LAST Monday, March 25th, Teagasc teamed up with equine industry stalwarts the Army Equitation School represented by Commandant Geoff Curran, Richard Sheane of Cooley Farm, and Damien Griffin of Lissyegan Stables who mastered the double feat of riding and presenting simultaneously.

A large crowd of almost 150 breeders, producers and other equine enthusiasts joined an evening of equine demonstration and discussion at Emerald Equestrian Centre facilitated by equine specialists Wendy Conlon, and Seán Keane.

Six quality horses were showcased in total by the Equitation School, Cooley Farm and Lissyegan Stables, in two groups of three – with one from each farm in both groups. This provided a unique opportunity to compare the models, way of going and discuss the early production for both the sport of show jumping and eventing. The demo and discussion focused on assessing the horses in the context of desirable traits, while acknowledging weaknesses that demand adaptation in training.

The horses were presented under saddle on the flat and over a small course of fences and then stripped of tack to view ‘in the hand’, placing the traits of conformation and athleticism under the microscope.

Commandant Geoff Curran at the equine demonstration and discussion at Emerald Equestrian Centre last week \ Sagittarian Photography

Viewpoints

Richard Sheane was clear in his view that “the event horse and jumping horse type are aligning, with the jumping horse becoming more and more blood and the event horse needing to be more balanced to meet the demands of both dressage and show jumping”.

Comdt Geoff Curran added: “If you are jumping three days in a row, it is the extra blood that makes the last day easier. ‘Old-fashioned’ horses without enough blood cannot win in today’s competition arenas.”

The blood referred to is lightness in the paces, quick reflexes and reactions, and blood (quality) in the model rather than necessarily indicating thoroughbred blood as if often interpreted.

Damien spoke of the difference in way of going and approach to a fence, stating the “event horse is quicker to and over the fence compared to the show jumper.”

Richard agreed “the eventer can be quicker across the fence which the show jumping guys won’t like as much, but ‘she’ is careful too, and the pace is needed across country.”

Geoff spoke of differences in scope noting: “a horse with blood can improve their scope with the right work,” though not always a given. All panellists agreed that temperament and rideability was paramount.

Geoff also referenced “buying a horse with a good brain, that is trainable, goes a long way to success.”

Ian Cassells at the equine demonstration and discussion at Emerald Equestrian Centre last week \ Sagittarian Photography

Production notes

On the topic of production Damien explained he “used to let the owners dictate the programme of training, now he explains to owners what he needs to do in the best interest of the horses and sometimes that means less competition.”

All three presenters placed significant emphasis on the importance of the rider’s ability when working with young horses. Richard Sheane emphasised the horses “need to be educated correctly. Regardless of talent a horse must be riding well, particularly for US clients”. Damien supported this, adding “if they aren’t pretty they have to ride well, and perform to be able to sell.”

With regard to the question of supply versus demand. Richard commented that “the standard of young horses available has improved immensely,” however for his professional clients’ demands he cannot find enough horses here and is sourcing horses also in France as they have a similar rearing system.”

Damien said it was “hard to find enough of the good ones.” Geoff emphasised that people should “take care in selecting the horses to put investment and effort into, otherwise your heart will be broken.” Knowing when to sell is also important as holding on to the horses on false hopes of potential for too long can become costly.

Wendy Conlon thanked the presenters on behalf of the equine specialist team expressing “huge appreciation to Comdt Geoff Curran, Damien Griffin and Richard Sheane, three highly regarded industry professionals, for their commitment to sharing their knowledge and experience so frankly with the audience on the night.”

“This was an event that had to be experienced first-hand to be appreciated, as it was the quality of the horses that ‘stole the show’ and clearly demonstrated the demands of the sports,” she said.

“A clear message coming from all panellists was the need to place the welfare and development of the horse at the centre of decision making, and in choosing the production pathway and training priorities, rather than simply conforming to the expected norms or benchmarking specifically to the timelines of the industry age classes.”

Thanks were also given to the riders, Lieutenant Michaela Byrne and Second Lieutenant Raphael Lee, Amada Goldsbury, Private Elena Sheehy, Corporal Barry Keogh, Fiona Griffin, and Ciara O’Connor, Dervan Sound, local Teagasc staff David Colbourne, Caroline Dardis, Martha Charles, Peter Doolan, Margaret Farrell, Francis Kennedy, Rural Development team administrator Vanessa Keane and all at Emerald Equestrian Centre.

CLARIFICATION

The Irish Field wishes to apologise that the printed version of this story carried two images, one of Ian Cassells and one of Louise Duffy, from a different event held last at Emerald and hosted by Commdt Geoff Curran. Those two riders were not in attendance at the event featured in this article.