Without the breeders nothing we do in the equestrian world is 100% Irish. So it was absolutely fitting that in the midst of the pre – Christmas awards season those that made a hugely successful year for Ireland’s teams possible were honoured at the Horse Sport Ireland Breeders Conference. Thus, as a new year begins it is also fitting that we recall the trophy winners here.

The WEG silvers

Heading the list were three visionary breeders who brought about three of the horses that helped Ireland win the silver medal at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in North Carolina and in the process gain qualification for next year’s Olympics in Tokyo. Rhona Barnwell of Dublin and Longford bred Horseware Stellor Rebound.

Sam Watson’s ride Ardagh Highlight, by the traditional Irish stallion Puissance out of a traditional Irish dam by King’s Servant, was bred by Theresa Walsh in Kilkenny. Galway’s Margaret Kinsella bred the mare that Cathal Daniels rode – Rioghan Rua by Jack of Diamonds out of a Flagmount King dam. Those three breeders made a magic moment happen for Ireland.

Young horses

Next in line were three breeders of the horses that created that incredible treble of gold, silver and bronze in the five year-old World Young Horse Championship at Lanaken in September. Paul Byrne of County Limerick bred the gold medal winner for Richard Howley Uppercourt Cappucino by Clem Mcmahon’s former Aga Khan winnng stallion Pacino and out of an OBOS Quality dam.

The silver medal winning horse for Darragh Ryan CSF Sir George by Sir Shutterfly out of a Cavalier Royale dam was bred by Galway’s Shane Connolly. Marion Hughes of the legendary Kilkenny family bred Mikey Pender’s bronze medallist HHS Vancouver by Indoctro out of a mare by John Hughes’ Don Juan.

For performances by Irish breds with other nations at the World Young Horse Eventing Championships in Le Lion d’Angers awards went to Jeanette Glynn of County Clare, Donnnacha Quinn from Mayo and Michael Kavanagh of Wexford. Show jumpers that shone for other nations on the top international circuit earned awards for Susan Lanigan-O’Keeffe and Marily Power of Suma Stud, and Justin Burke of Galway and David Moran of Limerick.

Show horses

The top Irish showing mare P.J.’s Delight was bred in Clonakilty by P.J. Lehane. She is by Lux Z out of a traditional Irish dam by Big Sink Hope. The best Irish Draught showing mare of 2018 was Holy Cross Grace by Holycross out of Ginger Grace by Ginger Dick. And the top overall Irish Draught horse Gortfree Lakeside Lad by Gortfree Hero out of another Ginger Dick dam was bred by Sean Barker of Tournakeady, County Mayo.

Ponies

There were three awards for the breeding of winning Irish ponies. These went to Eamonn Sheehan, Kilkenny, Patrick Murphy of Enniscrone, Sophie Nicholson and Deirdre Loughran in show jumping, Christopher O’Sullivan of Cork was awarded for breeding Little Miss Fernhill that was silver medalist at the Pony Eventing European Championships.