Eventing is arguably one of the most challenging sports in the world
and easily the most exciting equestrian sport.
Incorporating the three disciplines of Dressage, Cross Country
riding and Show Jumping, both horses and riders are tested to
the limits of their combined ability.
Event riders rely on their mounts to show the right temperament
and movement to excel at Dressage, to have courage and stamina
across country and to display accuracy and discipline in their
show jumping.
Where can you
find
such a horse?
The evolution of the Irish Sport Horse, from Europe's historic war-horses
to latter day hunters and show jumpers, is a product of the successful
combination of traditional Irish Draught bloodlines with the modern Thoroughbred.
The result an ideal event horse.
The pure Irish Draught provides strength and stamina, jumping ability
and athleticism, temperament and soundness. The essential element of speed
is provided by Thoroughbred blood. This combination the Irish Sport Horse
is recognised the world over by event riders, breeders and owners.
Within The Irish Draught Horse Society (GB), breeders and riders have
taken on the challenge of producing the ideal event horse and there are
successful horses to be found at all levels of the sport. Perhaps the
best known in recent times is Horton Point, winning Badminton with Mark
Todd.
The next time you attend a Horse Trials competition don't be surprised
to find that many of the successful horses you are looking at are of Irish
Draught breeding. After all, they are the ideal event horses.
Horton Point (ID Sport horse) winning Badminton
with Mark Todd
MARSH MAYFLY
Owner: Ann Lawson, Rider: Ruth Edge
This great half bred mare, by RID Stallion Glenbrae, winning the
2006 Scottish Open Championship (CIC***) at Thurlestone. She also
won the Best British Breeders (Eventing) 2006.
Sadly, she pulled a tendon and so owner, Ann Lawson, decided that
this was the right time to breed a foal from her.
She was put in foal to Pro-Set, a top dressage stallion, who
coincidentally won Best British Breeders (Dressage) in 2006.
Ann said: ‘We are eagerly awaiting Mayfly’s foal as it should be
something quite special.’ After foaling and weaning, Mayfly will be
gradually brought back into work to resume her competitive career.
Follow Mayfly’s progress in the
Eventing News.
Eventing is arguably one of the most challenging sports in the world
and easily the most exciting equestrian sport.
