplett - Email: [email protected]
Advertising/Design/Production: Laurie Monroe
9885 NW 127th Court, Ocala, FL 34482
(352) 445-1235 / Email: [email protected]
The IDHSNA Inc. is a North American organization recognized and
approved by the IDHS Ireland and the IHB, to register Irish Draught
and Irish Draught Sport Horses. The Blarney is the official newsletter
of the IDHSNA and is published quarterly.
The Blarney assumes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of
the advertisements contained herein. Statements, opinions, and
points of view expressed by the contributors and advertisers are
not necessarily those of The Blarney staff and/or the IDHSNA Inc.
We reserve the right to edit any editorial materials received and
deny placing advertising or written material that is deemed damaging or contrary to the goals of the Society.
The Blarney is copyrighted by the IDHSNA Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be re-printed in any form without
the written permission of the IDHSNA Inc.
Subscriptions: The Blarney is included with most memberships.
Non-members may subscribe to The Blarney for $30 per year.
Contributions: Articles, photos, news items, and horse show
results are always welcome. Contact the Editors at the addresses
listed above.
Advertising: Advertising rates are available from the editor, online
at www.irishdraught.com, or in The Blarney.
2009 OFFICERS & Directors at large
President: Larry Robbins / Email: [email protected]
Vice President: Charles Yates / Email: [email protected]
Secretary: Lyn Lindstrom / Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Sarah McMullen / Email: [email protected]
Directors: Brianne Sells / Email: [email protected]
Fleur Bryan / Email: [email protected]
Jim McGinty / Email: [email protected]
IDHSNA Registration Services: Priscilla Menard
4037 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 160
Lexington, KY 40511-8483
Phone: (859) 455-8090 / Fax: (858) 761-0264
Information Officer: Rachael Cox
HC65 Box 45 Pleasant Mount, PA 18453-9605
Phone: 1-866-IDHSNA-1 / Email: [email protected]
Member Services Coordinator: Priscilla Menard
4037 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 160, Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: (859) 455-8090 / Fax: (858) 761-0264
Email: [email protected]
FRONT COVER PHOTO Cradilo “In the Barn” (see story on Cradilo and
Amy Hunter on Page 21). Photo courtesy Karen Young.
2009 Fall Edition - T he Blarney
From Our President . . .
by Larry D. Robbins, IDHSNA President
T
he time has flown by, and I cannot believe this will be my last
report for the year. As the year comes to a close, I would
like to bring to your attention just a few of the highlights from
this past year.
First, I wish to mention that this year the IDHSNA became the Title
Sponsor for the United States Eventing Associations (USEA) Future
Event Horse (FEH) series. Your Board was able to make this happen in less than two weeks, and I am still amazed at how it all came
together. The USEA has more FEH Series classes and championships
set up this year than they anticipated, thanks to volunteers from within
our Society who stepped forward to make this happen. This is (in my
opinion) a first big step in prime time for advertising the Irish Draught
and Irish Draught Sport Horse.
Second, your Board of Directors has approved the formation of a
Breeding Committee. This is a critical first step to get us headed in
the right direction in keeping better records of the Irish Draught herd.
The Breeding Committee will report back to the Society on how we
are doing in sustaining our breed.
Third, I wish to report that we as a Society have participated, as
sponsors, at more equestrian events than ever before. It should also
be noted that you, the membership, are successfully participating at
these and other venues - which goes to show that if we make the
effort to get our horses out, people will stop and take notice. Our
Society has horses competing in just about every discipline, and the
response to our horses is wonderfully positive.
Fourth, we have more new people getting involved and volunteering,
and we need to keep this momentum going. If you are not helping
now, I would ask you to call a board member and ask how you can
be more active. Look for a committee or volunteer to work on a
show. These are just two of the many opportunities that we never
have enough support for.
And last but not least, I want to let everybody know what a really terrific job your Board of Directors has done for you this year. They have
put in countless hours to keep us headed in the right direction. So
please, when you have the time and opportunity, be sure you thank
them for all their hard work and the personal sacrifices they have
made, to be the best representative for you that they can be.
In closing, I wish to thank you for your support this year, and I am
looking forward to next year.
BLARNEY DATES - ANNUAL EDITION - 2009
ADS DUE
12/01/2009
CONTENT DUE
12/05/2009
DEVELOP/REVIEW
01/12/2010
APPROVE
01/15/2010
PRINT/MAIL
01/22/2010
Page 1
2009 IDHSNA Board of Directors & Notices
exeCUtiVe OFFiCeRS:
RegiONal CHaiRS:
President
Larry Robbins
13220 White Marsh Lane
Lovettsville, vA 20180
[email protected]
(h) 703.307.8147
Central Region
(IL, IN, IA, KS, MN, MO, MI, NE, WI,
ND, SD, Ontario, Manitoba)
http://www.irishdraughtcentral.com
Susan Jensen
91 Flint Drive,
Lake Barrington, IL 60010
[email protected]
(h) 847.754.7223
Vice President
Charles Yates
2450 Frizzellburg Road
Westminster, MD 21158
[email protected]
(h) 410-871-2825
Secretary
Lyn Lindstrom
1399 S.W. Clevenger Lane
Port Orchard, WA 98367
[email protected]
(h) 360-874-8887
treasurer
Sarah McMullen
24926 Sylvan Place
Magnolia, TX 77355
[email protected]
(h) 713-825-1287
(f) 713-634-2718
DiReCtORS at laRge:
Jim Mcginty
2301 S. Millbend Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
[email protected]
(h) 713.320.3515
Brianne Sells
18320 Yellow Schoolhouse Rd.
Round Hill, vA 20141
[email protected]
(h) 540-554-8320
Fleur Bryan
1279 Bates Lane
Smithfield, KY 40068
[email protected]
(h) 502 845-2111
Southwest Region
(AZ, CA, CO, NM, Nv, UT)
Shirley Kahlert
1531 N. gurr Road
Atwater, CA 95301
[email protected]
(h) 209-628-1313
Northwest Region
(AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WY, WA;
British Columbia, Alberta,
Saskatchewan)
Jess Walker
221 Maplewood Lane
Cocolalla, ID 83813
[email protected]
(h) 208.610.4869
Northeast Region
(CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA,
RI, vT,
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia,
Quebec)
Cori Oehley
108a High Street
Upton, MA 01568
[email protected]
(h) 508.529.4452
Southeast Region
(AL, DE, FL, gA, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN,
vA, Wv)
http://www.irishdraughtse.com
Sue Rowdon
P.O Box 78
Hartwood, vA 22471
[email protected]
(h) 540-752-2103
South Central Region
(TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, Mexico)
http://www.irishdraught-scr.com
Bill Appel
101 Sena Drive
Metairie, LA 70005
[email protected]
(h) 504-831 7419
Page 2
...
eleCtiONS...
NOMiNatiON iNFORMatiON
Nomination Forms,
Nominations Acceptance Forms
and Pen Portraits
are due no later than
November 1, 2009 to
Lyn Lindstrom.
Pen portraits should be
no longer than 300 words.
Please see Pages 25 and 26 for
the Nomination Forms.
atteNtiON all WRiteRS /
PHOtOgRaPHeRS
Do you have a special Irish Draught horse story you
want to share? Do you know an ID or IDSH that
deserves more notice? What Irish Draft breeders,
trainers and riders would you like to see interviewed? Do you have advice you’d like to give
about breeding or showing Irish Draught horses?
Have you already published an article you’d like
to share with a wider audience? Do you have a
really great photo that the world should see?
IDHSNA is creating an author/article “bank” to
help publicize the qualities and achievements
of the breed. Tell us a little about yourself and
your involvement with Irish Draught horses and
describe the kinds of articles you have written or
would like to write. Or send in articles or photos
you’d like to share with a larger audience (be sure
to give us permission to use them). Many thanks
for helping us spread the word about our magnificent Irish Draught horses.
SUSaN JeNSeN
[email protected]
In This Issue . . .
From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2009 BOD Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2009-10 IDHSNA Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Financials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Membership Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Region Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
North West Sport Horse Breeders Association Show . . . . . . . . 10-12
My Perspective - The Irish Horse Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
Member News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20
Royal Dublin Show - The Teenage Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22
vet’s Corner - Sand Colic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
An Opinion Shared - What to Breed for in a Sport Horse . . . . . . . 24
IDHSNA 2010 Nomination Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-26
IDHSNA Member Advertising Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2010 IDHSNA Stallion Service Auction Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
aDVeRtiSeR iNDex
Oak Hill Farm [Bridon Irish Draughts, LLC] . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
Kleary Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BenMar Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Hunter’s Trap Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adsagsona Farm, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover
Late Breaking News:
T
2009-10 iDHSNa Calendar
OCtOBeR 2009
1st - Stallion Auction Entrants Info Due
1st thru 4th - 2009 IDHSNA Annual Show, vA
1st - Nominating Committee Report to Members
31st - SWR Performance Award Deadline
31st - Deadline for Budget Items to Treasurer,
Review of all Committees, Programs, Policies etc.
NOVeMBeR 2009
1st - Record Date, Independent Nominations Due
10th - Ballots go Out
15th - Budget Due
DeCeMBeR 2009
NOTE: all 2009 foal registration due to avoid late fee
1st - YEARBOOK The Blarney Advertising Deadline
5th - YEARBOOK The Blarney Content Deadline
1st - IDHSNA 2010 Calendars mailed to
2009 members and available for purchase
10th - IDHSNA Ballots Returned
15th - Year End Award Cards Due
15th - IDHSNA Stallion Reports Due
JaNUaRY 2010
1st - Membership Fee Due
FeBRUaRY 2010
Feb 15-Mar 7 - Stallion Service Auction
MaRCH 2010
1st - 2011 Annual Show RFP Let Date
10th - Spring The Blarney Advertising Deadline
15th - Spring The Blarney Content Deadline
11th - 2011 Annual Show RFP Intent to Bid Letter Due
31st - Memberships Considered Lapsed
aPRil 2010
1st - 2011 Annual Show Proposal Deadline
23rd - IDHSNA Office 3rd Anniversary, KHP
MaY 2010
31st - 2011 Annual Show Final Proposal Due
he IDHSNA Annual Show had good representation from the South East, North East and Central
Regions. Thank you to all competitors, supporters, member attendees, volunteers, show committee
personnel and the public who attended... It was a great
show and you ALL made it possible!
JUNe 2010
1st - RFP Annual Show Review Committee begins review
1st - Deadline for Inspection Applications
30th - Board Announces 2011 Annual Show Selection
30th - Nominating Committee Appointed
Please watch for results, photographs and more in the
upcoming 2009 annual edition of the Blarney!
JUlY 2010
10th - Summer The Blarney Advertising Deadline
15th - Summer The Blarney Content Deadline
If you are interested in advertising in our fabulous Annual
Edition, don;t forget to contact Laurie Monroe at [email protected] to reserve your space... Please
be sure to complete a reservation form - found on page
27 of this edition!
aUgUSt 2010
1st - Nominating Committee Nominee Deadline
SePteMBeR 2010
1st - IDHSNA 2010 Calendar Photos Due
10th - Fall The Blarney Advertising Deadline
15th - Fall The Blarney Content Deadline
TBD - IDHSNA Annual general Meeting Scheduled
TBD - Inspection Schedule Begins
Page 3
Financials . . .
