New Blue Ribbon Streak
6/10/01 Fort Collins Colorado.
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Though surrounded by mares from
the university reproductive facility O'Leary's Irish Diamond continued his
impressive competition streak in Colorado. The seven-year-old Irish Draught
Stallion has earned at least one blue ribbon in each of his four competitions
in Colorado. His medium score being above 65 percent at 3rd level |
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"He talked but he still did his business", said observer Jennifer
Frisbee. "He looks like such a happy horse", she added. Irish has
been competing for the second year at 3rd level. His average score has improved
over last year. His rider, former USET team member Grant Schneidman, is
avoiding 4th level competition until Irish perfects some of the technical
demands of 3rd level. Schneidman worked Irish three days with US Olympic team
Chef De Quip Jessica Ransehousen. It was agreed that though he is doing higher
level work, it was important that he perfect his work at 3rd level. They agreed
he is an international quality horse but he needed some work on his changes and
collection before moving into the international competition arena. Schneidman
has been working at developing more jump in his canter and therefore more jump
in his flying changes. The training seems to be working in that the Irish
Draught Stallions medium score has improved more than a percentage point over
last year's 64+ percent.
The Irish Draught Stallion has performed in front of judges from all over the
US and always seems to impress the judges. Judges on several occasions have
admitted a prejudice against the stallion when he first enters the dressage
arena. Because he is so big, judges admit they are "surprised" how
well he moves. It is not uncommon for the big grey to score 8s on his extended
trot. His rythym is super. Those who watch are often amazed with his
temperament. "One doesn't really know the true temperament of a horse
until one asks him to perform at a high level, that Irish Horse has a great
temperament", said one judge.
His success is very impressive when one realizes that in his first three years
of competition, his trainer was his owner, Jim Leary a small elderly man.
Through first and second level Leary used a catch rider from California, who
would arrive a few days before a show tune him up and compete him. The
combination worked so Leary sent the horse to his rider for third level
training. When, the trainer surprised Leary with information that she had
purchased Irish's 1/2 brother from Ireland, Leary decided it was time to take
advantage of some offers by acclaimed international riders to train Irish.
Leary contacted Grant Schneidman, a person with a great reputation for not only
his riding but his love of the horse. Schneidman acknowledged that he had
ridden several Irish Horses when he was competing in Europe. He admitted to
liking the breed. Not only was Irish going to be under the training of one of
America's most respected riders, he would be close to home. "We expect to
see much more of Irish." said Leary. High Prairie is five hours away.
California was a two day trip to and from by air.
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