Irish Horses in the United States

The successful winter show in Tucson Arizona is featuring some of the best Irish Horses in the United States. From California to New Jersey Irish horses have found their way to Tucson Arizona. To the Irish Horse enthusiast, the breeding lines are familiar. But, most attending the show don't know the Irish Horse is here and is doing well.

Spanish Parade an Irish Sport Horse Stallion, ridden and owned by Sarah Ballou of Grass Valley California won the $2,500 open jumper class. Spanish Parade had four faults in Sunday's Grand Prix. Ballou who loves the Irish Horse says she has bred her stallion to her King of Diamond's grand daughter mare.

One of the more impressive victory strings has been achieved, by the Irish Sport Horse, Joe Brown. Joe Brown has won first place with two different riders. On Sunday he won the Marshall and Sterling Cup with rider Jennifer Clarkson. Earlier Joe Brown was ridden by Gloria Gage and won $1,500 Adult Jumper Classic. Joe Brown also captured the Reserve Championship.

The favorite Irish pedigrees of Clover Hill and King of Diamonds are also making a good impression at the Arizona Show. Liza MacMillian of Minnesota placed second with Clover Hill's Trinity in the Modified Junior Jumpers. MacMillian says she loves the Irish Horse and in a recent trip to Ireland bought several sport horses. Clover Hill's Trinity also has had several clear rounds.

The Wexford Stable of New Jersey also has a Clover Hill Sport Horse named in Clover. In Clover has had several clear rounds.


O'Leary's Irish Diamond

The only purebred Irish Draught Stallion , O'Leary's Irish Diamond, was the horse being talked about after his schooling jumper class on February 20th. In his first two weeks of competition "Irish" had four clear rounds but was not keeping up to the speedy thoroughbreds in competition. That was not the case Wednesday as the huge stallion displayed rare speed for such a big horse.

"His speed scared me," said his rider Rob Gage. The two finished the jump off in a time of 32.4 seconds. As proof of the intense competition in the class of 45 horses, the winning time was 31.96 seconds. Irish was fourth.

Discussion amongst the Irish Horse owners at the show was whether or not more should display the shamrock seen on the saddle pad for O'Leary's Irish Diamond.