2009 Treasurer’s Report - October 2, 2009
JANUARY 1 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2009
Balance Sheet
So far, 2009 has been a steady year for the Society in the realm of
finances. Since becoming Treasurer in May 2008, we have made great
strides in efficiency and accountability of our financials.
Attached, you will see our Balance Sheet and Income Statement for
the year through the close of August accounting. I am pleased by our
positive net income to date of $7,879.93. Our Balance Sheet currently shows the following cash on hand:
$ 4,580.00
$ 150.05
$ 3,278.11
$ 510.88
$ 4,742.50
$ 309.22
$ 4,281.71
$17,731.35
$20,254.87
$55,838.69
NE Region Account (Restricted)
NW Region Account (Restricted)
Chase WEG Checking (Restricted)
Chase WEG Savings (Restricted)
SE Region Account (Restricted)
Paypal Account
PNC KHP Office Account
Northern Trust Account
PNC General Operating
TOTAL
We are carrying two receivables: $3,000 of seed money that we
expect to be returned at the conclusion of the Annual Show; and
$29,681 relating to the prior Tilton embezzlement. As Sue Rowdon
posted to the Notices list, we expect to receive $17,000 cash toward that receivable by October 7th, and an additional $14,405.11
to be paid over time to us after it is obtained by Sacramento County.
Thanks to Sue and everyone involved for their efforts in recovering
this money.
We were pleased to see an increase in Membership dollars this year
($16,870) and another strong year for Registrations and Inspections
($30,717). Additional sources of income in 2009 were the Stallion
Service Auction and 2009 IDHSNA Calendar. Both of these items
will be returning in 2010 and will contribute to next year’s income
stream.
Our MSC, Priscilla Menard, has done a wonderful job of working with
me to account for payments to the Society and increasing the efficiency and accuracy of our accounting. Many thanks to her! The new
check scanner we had installed a few months ago has been a great
asset to us both.
I will be working with the Board and Finance Committee in the next
month to finalize the 2010 Budget. We hope to continue supporting
Regional events through advertising and sponsorships.
With all that said, I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions at any time. Please feel free to contact me via any of the methods
listed below.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah McMullen, IDSHNA Treasurer
24926 Sylvan Place, Magnolia, Texas 77355
713.825.1287 cell / 713.634.2718 fax
[email protected]
Page 4
Financials - Profit & Loss . . .
AS OF AUGUST 31, 2009
Profit & Loss
Page 5
Membership Report and Notices . . .
iDHSNa MeMBeRSHiP VieW
Numbers audited to August 20, 2009
2009
Renewed
Honorary
Non-Voting
lifetime
Voting
Single
Voting
Family
Voting
Farm
Voting
Junior
Non-Voting
INT
26
22
0
3
0
0
1
CE
54
0
3
36
10
1
4
NE
60
0
2
52
4
1
1
NW
31
1
1
22
5
1
1
SC
23
0
1
17
3
2
0
SE
101
0
8
70
12
8
3
SW
44
1
4
28
5
2
4
339
24
19
228
39
15
14
totals
iDHSNa liFe MeMBeRS
iDHSNa FaRM MeMBeRSHiPS
iDHSNa FaRM MeMBeRSHiPS (con’t)
Elizabeth Drake (34)
Playland Farm LLP (184)
Diane Player
Tapestry Farm (1192)
Sharon & Travis Boothe
Dunhallow Stables (585)
Dona Pledge & Scott Lowe
Orkney Endeavors, LLC (1223)
Lisa Parent and Christine Washburn
James W. Cogdell (111)
Lisette & Mary Anne Healy (641)
Top gun Stables, LLC (1246)
Colleen Spencer & Ann O’Donnell
Sue Rowdon (270)
Blackberry Ridge Farm LLC (643)
Tracy and Debbie Donns
Whelan of Clare Farm (1251)
Herbert E. & Linda Buhl III
Maggie Tyler (47)
Brianne Sells (56)
Brian gwartz (100)
Rachel Cox (304)
Patricia Orgas (311)
Kilronan Irish Draughts (679)
Michelle & Larry Robbins
Jutta Heinsohn (377)
Laurie Monroe (378)
Charles Yates (511)
Marion g. georgiev (522)
Karen Cobb (883)
Susan Yates (914)
James B. Keogh (993)
Bridon Irish Draughts (908)
Brianne Sells
Kilfani Farm (946)
Barbara Zylbert & Todd Saldinger
Mac Bradaigh Farm (1130)
gerard Brady & Margaret Smith
Bit O’Magic Farm (1151)
Cindy Allen
Patrick J. Flannery (1117)
Melissa Cason (1119)
Andrea Duncan (1178)
Shamrock Farm/Heart Mountain Irish
Draughts (1168)
Stanly & Suzanne Peters
IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO RENEW YOUR
MEMBERSHIP! gET A JUMP-START ON
EvERYONE AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
FOR YOUR IDHSNA.
HAvE YOU REgISTERED YOUR FOALS
YET? gET YOUR REgISTRATIONS IN WELL
BEFORE YOU NEED THEM!! ALWAYS THE
WISE CHOICE...
aleRt - STALLION OWNERS:
THE IDHSNA IS RUNNINg THE STALLION
SERvICE AUCTION AgAIN IN 2010 AND
WE ARE SIgNINg HORSES UP NOW!!!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DONATINg A
BREEDINg, PLEASE USE THE FORM
ON THE INSIDE BACK COvER OF THIS
EDITION OF THE BLARNEY.
Lisa Kemp (1199)
Page 6
Regional Reports . . .
NorthWest Region
report
was fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of the class and
attend the 3 day seminar. It was an excellent class with instructors Mark
Phillips and Tremaine Cooper. I walked away with the knowledge to
design cross-country and Stadium courses. After an apprenticeship
and a final test, I can become certified.
Jess Walker, North West Region
Chair, August 2009
W
e in the NW
have had a
busy
summer. The foal crop has
proved to be nothing less
than absolutely gorgeous.
Manu Forti’s Touch Down
has done a fine job during
his first year of producing
offspring. Ann Cummings
has progeny of Snowford
O’Donnell out in training for
dressage and doing well.
Lucy and Chris Stevenson’s
daughter, Anna has started
showing their young horses .
Kate Triplett has been very busy coordinating, planning, suggesting and
accomplishing getting an Irish Hunter division included for the NWSHBA
show in September. This has undoubtedly been a huge undertaking,
and we appreciate her efforts. It promises to be great fun and another
opportunity to show off our pure and partbreds to the “other “ horse
breeds out there. This show is typically a dressage show and so is very
competitive for our breed, as most exhibitors don’t know who we
are. But the comments received do say they like the Irish horses!
One of our members has a terrific story to tell about her Irish horse.
Adena Ray. See Member News for more.
Ballinakill Glory IDSH.
Photo courtesy Lucy Stevenson.
We have been soliciting local Event organizers to think about hosting
FEH series at their venues starting in 2010. My goal is to have at least 2
for the 2010 season.
Rebecca Farm was a huge success for the Irish breed, as Ballinakill
Glory once again took first place overall in the CCI 3*. She had the lead
from the beginning and never let it go! We were well represented by
many Irish Horses. Jaunty Star from Canada did an excellent job and
was the only RID at the Event.
Thank you to all the donations received to make this year one of the
best representations from the Irish contingency that Rebecca Farm
has seen. Our booth was spectacular, thanks to Angela Dringman,
Lucy Stevenson and daughters, Guy Decorte, Bill Appel, Saorise Irish
Draughts (Ted & Lyn Lindstrom and Dale Skrivanich), Jim McGinty, and
Liz McFarland (I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone). We were graced by
a visit from Gina Miles. Unfortunately, she was unable to bring McKinlaigh. Also present was Amy Tryon , Capt. Mark Phillips, and Tremaine
Cooper, to name a few. Rumor has it that Rebecca Farm has put in a bid
for the World Cup Finals for the near future!
T
he USEA was present but so busy with the event and hosting
a continuing education class on Course Design, Emily Daily
and Josh Walker were unable to stop by this year. I, however
NorthEast Regional Report
Cori Oehley
September 17, 2009
T
he Northeast
is proud to
report
that
the Denny Emerson
Irish Horse Event was
a great success. The
14 clinic riders all agree
that Denny’s two-day
clinic far surpassed
their expectation. The
positive, supportive energy was contagious to all who attended. Our
guests, Aidan O’Connell, Noel Mullin, and George Chapman contributed to the authenticity of the event. The people and horses made
it powerful and important, Tamarack Hill made it “majical”, Denny and
May Emerson made it a dream come true for us all. Denny was very impressed with the IDHSNA members as well as fascinated by the education our guest from Ireland had to offer. Thank you Tony Lambert, for
guiding me threw every step of way including my connection to Ireland. Ann Morss and Sarah Batzing not only brought Aidan O’Connell;
they supplied us with enough Guinness to put the stamp of validity on
the weekend. Good job Annie and Sarah. Lorrie Abrams, Michelle
Robbins, Pam Martin, Sara Batzing, Sjana McClure, Nanette Levin, Fiona
Pater, Jenn Ferree, and Tim Doyle were the IDHSNA members who had
horses participate. Several other members traveled long distances to
audit. The nonmembers with Irish Draught bred horses were flocking
to Brianne Sells to learn more about their horse’s bloodlines. Membership/registration packages were all gone by the end of the weekend.
We appreciate our South East contribution so very much.
Nanette Levin was able to get copies of her new book, “Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners”, as a special edition, hot off the
presses for our event. The book will be available to the public in
January 2010.
Inspections are October 6 at Tahuri Farm in Upton, Massachusetts.
Early birds will get a demonstration at 10:00 am and the inspection
will begin at 12:00 noon. A reception for the inspectors will follow at
my home in Upton. All are invited.
Page 7
As a final and very personal note, thank you, Denny and May, for taking a chance with me. You allowed me the freedom to take my vision
and develop it into an event that, with your experience and guidance,
exceeded expectation. It was an honor and a privilege to work with
you.
SOUTHEast Regional Report
Sue Rowdon - September 17, 2009
I
t seems like just yesterday, I was looking forward to summer activities in the SER. The months have sped by and our members are
busy legging up for fall. Cubbing has started, end of competition
year dressage shows are scheduled, eventers are practicing to move
up a level, trail riders are looking forward to the end of “horsefly season”!
We had an adventure this summer. Our IDSH, Overdraft (aka Dan), was
a test horse for the new slow motion digital gait analysis video taping
that will be an integral part of the new service offered by the Marion
DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center. The technicians kept saying how
impressed they were with his attitude toward this new experience.
He wasn’t bothered by the treadmill, the dark room and bright lights,
or the strange equipment around him. It only took him a few minutes
to catch on that we wanted him to keep his chest up to the chest bar
so he stayed within camera range. The biggest problem we had was
remembering to spell “walk” or “trot” so Dan didn’t change his gait too
early when the videographer wanted the tech to change the treadmill
speed. Gotta love the Irish Draught brain!
