Irish
Horse Play
The
Irish have long had a special affinity for their horses and our
equestrian friends have played an important role in Ireland both
in work and play. Back in the old days the Irish farmer needed a
versatile horse, one that could plough the fields Monday to Saturday,
cart the family to church on Sunday and chase the occasional fox,
jumping whatever obstacle came in front of it.
To
cater for him were the two main breeds of horse in Ireland, the
Connemara Pony and the taller prouder Irish Draught Horse. And these
diligent and plucky little horses not only distinguished themselves
on the rugged green hills of Ireland, but also on battle fields
throughout Europe from the Middle Ages right up to the First World
War.
Around
the 19th century people began breeding the Irish Draught with Arabian
Thoroughbreds matching outstanding jumping ability with stamina
and speed, to produce the Irish Hunter renowned today in the fields
of show jumping and horse racing.
Ireland
boasts some of the best blood-stock in the world and the centre
of this industry is the National
Stud aptly located in County Kildare, nicknamed the ‘home
of the horse'. The National Stud was founded by Colonel Hall
Walker whose interests also included the brand of whiskey Johnnie
Walker. Walker set up his Stud at Tully in Kildare around 1900 and
though his methods were quite eccentric, influenced by astrology,
he bred seven classic winners between 1904 and 1914. Guided tours
take visitors around the Stud farm where you can see some of the
horses and their foals as well as watch a video of the birth of
a foal - if you wish.
Ireland's
affinity with horses is perhaps most prestigiously displayed at
the Dublin Horse Show.
The horse show is a national institution that dates back to 1868
and is held each August by the Royal Dublin Society. It is a must
for those interested in Equestrian Events, this five-day show features
some 1,400 horses and ponies competing in 127 competitions and classes,
with 52 cups and trophies - as well as 500,000 euros of prize
money up for grabs. Of all the show jumping events, exhibitions
and fancy hats, the highlight of the Dublin Horse Show is, the Aga
Khan Competition where teams from eight countries battle it out
for the prestigious Nations Cup and the Aga Khan Trophy.
On
the other end of the social spectrum, but nonetheless as popular
is the Connemara Pony Show which
also takes place in August. The Connemara Pony Show takes place
in Clifden, the capital of Connemara, and involves a week of jumping
competitions and horse exhibitions throughout the area, before the
final in Clifden. The organisers of the show are the Connemara Pony
Breeders Society, who aim to preserve the breed on indigenous stud
farms. The show dates back to 1924, the first was held at Roundstone
and was opened by Prince Ranjitsinhi, the renowned Indian cricket
player and owner nearby of Ballynahinch Castle. If you're
in Connemara at the time, the Pony Show is well worth a visit with
some characters both four legged and two!
Ireland's
most popular equestrian events are undoubtedly horse race meetings.
These combine Ireland's love of horses with two other national
pastimes - gambling and enjoying the craic!
The
Curragh, in Co. Kildare is Ireland's national Race Course,
it's the oldest and most prestigious in the country and plays
host to Ireland's most important race events - the St Leger
& National Stakes and the Derby. It is Irish flat racing at
its best and the place always generates a huge buzz, whether you're
having a flutter or not! Close by is Punchestown, (I told you Kildare
was the Home of the Horse!) with the best jump racing in the country.
This course is renowned for the five day Punchestown Festival at
the end of April each year. Arguably the biggest spectacle in the
Irish racing calendar is the Galway
Races, known for their excitement and colour. The Galway Races
attract some 200,000 race-goers each year with the highlight for
many being Ladies Day, when you'll see some fine fillies both
on and off the course. While the Leopardstown Festival in Limerick
is a great way to spend that lull between Christmas and New Year
- and it's a great excuse to get away from the kids!
One
of the oldest and in some ways oddest race events is the Ballabuidhe
Races in Dunmanway in West Cork. Dating back to the 1600s this race
meting attracts an eclectic crowd of local farmers and people from
Ireland's Travelling community for this five-day dirt track
race event. As well as this, many traditional festivals in Ireland,
like Puck
Fair in Killorglin, Co. Kerry and the Oul Lammas Fair in Ballycastle,
North Antrim, involve traditional Horse fairs and markets that have
been held at these for centuries.
If
all this horse play gets you in the mood for horsing around yourself,
there are plenty of stables
throughout the island that can offer anything from forest hacks
to the classic romantic rides across golden sands with ruined castles
in the backdrop!
Seamus
O'Murchú
until
this time next month...
Best Wishes,
Conor B & Seamus.
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