The 2009 IDHSNA Annual Show committee has been working feverishly to put on a great weekend for all to enjoy. So I hope you will
Come, Show, Learn, Network, and Party with fellow Irish Draught enthusiasts at the Virginia Horse Center, Oct 1-4.
Southwest Region REPORT
Shirley Kahlert, Southwest Region Chair
[email protected] / 209-381-0543
M
ary Anne Healey and Lisette Healey of Ride Irish have a
lot going on right now. Lisette will compete on Coronea Son at Twin Rivers at the end of September at Train-
Page 8
Blue Suede Shoes, ID
ing level and get the
youngstock Blue Suede
Shoes, Louise, and Podrick ready for the FEH
at Twin River. Louise
and Podrick are both
by Coronea Loughine, an imported Irish
Draught Sport Horse.
Blue Suede Shoes is a
purebred colt by Bridon Beale Street and
out of Mac’s Hero.
Mary Anne is getting
ready for hunt season with the Red Rock
Hounds in the Reno
Nevada area. She plans
on hunting Mia Hero
and Macs Hero, both
purebred Irish Draught
mares.
Lisette speaks with
clear enthusiasm on the
Louise, IDSH
subject of Irish Draught
and Irish Draught Sport
Horses. She comments,
“The Irish horse is born
a domesticated people
pleaser. From day one,
this large leprechaun
wants to be in your
pocket, be brushed,
and help you clean
paddocks. All of this
Conor McMahan, IDSH
is good, providing you
let them know they are
horses, not your oversized canines.” She
continues, “My love for
the Irish horse lies with
their wonderful minds
and great intelligence.
Being that jumping is
a natural discipline of
Conor McMahan, with mother Molly
this breed, training for
jumping comes very
easily to them. Because
they are so intelligent,
these horses take care
of themselves, therefore taking care of their
rider. They are a hardy
horse, having ample
bone without being
course, making them
strong and balanced.
The Irish horse is athletPodrick, IDSH
ic and intelligent, making them great Three Day Eventers, Show Jumpers, and Field Hunters.
Tim Beckman of Santa Fe New Mexico is equally enthusiastic about
his Irish Draught Sport Horse colt, Conor McMahan by Seamus Coille
Mor (RID) out of Chance’s Molly McMahan (TWHBEA) Conor is 15.1
hands at two years and two months, and as Tim states, “built like a little
tank.” Tim continues, “he is calm, gentle and willing and shows great
potential. He has a wonderful extended, floating trot and breaks to a
slow smooth canter.”
there, and invite y’all to attend to learn and visit with us. Please contact
me if you would like to attend or have any questions.
Conor’s story has a poignant side. His dam, Molly, was Tim’s main
hunt horse who died of cancer a year and a half ago. Tim comments,
“Conor is all I have left of her legacy. I hope in four or five years he will
be my main hunt horse.” We are certain, with such athletic parents
that he will be.
The McMullen’s of Tiogar Farm in Magnolia, TX, are happy to report
that their mare, Harkaway Diamond Lass RID (by KEC Double Diamond
out of Misty River Lass), is recovering splendidly from colic surgery.
Their vet (who submitted the sand colic article for this issue) removed
100 lbs of sand from her! He says she should be fully functional by
November and able to ride, jump, and breed.
Quick Roundup: Orlyla Ramey continues to compete on Galanta, and
recently presented a freestyle at a benefit for disabled riders. Cindy
Romero continues to compete with JP Young, and Karen Young of
Kleary Field Farm reports that they “did well” in jumpers at the Labor
Day Woodside show. Connie Arthur of Lone Tree Farm will compete
Bridon Beale Street in the upcoming October Event at Woodside.
South Central Region Report
Bill Appel, SC Region Chair
[email protected] / 504-578-0055
W
e are very excited to host our regional inspection at
Crowndale Farm on October 9th. Thanks to the Lurixes for
hosting us again this year. We will have several fine horses
We have several regional horse trial events coming up this fall at Greenwood (Weatherford, TX), Meadowcreek (Kosse, TX), Pine Hill (Bellville,
TX), and Holly Hill (Benton, LA). We will report our member’s success
at those in the Yearbook Blarney issue.
Debbie Fullilove of Deanfield Farm is happy to report that her mare,
Fossa Queen RID (by Holycross out of Correen Chestnut), is in foal to
her stallion, Braveheart RID (by O’Leary’s Irish Diamond out of Kilbline).
Fossa Queen’s previous owner, Beth Limbert, is extremely excited that
this mare eventually has the opportunity to make her contribution to
the purebred herd. Fossa Queen is 17 years old, and, all going well,
this will be her maiden foal.
We welcome all members to add us as a friend on Facebook. Look us
up under “South Central Region of the Irish Draught Horse Society of
North America.” We are so excited to already have 40 friends!
Lastly, with football season upon us, I have to say Geaux Tigers for
LSU!
Page 9
North West Sport Horse Breeders Association Show . . .
by Kate Triplett
T
hursday, September 3, dawned cool and crisp. Good
weather to haul horses. We loaded up two broodmares with
their foals in the big trailer, and the two-year-old gelding in
the little one, and hit the road for Spanaway, Washington, and the
2009 NW Sporthorse Breeders Association’s annual Breeder’s Classic shows, where we would meet with our trainer (hauling two older
geldings!) over the Labor Day weekend. This is a USEF, USDF and USHJA rated event for national points and USDF Region 6 and USHJA Zone
9 standings. It is primarily a youngstock show, showing in-hand, with
some Materiale classes for the threes and fours. Friday, Saturday and
Sunday are all run as separate shows to give competitors the chance
to get in three sets of placings/points before four judges in one weekend. Hunter day was double judged!
This year, Friday was added for Hunter Breeding classes, which we
were all excited about! Several of our incredibly generous IDHSNA
members supported the show with donations of money and goods
to sponsor and award the classes, and not just for the Irish horses.
One donation was of enough leather halters and leads to award the
first place horse in EVERY Hunter Breeding class. These acts of generosity really blew the Board of NWSHBA away.
braided and initial cleanup done by showtime.
Sleep??? Not likely. I was up Friday night until 2AM grooming and
Warrior’s Marque (IDSH) by Braveheart (RID) x Worldly Remarque (TB).
Shown by Jessica Wisdom. Photo courtesy Carolynn Bunch Photography.
prepping, and putting the most beautiful set of Irish rosette button
braids into Ollie’s mane for the next day’s exhibition. Poor Kip, our
teenage helper was my intrepid right hand for grooming. His introduction to sporthorses came with our Irishbreds, and he fell for them
wholeheartedly. After seeing the gamut of warmbloods exhibited at
this show, he announced afterward that his sights are now set on the
Irish horse - another convert to the Cause!
W
Dreams Come True (IDSH) by Snowford O’Donnell (RID) x Always Pleasing (TB).
Shown by Jennifer Stevens. Photo courtesy Carolynn Bunch Photography
The IDHSNA was well represented at this show, as Director at Large
Jim McGinty, former Director at Large Jennifer Stevens, current Executive Secretary Lyn Lindstrom, and Northwest Region Chair Jess Walker
all came to attend and, in some cases, to show horses! The Board of
NWSHBA asked if we could provide a speaker for the Saturday night
dinner, and I volunteered Jim. He graciously complied and gave a
lovely talk on the history of the Irish Draught, to a round of applause
and many comments afterward.
T
he working crew had our grubby little hands full with prep
and care of all the stock, which included: three mare and
foal pairs, one yearling ID filly, one large size RID stallion, one
two-year-old IDSH gelding, one three-year-old IDSH gelding, and one
five-year-old RIDSH gelding. Rick and I, and Kip and Jennifer, showing,
and ALL of us (including a couple of other friends and one of Rick’s
clients!) doing horse holding in the warm-up, grooming, braiding, rebraiding, washing, mucking, walking, trying to catch up to ourselves.
Thank goodness Jess and Jim Walker were self contained and Gabriel
was SUCH a good boy! The Friday classes were set back to the late
afternoon because of a warmblood inspection taking up the first half
of the day, which did give us a chance to get most of the horses
Page 10
hen Jennifer Stevens left for home Saturday night, it left a
huge hole in our handler line-up. Let me tell you all that this
lady is a real live PRO at showing. We handed her our big
gelding Dreams Come True IDSH, who at 17:2hh-plus is a lot of horse
to keep up with. She ran him to a blue ribbon in Hunter Breeding over
a local “big gun” RPSI STALLION who was handled by his professional
owner. Jennifer
also did yeoman’s duty on our
big broodmare
Always Pleasing,
who was not at
all pleased to be
showing this year
and was rather a
handful. Her huge
powerful
filly
by Ollie, Pretty
Please, handled
by Kip, won several blues and
was very well
received by the
judges.
O’Donnell’s Tahoma (RIDSH) by Snowford O’Donnell (RID) x
Snookie’s Girl (TB). Ridden by Saacha DeAmborossio.
Photo: Carolynn Bunch Photography
Braveheart
RID
son
Warrior’s
Marque
IDSH
(named
Wampum by Rick)
It made our show to have other passionate ID
owners attending. Even better was sending them
home with the Irish Draught Dressage Championship “Ballyduff” trophy sponsored by Arena Rehab Specialists (Rick’s business).
did us proud. He was last year’s IDHSNA In-Hand
I Champion, and so far this year, he is the colts
and geldings Champion for NWSHBA in Dressage
Breeding classes. This beautiful big bright bay will
be putting the Irish Draught Sport Horse on the
map in our region. He really got the attention of
everyone there with his style and substance. This
is a world class colt in any lineup.
We were REALLY missing Jennifer in the Group
classes on Sunday. Taking in three entries each
for Breeders Group, Produce of Dam and Get
of Sire, we were kind of a patched together
crew by that time! The nice weather of Saturday
turned truly ugly. Sunday dawned to a series of
terrific squalls, gusting gale winds and rain so
dense it poured off the trailer tops like Niagara
Falls. Barns were surrounded by small lakes! Our
Irish horses splashed and pawed in play, while
the other breeds leaped in panicky avoidance.
Mud-spattered and soaked, but happy, we finally packed up everything, and loaded the horses
and headed for home. We feel that finally the
Irish Draught has “made a dent” in the awareness
of our NW sporthorse community.
L
yn Lindstrom’s five-year-old IDSH gelding,
O’Donnell’s Tahoma, did very well, winning
his Hunter Under Saddle classes. He was
also well-received in his Hunter Breeding in hand
class with another blue ribbon. Trained and ridden
by Saacha DeAmborossio, he was immaculately
turned out and beautifully presented by Saacha.
Our stallion, Manu Forti’s Touch Down RID, AKA
Ollie, met his first purebred foal, Saoirse’s Abhailli
(owned by Lyn Lindstrom and Dale Skrivanich), the
filly we were all praying for from Mac’s Colmerin Pretty Please (IDSH) by Manu Forti’s Touch Down (RID) x
RID, she is absolutely ADORABLE! I am totally smitAlways Pleasing (TB). Shown by Kip Worley.
Photo: Carolynn Bunch Photography.
ten. What a gorgeous and perfect filly this one is in
every respect. Everyone who saw her, regardless
by JENNIFER STEVENS
of breed affiliation, was captivated by her verve and sheer cuteness.
y name is Jennifer Stevens, most recently Web-Mistress
for the IDHSNA website and previously a Director at
Ollie was entered in only one class, the Purebred Irish Draught DSHB
Large. I had promised Kate and Rick earlier in the year
class, and was received well by the judge per her comments. As usuthat I would come to Seattle to help with the NW Breeder’s Clasal, “that big grey horse” (Ollie) drew crowds of visitors to our little “Irish
sic; however, in May I fractured a rotator cuff that took a long time in
Row,” and opened eyes for many and doors for a few to understand
healing. Finally, in August, I got the okay from the Doctor to resume
more of our breed. His three daughters made their papa proud!
activities, so I booked my flight to Seattle. Most people who’ve been
around me long enough know I just don’t do simple vacations.
M
My vacation started on August 27th with a little side trip to Indianapolis
for the GP Motor Races. After watching motorcycle racing for most of
the weekend, I got home on Wednesday night with just enough time
to do laundry and repack my bag for Seattle the following day. I had
the good fortune of Jim McGinty arriving earlier in the day from Texas,
and he offered to wait until I arrived from Minneapolis to share a ride
to the show grounds. The remainder of Thursday was spent getting
Manu Forti’s Touch Down (RID) by Touch of The Blues (RID) x Kerryoak Lady Dawn (RID).
Shown by Joshua Lacy. Photo: Carolynn Bunch Photography.
L
ast but FAR from least, I was so happy to greet Jess and Jim
Walker from Idaho and their super ID colt, Pairadox Gold Coin
“Gabriel” (Steeped in Luck RID x Ducal State Emblem RID). Jess
is the IDHSNA Northwest Region Chair, and it is a LONG trip down
for them. Gabriel is going to be a very nice stallion, already showing
a magnificent front and great underpinnings, with lovely movement
and a wonderful quiet and kind disposition. Gabriel scored well in
his classes, placing respectably in Hunter Breeding Friday and winning
the Purebred Irish Draught (DSHB Individual breed) class Saturday, and
handing Jess the Amateur Handler blue as well. Just a super wellbehaved boy! We really enjoyed having Jess and Jim for stablemates.
Keepsake’s Cleaseaiocht (ID) by Snowford O’Donnell (RID) x Suma’s Keepsake (RID).
Shown by by Kip Worley. Photo: Carolynn Bunch Photography.
Page 11
settled in and horses prepped for the showing the next couple of
days.
Hunter Breeding Friday turned out to be a wonderful day with the
weather cooperating and the horses putting their “best foot forward,”
earning many top placings. They were definitely giving the warmblood
breeders a run for the money.
Saturday started out rainy, but then again, it is Seattle. Horses were
needing only a few minor touch-ups to refresh braids from the night
before. Today was the Dressage In-Hand portion, again our Irish horses came through against the warmbloods with good scores and top
placings. They drew quite a few people back to the barn to inquire
more about the breed. Wampum was king in the barn, earning top regional honors against tough competition. It was truly a wonderful way
to end the day. Unfortunately for me, though, there was still one more
day of showing left. I had to leave on a 1am flight back to Minnesota,
followed by 4 hours of driving to catch up with the rest of family on
the annual family fishing trip. So while Kate, Rick, Kip and everyone else
were just starting to get rolling again with another day of showing, I
was in a fishing boat with rod in one hand, beverage in another and
finally catching up on some sleep, as had to be back at work on Tuesday, the day after Labor Day... I’d rather be at a horse show!
BY JESS WALKER
E
veryone who passed by the stall with the large black bay with
a star and his little mate the miniature, asked, “what kind of
horse is he?” “Irish.” “Oh, that explains why he is so calm,”
they said, “he is an Irish gelding.” “No,” I said. “He is a 2 year old
colt.” “Oh, he must be used to this show stuff.” “No.” I said, “This is
his second show.“ “Ever?” “Yes, ever.” “Where did you come from?”
“Idaho.” “How long a trip is that?” “About 6-7 hours.” “Wow and he
is this calm?” “Would you mind taking him out of the stall so we can
see him?”
Either Jim (my husband) or I took Pairadox Gold Coin, aka Gabriel,
out many times. He took it all in stride, all 16 2-1/2 HH (and 9-1/2 or
9-3/4” bone, Jim McGinty says) no worries, people walking behind,
touching, milling, talking loudly, then laughing heartily at his little friend,
Hot Rod the mini .
People seemed very taken by his coloring, and conformation, but the
Irish temperament was the single most often expressed compliment
he received. We made friends from Canada stabled on the other
side of us. They owned Canadian Warmbloods, also very nice horses.
They knew of Steeped In Luck RID (Gabriel’s sire). It was nice to hear
them say that his sire had passed on his best traits. Our end of the
barn was always very busy and a happy place to be. Everyone was
helping each other, listening to Jim McGinty’s tales of the Irish horse,
trying to get Kate to stop and eat.....to no avail!! “Here Jennifer, can
you hold this one for a second?” “We need 6 people for the next
class to hold horses!” “Oops “Hot Rod” has broken loose!” “Hold
Gabriel while I run and catch him!”
Still, days after the show is over, I am getting e-mails from the Northwest Sporthorse Breeders Association show committee thanking the
IDHSNA for sponsoring so generously, participating so enthusiastically,
and sharing Jim McGinty and his knowledge of our lovely breed with
all who attended. The comments I heard just after the Saturday night
dinner and speech were more than complementary. A Hanoverian
Page 12
Pairadox Gold Coin (ID) by Steeped in Luck (RID) x Ducal State Emblem (RID).
Shown by Jess Walker. Photo: Carolynn Bunch Photography
breeder of great repute, and well known to me, came up afterward
and said she was very taken by all the information she got out of the
presentation. “It was the most interesting information I have heard in a
long time”, she said with her thick German accent.
The weekend was an excellent example of our horses speaking for
themselves in their ability to win the ribbons, show their love of humans, and take all the excitement in stride. “LOOK AT US! WE ARE THE
IRISH HORSES, IT IS POURING DOWN RAIN AND WE LOVE IT!” It did
rain hard Saturday and Sunday! We look forward to next year!
WEG Committee report
by Fleur Bryan
As we approach the 1-year-to-go mark, I attended an
update at KHP for a very interesting and animated discussion amongst all the members of the National Horse
Center.
We now know that we, the IDHSNA, are approved for
Demonstrations and will shortly receive our dates and
times for the Demos. We also know that there will be 24hour shuttle service for grooms and accredited
volunteers to feed and care for the horses.
We appear to have a prime location in the Equine Pavilion
at this time, and I look forward to leading our Society and
our Horses to the Games. Provisional opening hours for
vendors are 10 am to 7 pm; however, there will be some
nights that a later finish is required.
Volunteer accommodation was discussed briefly, and
many people have offered to rent rooms in their homes
to make the trip affordable. I should have more information on these options after the October 7th update.
My Perspective - The Irish Horse Fair . . .
By Noel Mullins (www.noelmullins.com)
I
t may have been in Vermont in the USA, but
The North Eastern Branch of the Irish Draught
Horse Society of North America had a distinctly Irish flavour about it. Given the title of ‘The
Irish Horse Fair’, for the three days an Irish ballad group and Irish dancers performed in the
background. The backdrop was spectacular
also as the famous Vermont trees were starting
to turn their usual Fall colours of bronze, gold
and yellows, which attracts nature lovers and
photographers from all over the world before
what is known as the Stick Season sets in when
all the leaves have disappeared.
American Irish Draught Horse breeders are passionate about the breed, and they are keeping
the name of the Irish Draught Horse and the Irish
Draught Sport Horse alive on a Continent that
Ann Morss, Cori Oehley, Denny Emerson, Aidan O’Connell and George Chapman.
has every conceivable breed of horse available for owners and breeders to choose from.
n Saturday night, Aidan O’Connell gave his audience a first hand
Because of the sheer size of the country, exhibitors travelled very long
account of the different riding styles of racing, showjumping and
distances to support the show in an area that probably has the least numcross country riding. For many of the audience, it was their first
ber of Irish Draught horses. The President of the IDHSNA, Larry Robbins,
time to meet someone that had ridden in the Aintree Grand National, and
drove for 12 hours from the State of Virginia with his wife Michelle and four
they were fascinated with the account of his experiences. On Sunday night
horses. They established Kilronan Irish Draughts in 2003 and have mares by
after dinner in the nearby Idlewood Restaurant, Noel Mullins gave a PowGlenlara RID, Rockrimmon Silver Diamond RID and Annaghdown Star RID,
erPoint presentation overview of his recent book The Origins of Irish Horse
the latter which was bred by Tony Murphy from Dundalk in County Louth.
Fairs & Horse Sales, in addition to a series of photos of all the Irish Draught
They also provided one of their Irish Draught Horses for a demonstration
Classes at the recent RDS Horse Show together with breeding details. Many
at Rolex in April this year. Ann Morss who has a mare by Grange Bouncer
of the audience expressed interest in attending the RDS Show next year.
RID travelled 8 hours from the Genesee Valley near Rochester near the
Great Lakes to support the event, and Jane Clay made the journey from
A two day riding clinic was hosted
Ontario in Canada with her mare by Foxglen Himself RID, which was bred
by Denny Emerson which included
in the USA.
flat work, showjumping and cross
country jumping. George Chapman
The chairman of the
judged the latter for standard of
North East Region and
jumping and how horses covered
organiser was Cori Oehthe ground. Emerson then gave a
ley, who ran a wonderdisplay on one of his advanced
ful event; and she was
horses. This was followed by a
delighted with the turndemonstration by two advanced
Adain O’Connell.
out, as there are fewer
riders, Ariel Grald, and Sue Berrill,
breeders in the surwith a commentary by Denny. Potential buyers were then able to view a
rounding area than in Virparade of Irish Draught Horses, Sport Horses and Young Stock for sale. In
Cross country course at Denny’s facility.
ginia, Maryland or North
preparation for judging the following day, George Chapman gave a clinic
Carolina. She was disapon preparing horses for showing. He also delivered a very informative talk
pointed that she did not have time to enter her own Irish Draught colt,
on how he judged conformation, movement and step by taking two horsKilronan’s Image by Moorpark Image RID, whose damsire is Glenlara RID.
es and making comparisons on all the finer points which the competitors
Another colt that was shown was Bridon’s Mr. Brightside RID by Glenlara RID
found fascinating. Given this information, competitors got busy preparing
whose dam sire is Heather Breeze RID. The event was held at Denny Emfor the following day.
erson’s Tamarak Farm. Emerson has an impressive CV as a former US event
rider and winner of a Team World Championship Gold Medal at Burghley in
In the In Hand Class George Chapman pulled in Tim Doyle’s yearling filly
1974 riding his horse Victor Dakin, and also the only eventer to also win a
Dirty Kate Corbin by his own Irish Sport Horse stallion Donnybrook Ellis
Trevis Cup Buckle for endurance riding. He was subsequently inducted into
Island by Happy Ending RID. Doyle who founded Donnybrook Farm in Conthe USEA Hall of Fame and considered one of the 50 most influential horsenecticut in 1999 specialises in breeding Irish Sport Horses using proven
men in the USA of the 20th century. Emerson stands an Irish Sport Horse
winning thoroughbred mares. In the 2 & 3 Year Old In Hand Class Kilronan
stallion Formula One by Beau Royale TB out of Crokoon Lady ISH bred by
Irish Draughts won it with Kilronan Killara RID by Glenlara RID. Kate Cassidy
Anthony McMahon in County Clare. He and his wife May spend the sumcould not hide her delight in winning two classes with Glidawn Diamond
mer teaching in Vermont before moving the whole operation down to his
Sienna by Glidawn Diamond which was purchased in Ireland by Cassandra
Winter farm at Southern Pines in North Carolina.
Ladd. The 5 & 6 Year Old Ridden Class was won by Pam Martin’s Padi’s
O
Page 13
Classic Reunion RID by Mountain Pearl RID who has returned to stand at
Paddy Meehan’s yard in County Sligo. She was ridden by teenager Jess
Oehley. Lorrie Abrams picked up the Green Horse & Rider Class with Orchard Hill Diamond Pearl RID by Rockrimmon Silver Diamond RID. The runner
up was Boston resident Tony Lambert son of Jack Lambert from Wexford
with Bridon’s Loughlara by Glenlara RID. Other Irish Draught Sport Horse
classes were the Pre Novice won by Nicole Dianna with The Chameleon by
Hi Pappa and the Novice Class honours going to Ariel Graid with Practically
Perfect by Cradillo.
S
ome sales were recorded subject to passing a veterinary examination, one in particular a steel grey Irish Sport Horse by The Luck of
the Irish RID bred by Ann Morss and ridden by Aidan O’Connell for
Sjana McClure-Barry who buys her horses mainly in County Limerick where
she has hunted occasionally for many years.
A significant number of new members signed up to the Irish Draught Horse
Society during the show which was probably helped by information brochures that Alison Corbally Director of Breeding and Programmes of Horse
Sport Ireland sent out to the show. Cori Oehley commented that in America the Irish Draught Horse breed because of the ‘draught horse’ term are
often imagined to be like Clydesdales and Shires by those who may have
never seen one performing. When they do they are instantly attracted to
the breed. She feels that they need to get more Irish Draught Horses into
the hands of professional rider so that they can be seen performing in
top competition level, then she feels that the market could really expand
in America and as a result increase the number of owners and breeders.
Such were the success of the clinics and the show that Aidan O’Connell
and Denny Emerson plan to hold a clinic for event riders in Ireland.
By Pam Martin (eventing neophyte)
I
n May my phone rang, it was Michelle Robbins, “are you going to the
Denny Emerson clinic?”, “hmmm, no I don’t think me and my truck can
do a twelve hour haul”, “oh, no problem, we’ll put Classic on our trailer,
it will be fun”. And so began my adventure to Vermont. The clinic was
the weekend after my 40th birthday so I justified the trip as my present to
myself.
The cool air of Vermont was a refreshing change from humid Virginia. After settling in the horses at Denny’s Tamarack Hill farm we were quickly
escorted into their house for a welcome dinner. The fire was roaring and
the smell of lasagna reminded us of just how hungry we were. There was
a nervous excitement about the days to come as we exchanged introductions and the living room quickly filled with riders from all over the northeast. The three gentlemen from Ireland arrived and all eyes quickly turned
to them. Aidan O’Connell entertained us with stories, limericks and song.
Aidan, George Chapman and Noel Mullins fielded questions about the Irish
horse and fox hunting with colorful stories and jokes. My favorite quote
of the evening was when Aidan quipped, “Dressage is what an Irishman
does between the stable and the first fence”. As I looked about the room
I could hardly believe I was sitting with four such incredibly talented and
knowledgeable equestrians. It was truly humbling to be sharing a meal with
these four men. Far too soon it was time to blanket the horses and check
into our lodging.
Our accommodations were with a former eventer turned dressage enthusiast named Robin. Robin’s farm was everything you would picture from
a Vermont painting. White farm house with a large front porch, split rail
fencing around lush green pastures and a lovely wood barn. They say it
is easier to breathe in Vermont and I’d have to agree. We decided on a
departure time for the next morning and we all went to bed tired from our
long travel day.
Page 14
Saturday broke clear, cold and sunny. I decided to watch the first group’s
lesson to get an idea of what to anticipate. Denny gave a riding demonstration, effortlessly jumping 3’6” and spoke about how the canter was the
fundamental for a successful jump. He then instructed us on rider position
and how it was critical to obtaining a correct jumping effort, referencing
Mike Plumb and Sally Swift. Denny was very kind and patient only asking
each horse and rider team to do what was appropriate for them, but
pushing them to expand their skills. Soon enough it was my turn.
D
enny briefly warmed us up in the ring over a few low fences then
it was time to face (play scary music here)…the ditch. I was in
a group with two other ladies both of whom were experienced
eventers on seasoned horses. Then there was me, the fox hunter with five
dressage lessons. The first two ladies jumped the ditch with grace and
style and I was told to follow in behind Janet at the trot. Wishing I had a
stirrup cup or at least some full seat britches, I dropped in behind her. At
the last possible second my mare saw the ditch, used her nose to stop
and sent dirt flying on Denny. With a little encouragement and another lead
we leaped across and conquered our first ditch. After hopping it a few
more times to ensure the lesson was learned he headed out to the next
obstacle…(more scary music) the bank.
Denny’s bank is built as a large square sitting on top the ground. Ideally,
you will jump up, canter across in one stride then jump down. As usual,
the first two ladies made it look effortless and smooth. Denny suggested I
walk my mare up to it as this was new to both of us. As I’m approaching
the bank Denny remarks, “If she gets up there and doesn’t want to jump
down, be sure to turn her around and go back the way you came, I don’t
want her flipping over backwards.” Flipping over backwards?! That had
never crossed my mind and now I was seriously reconsidering the trip.
Just about the time I expected Classic to stop she hopped up on the bank.
“Oh sh*t!, we are on top!, Oh sh*t, oh sh*t, we’re jumping down!! Oh
my God, we are down! I’m still on the horse!” We were sent to do the
bank two more times and it became smoother, better and more fun each
time. Two huge accomplishments and it’s only been 30 minutes. Off to
the cross country course!
T
he cross country course was more in my comfort zone. It’s not
the hunt field, and there still was no port, but I had higher expectations of our success. We were instructed to jump a tabletop,
canter down a slight hill, turn right, then back up hill to a slant then continue
up hill, sharp right turn then over a small log with fairly steep slope for
the landing. The only thing that made me pucker a bit was the log with
the slope landing, but after the bank I was feeling more confident. Sure
enough we all made it through this drill fairly easily then it was time for the
upper cross country course.
Denny’s cross country course is absolutely breath taking. You stand at the
top of the upper course and acres of green rolling hills with beautiful jumps
are spread out beneath you. I can only imagine what the sight is once the
leaves begin to put on a show. Denny instructed us on the course and
soon enough it was my turn. I tried to remember his comments on the first
two rider’s trips and incorporate them into my own. Deep breath, canter
and…down slope to a red slant, Classic took a small peek at it, but we
were over and hitting the gas to make it up the enormous hill to two logs
with flowers set as a one stride in and out. Then it was half halt time as
we swung left and down hill to a roll top then to a coop in shadows next
to the woods. Big sweeping turn left and again on the brakes down hill,
then balance, up a bank and one stride to a log. Ok, the mare and I are
starting to get a bit winded now, suck it up, canter on and… over the last
coop! OMG!! We just did our first cross country course! There was only
one obstacle left to conquer…the water jump.
I
arrived at the water jump before the others as Classic was puffed up
with pride and power walked the entire way. Next we were instructed
to trot through the water complex. Classic and I went last and our trot
turned into a canter – this should have been a bit of foreshadowing for
later. Next we trotted through and jumped a small X out, again all three
horses seem to be comfortable with the idea. Dang, we just about got this
water thing licked! Finally, we were asked to canter to the X and jump into
the water. Ok, I was hoping to trot it first, but heck we’ve made it through
so much already, how bad can it be? Apparently, on take off Denny saw
that spark in Classic’s eye that indicated I was about to go for a flume ride
and barked, “lean back!, lean back!”. I soon realized why. My now overly
confident mare made a tremendous effort over the X and about landed
about 6’ into the water jump pitching me out of the saddle. As I was
enjoying the cool water splashing my face as it bounced off my horses
legs I contemplated Denny’s next words, “stay in the saddle!, stay in the
saddle!”. Yes Denny I agree, falling off in front of everyone in the water
does not appeal. OK, time to sit up, straighten myself and finish the canter
out of the water complex. Needless to say we were sent again to jump
in and again the mare made another huge effort into the water. This time I
was ready and leaned WAY back making a smooth entry and avoiding the
need for water wings. With that we wrapped up our afternoon on the
cross country course and rode back to the barn smiling.
Two more sets of riders conquered the cross country course that day. Afterwards, back at the barn a spontaneous tailgate of brie and wine brought
several of the ladies together before dinner to swap stories and tell lies.
Cori again, outdid herself by providing a wonderful BBQ chicken dinner
with all the fixings under a white tent next to a picturesque pond. It was
a perfect setting to compliment a perfect day. After participating and
watching such a fun filled afternoon I was reminded of Aidan’s quote from
the night before, “A warmblood will look at an obstacle and figure out how
to get out of it, an Irish horse will look at an obstacle and figure out how to
get over it.” I couldn’t agree more!
S
unday was stadium jumping day and I was thrilled to have Aidan
O’Connell in my group. Aidan was riding a talented grey gelding by
It’s the Luck of the Irish that had been used as a whipper-in’s horse.
Denny started the fences out modestly, but soon the complexity of the
course and the size of the fences increased. The big message of the day,
sit and wait for your horse to jump and close your hip angel and if in doubt,
leave your horse alone! We were treated to another riding demonstration
by Denny on his Irish horse, Loftus Fox a 60th birthday present to himself.
This time Denny stressed dressage work, a correct canter and using a pole
on the ground as a means to develop a “three stride eye”. Next we en-
Page 16
joyed stadium and cross country demo rides by Sue Berrill (Greylock Farm,
Brownsville, VT) and Arial Grald (med student at UVM) on their lovely Irish
sport horses. The afternoon kicked off with a parade of seventeen Irish
horses with a brief bio on each being read. George Chapman demonstrated how he would evaluate two horses presented in hand and gave
pointers for in hand showing. All too soon it was time to head to back for
quick showers and dinner at the Idlewood restaurant.
Dinner was greatly anticipated and tales of the day were told while live
Irish music played amongst friends both old and many new. Noel Mullins
educated and entertained us with a slide show of photos on the origin
of the Irish horse, the Irish horse fair and thrills and spills of fox hunting in
Ireland. With an early wake up planned for Monday’s show I headed out
with my new BFF Janet to blanket and tuck in the horses. The evening had
quite a chill to it as we scrambled in the dark still in our heels to put sheets
on our mares.
Monday got off to a bit of a late start as our Irish guests enjoyed themselves
into the morning hours with the fantastic Irish band. The show was a great
success with the in hand classes competitive with many fabulous horses.
The Irish hack class was a popular last minute addition and the jumping
classes provided great entertainment to the crowd. Aidan O’Connell did
not get to show on Monday because his horse was SOLD to a new Irish
horse enthusiast on Sunday! The riders were always encouraging and supportive of one another and it was heart warming to hearing the cheering
from the crowd as a rider was encourage to get her young horse, that
had only taken it’s first jump the day before, around a seven fence course.
Foals to experienced show horses with beginners to seasoned pros all
came out and demonstrated the willingness and versatility of our wonderful breed.
T
here is so much to tell about this incredible weekend that it is hard
to get it all in words. First a huge thank you to Cori for arranging
such a fantastic event. Her attention to detail in making this more
than just a clinic was amazing! The three Irish visitors each brought so much
knowledge about horses, hunting, and Ireland it was a true privilege to
share time with them. Denny Emerson was kind and patient, yet pushed
each one of us to reach new levels. I was finally able to place some faces
with names and I made many new friends as well. It was encouraging to
hear that several people attended who will be joining the Society. Many
of these same folks saw the value in registering their horses, one will even
be going to the trouble of DNA testing. Noel Mullins will be writing about
the event and it will be published in two Irish magazines. Finally, there were
people who attended as spectators from as far away as Canada! The educational booth ALWAYS had a crowd around it and I heard several people
inquiring about horses for sale, and met a few touring the barns asking all
kinds of questions. I think this event is a wonderful example of not only a
fundraiser that the membership enjoyed, but a terrific way of spreading the
word about our lovely animals and helping support the breeding farms.
I wish you all could have been there as the jokes and laughter were plentiful and new friendships made. I was truly proud of our membership and
how they conducted themselves before such distinguished guests. I’d
also like to take a moment to thank Larry and Michelle Robbins who were
kind enough not only to put me and my mare up for the night at their lovely
farm, but to then also transport us 12 hours each way. Had it not been
for their generosity and kindness I never would have gotten this incredible opportunity. I hope our Society continues to support such fantastic
events and that each of you get the chance to participate in something so
rewarding!
Members News . . .
Steeped in Luck Fall Accomplishments
Steeped in Luck is owned by Keith and Elizabeth Douglas of Pairadox Farm in Camlachie,
Ontario, Canada. www.pairadoxfarm.com
I
n August
2 0 0 9 ,
RID stallion Steeped
in Luck (by
Mount Diamond Flag
out of Steeple
View)
traveled out
of province
to compete
in Quebec at
the Equine Canada Gold Beaulieu International Dressage Classic. Steeped
in Luck was introduced to some new competition when he travelled
out of province to compete in Quebec. He and rider/trainer Olympian
Tom Dvorak did a fine job with little preparation time after an injury held
Steeped in Luck back for a few weeks. The recuperation time combined
with Tom’s absence (Tom travelled to Kentucky with Canada’s junior and
young rider teams to compete at the North American Young / Junior Riders
competition) make their achievements in Quebec quite commendable.
Steeped in Luck and Tom managed to come back to Ontario with the
RESERVE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
hunt field for Skip Crawford, the Master of the Potomac Hunt Club in Potomac, Maryland. In the off season he competes and is evented in the
Maryland and Virginia areas. Mattie won the yearling partbred class at the
2007 IDHSNA Annual Show and came in 4th at Upperville in 2008, while
Conor won the Grand Champion Purebred class with me showing him!
oryla ramey & galanta, ca
alanta is going well. We did a Grand Prix Freestyle exhibition at a
benefit lunch for disabled riders recently. Shows have been great.
I was showing as an Adult Am. because the open division in SoCal is the majority of the USET team—however, had my last two shows
as an AA in July and August. Galanta won the Cal Dress Soc. SoCal AA
PSG Championship class in July, and he was also AA FEI High Point of that
show which was at the LA Equestrian Center. Then in August he won the
Cornerstone PSG Championship class in the AA division again at the LA
Equestrian Center.
G
The next show, my first as a professional which is pretty exciting, is at LAEC
in October. Best Wishes to ALL Irish Draught horse owners!
OH MONTANA!
In September 2009, Steeped in Luck became Ontario’s Third Level Dressage Champion in Open Competition! After qualifying for the Ontario
Dressage Championships, Steeped in Luck and Tom Dvorak have done it
again - they WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP! However, this year it was at the
third level! Last year, Steeped in Luck and Tom Dvorak were Second Level
Champions. These championships are classified as Equine Canada Gold
shows. Congratulations and a big thanks go to Team Dvorak!
Melissa Mysing, Mt. Hermon, La
am proud to report that my 3-year-old IDHS filly, Breezy Matilda Diamond (aka Mattie)by Dandelion Diamond Rebel out of a TB mare made
her foxhunting debut not long ago. We participated (lightly and slowly)
in a hunter pace on day one and went cubbing the next morning. It was
her very first time out, and we were asked to lead the second flight field. I
knew she was up for it because she is so sensible and quiet. Sure enough,
we were out about 2 hours, viewed twice, and she did a very impressive
job. Jaws were dropping as she crossed several creeks and ditches and
led the field at the Hardaway Whitworth Hunt club, located outside of Demopolis, AL. She
had been going
under saddle a
total of 9 weeks
prior to this hunt
meet – AMAZING!!!!!
I
Breezy Matilda Diamond (IDSH) by Dandelion Diamond Rebel
(RID) x Hadlley Maid (TB)
Mattie is a chip
off her sire’s
block, Dandelion
Diamond Rebel
RID (aka Conor).
Conor leads the
Liz McFarland and Sue Rowdon riding in the Gravelly Mountains of Montana. Liz is on an IDSH
by O’Leary’s Irish Diamond and munching grass behind us is an IDSH by Banks Fee Daniel.
Sarah’s Stallion Adventures
ne of the best parts about becoming a board member of the
Society is the people and horses I’ve gotten to meet through my
various involvements. My husband, Mike McMullen, and I have
certainly come to really love and appreciate the breed over the past 3
years, now owning a 2 ½-year-old Sport Horse (Slew O’Diamonds by
Prescott’s Diamond RID out of Slew’s Pennant xx) and a 7-year-old purebred mare (Harkaway Diamond Lass by KEC Double Diamond RID out of
Misty River Lass RID).
O
We are very fortunate to live 45 minutes from Deanfield Farm, home of
Debbie Fullilove and the RID stallion, Braveheart. Debbie has become a
good friend, and we are some of their biggest fans now. In mid-August, I
took my non-Irish mare down for Debbie to help us start jumping. While
there, she threw my husband and me up on Braveheart to take a spin.
Page 17
Members News (con’t) . . .
WONKA - The story continues....
Now, I have not ever
been around stallions. I
knew Braveheart was quiet from the ground with
Debbie on his back, but
I wasn’t sure what riding
him would be like. Mike
has had more stallion experience, but with crazy
quarter horses and the
like, so he was more nervous than I was.
(editor’s note: Adena Ray and her husband Denny live in Arlington, Washington.
Wonka and his full sister are IDSH, by Corcullen RID out of Djinn Chaser (JC).
H
e has a crooked leg. It’s the one that was tangled up with his
twin. He’s never going to be a eventer (like his sire), he’s never
going to be an extreme athlete (like his dam). His gaits are a bit
uneven, although they’re fine once he warms up. Still, he’s not perfect.
Braveheart (RID) by O’Leary’s Irish Diamond (RID) x
Turns out, we had nothing
Kilbline (RID)
to worry about. Braveheart was a perfect gentleman, taking things slow and easy with us both
at first. I got on and off three times, each time feeling more comfortable and getting the feel for him. By my last ride, we were jumping. Or
should I say, soaring. I could not believe the power as he launched over
the little jumps we had set up. He was a bit offended by the height, so
made it more fun be taking off a stride or two early and clearing the jump
by a foot or two. When we landed on the other side, I felt like I’d just
ridden a rocket ship. He is so controlled though and made me feel so
safe. Debbie laughed that she’s put all ages on him, from 7-years-old to
68-years-old. I could not have asked for a better experience for my first
stallion ride. Debbie finally coaxed Mike up there as well, but he took it a
little easier and enjoyed moseying around.
We tried to sell him, but nobody wants a horse that isn’t perfect. Okay, if
he’s going to stay here, he needs a job. I had already trained him to drive,
so I thought “What the heck, I’ll teach driving lessons and use Wonka as
my lesson horse.”
And so I did. Monica has been taking lessons now for a few months.
During those few months, I have discovered something about Wonka.
HE IS A TEACHER. When Monica does something wrong (and she’s new
so she does!), Wonka lets her know. He doesn’t do anything unsafe,
but he makes it absolutely clear to her that she’s not doing it right. And
then, when she does it correctly, he rewards her with outstanding performance. How outstanding? Very.
N
ot two weeks later, the first weekend in September, I had the
opportunity to fly down and spend a long weekend with Laurie Monroe and Jutta Heinsohn in Ocala at Adsagsona Farm. I’ve
gotten to know Laurie through my work on Society projects and the Blarney, and Jutta owns my mare’s sire, the RID stallion KEC Double Diamond
(“Oisin”). Laurie and Jutta were such gracious hosts, and Ocala truly is a
horse-lover’s paradise. Not only did I get to shadow Jutta at lessons and
watch her do training rides, but I got to use Oisin (an upper-level dressage
horse) as my schoolmaster for several lessons. Oisin, like Braveheart, has
it all – power, presence, movement, temperament. In person, he almost
doesn’t look real, with his coat gleaming copper in the sun. He was also
a perfect gentleman with me, listening and allowing me to learn. He was
so much fun to ride, and I was amazed by how comfortable I felt on him
in a short time.
My experience overall showed me again why this breed is so special.
Here are two very different stallions, but both containing the amazing
qualities you’d want in any horse. I feel so blessed to have been able to
ride and interact with both of them.
KEC Double Diamond (RID) by Glidawn Diamond (RID) x Ballyard Katie (RID)
Page
18
2009 Fall
Edition - T he Blarney
Wonka - in harness
- loving his job!
He adores having a job
(and actually pitches a fit
when others get hitched
and he doesn’t). He’s
stayed sound, despite
the deviated leg (which isn’t all that bad). His trot has an uneven cadence
until he warms up and then his rhythm is steady/even. He naturally works
from his hindquarters - probably because he instinctively knows his front
end isn’t as good. Will he stay sound? Who
knows. I guess the same can be said of any
horse. The best I can do for him is to give
him a job he loves (and can excel at). There
is no doubt in my mind what that job is: he
teaches. Only the gifted can teach. And,
as you can see from the photos, he does
teach. Gotta love the Irish!
Welcome to the ‘late’ foal
“Saoirse’s Abhailli” - ID Filly owned by Lyn
Lindstrom and Dale Skrivanich. By Manu Forti’s
Touch Down (RID) x Macs Colmerin (RID)
Page 18
tHe StORY OF CRaDilO aND aMY HUNteR
H
i. My name is Amy Hunter. I am a hunter-jumper trainer currently
living in viroqua, WI, a little farm town in the middle of nowhere
(about two hours northwest of Madison) with beautiful countryside, friendly people and a whole lot of cows. And here I quietly sit,
conducting my little teaching, training and breeding business, and every
once in a while, we go to a horse show.
Then life gets a little more interesting, because I bring along an Irish Draught
stallion by the name of Cradilo. And Cradilo and I casually saunter into
some of the most prestigious horse shows in the country, and compete in
the largest grand Prix against the top riders in the world. For those of you
who don’t know Cradilo, he is a 17.1 hand 1,500 pound plus, 16-yearold red chestnut stallion, with plenty of chrome and a strong presence.
Though we are still very much in the beginning phases of learning to successfully manage this level of competition, we’re there; and we make a
pretty good showing most of the time. We almost always get around,
usually with a rail or two here or there. And every once in a while we find
that elusive perfect round, a very difficult accomplishment at this level for
newcomers, and then we win. That happened to us for the first time this
summer; we won the Midstates Summer grand Prix in Mason City, Iowa
in June.
When we don’t win (which obviously, up to this point, has been most of
the time), other than the financial aspects of keeping things going, we still
win, just by being there. Why? Because riding at this level is a life time
dream that I had basically given up on, after several decades of trying. I
realized the chances of finding a horse capable of this league, especially
with limited resources, were practically non-existent. And I also realized,
even if you could get there, the odds of being competitive and thus being
able to keep it going financially, were even slimmer.
Y
ou’ve got to understand, we are often riding against those with
nearly unlimited resources and tremendous experience in the
form of both rider and horse. They often have the top horsemen
and trainers in the country backing them up. And let’s remember, I live
in viroqua, WI and make my living off of this industry. Not too many top
grand Prix trainers hanging around here. And unfortunately, other than a
horse named Cradilo (whom I lease from friends that support me beyond
reasonable comprehension), there is no trust fund.
Yet we win every time, because when I step in to the ring on Cradilo,
the entire crowd silences. They don’t know who we are or where we
are from, but something about this horse demands respect. Yes, he’s
really big; and yes, he gallops around the field like a war horse lunging in
“Cuddles” photo by vpdigital.net
Cradilo and Amy Hunter. Photo courtesy Mary Jo Walsh.
Cradilo in an RID Stallion by Kildalton gold RID x Brehan Lass RID.
Page 19
to battle; and yes, he has a really cool tail. And more so, he powers off
the ground in a way that regularly draws ooooohs and aaaahs from the
crowd; because how can a horse that big get that much air time? It’s not
possible. It defies reason.
There is more though. They are seeing something in this horse they can’t
quite put a finger on. There is an animation that comes in to full play when
all eyes are on him, some presence, some depth of spirit, some élan vital
that is coursing. And I’m thinking, if only they knew the real story behind
us, the miracle of this horse. Then, they would understand more clearly
what it is they are looking at.
You see, until a few years ago, Cradilo was retired to stud. And I won’t
bore you with all the gritty details, but in my mind, the combination of a
trainer having the wrong expectations of a sensitive horse at the wrong
time, followed by an unsuccessful surgery, led to the early retirement of
Cradilo. And the official veterinarian stamp of ‘DONE WITH COMPETITION,’
period, end of story … didn’t help.
A
nd then of course there is me. There is nothing I enjoy more in this
world than proving confidently negative people wrong; especially
folks with licenses and a lot of education behind them. Because if
there is anything the humble role of horse trainer has taught me, it’s that all
things are possible given the heart and will.
Anyway, when I got the call from my friends saying if I wanted Cradilo to
come get him, my guts just about imploded. Every feeling and instinct I
possessed was telling me I had to have this horse; this was what I had
been waiting for. And despite admonishments that he would most likely
be just a breeding stallion, I made it clear that I wanted to try competing
him. Somehow I knew this horse was going to be fine physically. He
wanted a job, and he wanted the attention. He wanted a chance to
show the world what he was capable of.
It wasn’t like I didn’t know Cradilo. My friends had purchased him from
Ireland at the age of 2 (picking him out of a field of horses), and at 4
years I briefly taught him to jump. We proceeded to make a very successful debut and presentation at the Irish Draught Horse Show (Supreme
Champion, Irish Draught Stallion of the Year, etc) that year. But, I was living
and working in California at the time with a group of horses and clients of
my own, and while we talked about me moving to New Hampshire and
working together, the timing just wasn’t right. If I had known then who
he was, maybe I would have worked harder to make it happen. In many
ways though, I was like everyone else; he was an exceptional horse, but
too big in my mind to be a serious upper level jumper.
Yet, I could never forget about him. He had learned to jump so easily,
and it felt so effortless. And there was just something about his presence,
something about being on his back that gave me the sense we could take
on the world. In all my years of working with nice stallions and top breeders, Cradilo was always in the back of my mind. And in evaluating stallions
for breeding to my thoroughbred mares, everything I saw and rode, in my
mind, always fell a little short. I would go visit my friends and spend time
with Cradilo, brushing him and playing around on his back, and it just felt
right. But I had no idea within a year we would be competing Grand Prix.
And yet it happened, and here we are, still going and still in slight shock,
but enjoying the ride.
S
o that’s our story, and it continues to unfold. If you find it appealing,
feel free to visit Cradilo and I at the farm, horse shows, or via email
(though be infinitely patient in looking for a response). We love
good support, as I’m here to tell you, this stuff we’re trying to do isn’t
easy. (A top rider recently told me on a particularly bad day, ‘Well, if it
were easy Amy, everyone would do it.’ So true … and yet so irritating …)
You are also welcome to come check us out on my website, www.huntingtonfarm.org to see where we’re going and how we’ve been doing.
Look for us in October at Minnesota Harvest AA then the American Royal
in Kansas City! We’ll be heading to Ocala for the winter season. We’ll look
forward to meeting you and hearing your story as well.
Royal Dublin Show - The Teenage Experience . . .
By Meg Griffith (niece of Joan Griffith)
A
My aunt had told me that it was in the middle of the city, but I had no
clue that I would be going through a castle like building to get to the
show grounds. I was nervous and VERY excited as our tickets were
scanned, our programs collected, and we entered what was going to
be the coolest few days of my life.
Allow me to briefly introduce myself before I get to the horse show. My
name is Meg Griffith. I am a 17-year old High School senior from Jaffrey,
NH. I have been riding horses since I as about nine years old. But, I was
horse obsessed since before I can remember. I currently work at a barn
riding, conditioning, training, and showing horses. The horse I work the
most with is a 15 year old, 15.1hh, Quarter Horse mare named First
Executive Lady. I have ridden multiple breeds of horses and ponies. I
rode my aunt’s Irish Draughts and must say they are comparable to the
best I have ridden.
We had only been in
the show grounds for
ten minutes when I
met one of my all time
idols! George Morris,
coach of the US Team
and fabulous horseman. How many 17
year olds get to meet
some one like that!?
We got pictures and
poor Kelly got overwhelmed. But who
wouldn’t?
ugust 2009, the month that set the stage for one of the biggest
horse shows in the world. When I arrived in Dublin I felt like I
would nearly explode with excitement. I was going to The Dublin
Horse Show! Talk about cool. But, I had to wait (of course) until the next
day so I got to look around Dublin with my aunt and Kelly (a friend of
my aunt’s and fellow horse loony).
So, after barely sleeping the first night, we got up, gathered our wits,
and set forth for the horse show. When we got there, I was still in shock!
Page 20
Meg Griffith (left) and George Morris.
Royal Dublin Show - The Teenage Experience . . .
The day turned to shopping before we caught
the Draught horse stallion parade. After collecting and storing our bounty of treasure (and
there was a lot), we snaked our way through
the crowds to find an early seat in the stands
behind Ring 1.
W
The next day we got to the show grounds
as early as possible so that we could see the
8:45 am start of the Judging of the Ridden Irish
Draughts, judged by Ian Stark and another man
we didn’t know. All of the horses were calm
and beautiful movers and by the end of the
class I had to tell my aunt that I might just have
to get a Draught in the near future (or at the
very least an Irish Sport Horse). I think it might
have been at that moment when I became an
official fan of the Irish Draught horse, regardless
that my aunt owned a great many of them.
hen the stallions came out, single
file into the ring, they were beautiful. I can honestly say that I have
never seen more grey and white horses in one
Meg Griffith (left) on Hofwaldeck’s Benni (aka Benni) and
place. My aunt immediately spotted a favorite
Joan Griffith on Hofwaldeck’s Wilson (aka Wilson)
among the horses and soon Kelly and I were
joining in, ranking the horses by our favorites. A certain favorite of mine
We then watched the first half of the Nations Cup, but unfortunately I
was a big black horse named Echo King. I as very impressed with the
was too caught up in watching the children show jump their ponies
turnout of the horses. They were immaculately clean and every braid
and I missed the judging of the stallions. But, I did get to see them all
was perfect. And this wasn’t even for the judging!
and got a very good impression about the breed standard. Then, we
had a quick break and I wandered around the show grounds for a little
We then ran into
while. I met a very friendly and beautiful stallion named Windgap Blue,
the stands to catch
aka “Windy”. I am very impressed on a whole with the calmness of the
a class that I combreed and especially the calmness of the stallions!
pete in, Power and
Speed. Things were
We finished watching the Nations Cup, only to see the US and the Irish
very different at this
defeated by the Italians, curse those fiends, with the US placing 4th and
show than what I
the Irish 5th. After the Nation’s Cup was over, we slowly made our way
was used to, but, I
out of the stands and towards the exit and as we were leaving one of
thoroughly enjoyed
the most thrilling events of my young life, I had to say: “I don’t think you
myself. Even though
could wipe this giddy smile off my face!” Thus ended my RDS adventure
there were many
and I can whole-hearteddifferences,
ly and honestly say that
not
the
least
of
I’m glad I went because
Echo King, RID
which was the
I discovered in the Irish
height difference, I still thought that the class looked like it would
Draught a breed of horses
be fun to do.
that is definitely a “Breed
Apart”. And even now,
During a brief break from the jumping, I caught some of the mare
almost two weeks later,
and foal class for the Irish Draughts. The babies were so adorable!
I still can’t get rid of that
I couldn’t help but squeal a little. I hope that nobody heard me. I
smile.
met a roan colt by Huntingfield Rebel, the sire of two of my aunt’s
horses. I must say, he produces a good baby.
Windgap Blue aka “Windy”
Page 21
2010
Irish Draught Horse Society of North America
Membership Form
PLEASE CHECK ONLY ONE
NEW Membership
RENEWAL Membership / Existing Mem. No. _______
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION
MEMBERSHIP LEVEL
FEE
LIFETIME (1 vote)
IN US DOLLARS
NAME
OF INDIVIDUAL
$ 600.00
Voter #1 __________________________________
$ 150.00
Voter #1 __________________________________
(listing in “The Blarney”)
FARM (2 votes)
(Two “The Blarney” subscriptions)
(farm listing in “The Blarney”)
FAMILY (2 votes)
Voter #2 __________________________________
$ 80.00
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Vet’s Corner - Sand Colic . . .
by Christopher P. Boutros DVM, DVSc
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Dr. Boutros is a board certified surgeon and founder of the
Waller Equine Hospital in Waller, Texas.
S
and accumulation in the intestinal tract is common in horses. This
condition occurs in regions with sandy soil or when sand is placed
in areas where horses are housed. Sand accumulation can cause
colic, diarrhea, or both.
Colic is a term used to describe pain originating from the abdomen (belly)
of the horse. The signs of colic vary depending on the degree of pain.
Horses with mild abdominal pain may refuse to eat and
will sometimes paw the ground, curl the upper lip, or
look at their flanks. Signs of moderate abdominal pain
include vigorous pawing or lying down. Severe colic
typically causes the horse to roll on the ground and to
try to lie down even when being walked. Horses with
colic often have distention of the abdomen and decreased manure output. Colic has many causes and
these signs are not specific to sand accumulation.
Sand accumulation causes colic by impacting the
large colon. The colon of the horse narrows on the
right side and this is typically where the impaction occurs. Because sand is heavy, it tends to settle on the
bottom of the colon and form a firm impaction. Large
sand impactions can cause severe colic with a sudden onset. Treatments commonly employed include:
laxatives (mineral oil, Epsom salts), anti-inflammatories
(banamine), sedatives, and intravenous fluids. If the
impaction does not resolve with these measures, or
if the horse remains very painful or bloated, surgery is
necessary. At surgery, the impacted intestine is exteriorized from the abdomen and a small incision is made
into the intestine so that the sand can be flushed out.
S
maller sand impactions tend to cause frequent
milder colic episodes rather than one severe
colic event. These episodes tend to resolve
in under a day (and sometimes within a few hours).
These horses will frequently not eat their feed, have
a dull look in their eyes, and will sometimes flank
watch, paw the ground, or curl the upper lip. Treating
milder impactions can be as simple as removing the
horse from the sandy environment until the sand has
cleared (such as placing in a stall with rubber mats)
and administering laxatives. Another treatment that
is frequently used to clear sand from the intestines
is Psyllium mucilloid. A common brand of psyllium
is Metamucil. Psyllium is considered a bulk laxative.
It works by forming a gelatinous mass that binds the
sand, which then facilitates removal from the intestinal tract. Psyllium is not only used as a treatment for
sand colic, it is also administered to horses in sandy
environments to prevent sand accumulation. In the
author’s experience, administering psyllium to horses
with very large sand impactions should be done with
caution. This is because the gelatinous mass can get
stuck behind a large sand impaction, which results in
more discomfort. It is often better with large impac-
tions to administer mineral oil and/or Epsom salts first to partially relieve the
obstruction prior to giving the psyllium.
C
ommercially available psyllium products are available at most feed
stores to clear sand from the intestinal tract. These should be given
according to label directions. Alternatively, psyllium can be purchased from most grocery stores and pharmacies. It is recommended
to give at least ½ cup twice a day for 7 days in a row. This should be
repeated every month. More can be given if the horse does not mind
the taste.
Diarrhea is another common symptom seen with sand
accumulation. This is due to the abrasiveness of sand
which causes irritation of the intestines. Diarrhea can
be seen as the only sign or it can occur concurrently
with colic. If the sand exposure is not treated, horses
with diarrhea will eventually develop a poor hair coat,
malaise, muscle wasting, and/or a pendulous abdomen.
Unfortunately, differentiating sand induced colic/diarrhea from other causes can sometimes be difficult.
However, if a horse shows signs of abdominal pain or
diarrhea and lives in a sandy environment, sand accumulation should be a top consideration. A few diagnostic measures can be performed in an attempt
to determine if sand accumulation is the cause of
colic/diarrhea. A sand sedimentation test can be performed by placing 6 fecal balls in a bucket of water. If
a teaspoon or more of sand (5 grams) is recovered,
it is considered abnormal. This technique should be
repeated several times because horses will not pass
sand all of the time. Another technique that can be
employed is to listen to the intestinal sounds with a
stethoscope. To perform this technique, the stethoscope is placed on the bottom of the belly. Sand in
the intestines sounds similar to when a small amount of
sand is rolled around in a paper bag. A final technique
to detect sand is to radiograph (xray) the abdomen.
This technique is not very effective because the abdomen is very large and obtaining a diagnostic radiograph
is often not possible. Rectal palpation is also often attempted. However, the location of the sand in the
right colon is usually out of the veterinarian’s reach.
S
and accumulation is a common problem in horses that live in sandy areas. Preventative measures
include feeding psyllium, and removing the horse
from the sandy area during feeding. If a horse develops colic and/or diarrhea in a sandy environment, then
sand accumulation is likely the cause. Diagnosing sand
accumulation and differentiating it from other causes of
colic/diarrhea can be challenging.
Photos courtesy Mike McMullen. “Saphira”, Harkaway Diamond Lass (RID), on the table. Saphira is thriving now... after
over 100 lbs of sand were flushed from her system...
Page 23
An Opinion Shared - What to Breed for in a Sport Horse . . .
Offered By Jim McGinty
O
nce again I’m asked for my opinion for an article about the contribution of the Irish Draught to RIDSH breeding and once more
I’m going to deflect the question to what has been bothering me
for a while now.
I am not sure we are breeding the correct sport horse for the North
American market. If we were they would not be so hard to sell for our
asking price. I know that horses are not moving in this economy; but two
years ago we still had problems selling horses, while warmbloods were
going for princely sums.
For the last fifteen years I have refused to name any stallions as my favorites
for breeding, but now that will change. Later in this article I am going to
name six stallions for breeding combinations to produce 3/4 mares, and
maybe another fifteen that I think have the promise to produce what I feel
is needed for success.
Let me start by saying I’m not a fan of inspecting half-bloods. My reasons
are pretty simple, it’s because they are not supposed to fit any set pattern according to nature’s law of genetics. When you cross two different
breeds that have not been co-mingled for long periods of time you get
a hybrid vigor known as ‘heterosis’. This is a powerful combination of
the best of both breeds, but since the number of gene combinations is
so vast, science can’t always predict what the genetic combination will
produce within the F-1 cross or Foundation Cross. That being the case, I
feel it’s unfair to judge an F-1 cross (half blood) and hold it to any arbitrary
standard.
I
f you want to lock in a breeds particular traits you have to come back
on the F-1 female with a pure blood of the breed who has the desired
trait. So if you want to lock-in short cannon bones (an ID trait) then an
RID stallion is required to breed up to the 3/4 level. At that point 75% of
the blood in that animal carries the desired trait and makes it more likely to
be passed on. Breeding RIDSH Stallions to TB mares seems pointless - very
few noticeable ID traits will be there.
All the Irish Draught traits that we find so pleasing in our horses serve a
purpose in producing the great sport horses that have dominated the
World’s Sport Horse Competition for a decade and a half, The Irish Sport
Horse. Temperament and intelligence adds ease of training, short cannon
bones eliminate bowed tendons & training down time, the deep barrel of
the ID adds lung capacity and the powerful hind quarter adds the motor.
By taking the RIDSH to the 3/4 level, we give ourselves the choice of
breeding a 3/8; a 1/2; or a 5/8 RIDSH depending on what bone size we
get at the 3/4 level.
Now, let me give you my choices for breeding combinations I’d like to see
take place. All the stallions I name are, in my opinion, TRADITIONAL in type.
In each instance one will be more massive and one will carry less bulk, but
none will be “MODERN” in TYPE. If you like a stallion that is not in the 20 or
so that I mention, don’t read too much into it - all that means is that I am
not familiar with, or have not seen the rest. Some I will mention are horses
that I have personally inspected and had my hands on. Some that I mention, I will only know through photos that I’ve seen over the years.
but more like comparing a 270 pound offensive guard to a 315 pound
defensive nose tackle. The 20 years I spent raising cattle made me aware
of the studies that indicated the predictability of heritability of some traits
ranged from 20% certain all the way up to 80% certain. Knowing that
the bull only supplied 50% of the genetic material to the calf, hereditary
predictability was at best 10 % to 40% a sure thing, and that’s why F-1
crosses can’t assure a constant result.
M
y theory is to use two RID stallions who are complementary
in phenotype, breeding for fillies, then breed the daughters
of one stallion to the other stallion, and vice versa. Start with
the best Thoroughbred mare you can get - then breed your first cross. The
order of use of the stallions is unimportant. When you have a 3/4 RIDSH
mare you should have a substantial broodmare, close in looks to an RID
mare. Then you become the architect of what comes next. If you have a
heavyweight mare with bone, then breed it to a TB Stud for a refined 5/8
TB 3/8 RIDSH; or, use a 1/4 blood RIDSH (there are many out there) for a
half-blood RIDSH, but one with 3 generations of ID breeding and sensibilities. As in all breeding, your mare may throw back to a more refined
ancestor and look light, but then you breed her to a 1/2 blood for a 5/8
ID-3/8 TB sport horse. Your market will guide your pick.
My first stallion pair is Braveheart & Manu Forti’s Touch Down (Ollie). Ollie
in this case has the muscle mass while Braveheart is smaller. The next pair
is Steeped in Luck and Celtic Moon, two horses from the 2007 Annual
Show. Steeped in Luck was the Grand Champion and Moon the third
place horse. Moon is supposed to be the horse to add mass, but after
seeing Pairadox Gold Coin (by Steeped in Luck) as a 2 year old that could
be a toss-up. Anyway, that 3/4 female should rival most RIDs, leaving you
many happy choices in making your final sporthorse breeding decisions.
My last pair is Lionwood Kinsale’s Lad (Angus) and the as yet un-inspected
Maggie’s Irish Rebel (due for inspection Oct.’09). In this pair Angus should
add the mass, while Irish Rebel comes from a long line of female breeding superiority. As a matter of fact, these two stallions meet my other bias
(breed from female quality) as both their dams are in my top 4 mares to
ever walk the North American continent.
Those are not the only RID stallions that I have considered for an up-graded RIDSH breeding program; the following stallions (listed alphabetically) I
have seen or have caught my eye through pictures:
A
twood Black Laughton, Beeston Laird, Dromard View, Flagmount
King, Foxglen Himself, Gillian’s Clover, Huntingfield Proud Tim, It’s the
Luck of the Irish, KEC Double Diamond, King of Hearts, Mountain
Pearl, O’Leary’s Irish Diamond, Parkmore Pride, The Irish Rover, and Touch
of the Blues. (Some of these are only available by frozen semen.)
If you are fond of a stallion who did not make it to my 21 choices above,
just assume that I have not seen them or their offspring in order to make an
educated selection for breeding purposes.
For those of you who are or want to be true breeders remember that
your breeding horizon should be 6 to10 years ahead and not just your
next foal.
Once again, the differences will be rather subtle in nature... not like comparing a 320 pound NFL defensive end to a 195 pound wide receiver,
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
2009 IDHSNA The Blarney Annual Edition
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Stallion Service auction Pledges:
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the Blarney: the quarterly irish Draught Horse Society of North america Magazine!

09 Fall "The Blarney" - Irish Draught Horse Society

Transcription

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