Irelands senior jumpers enjoyed a magnificent European afternoon on the double, landing a four-star Nations Cup win and a five-star podium finish.With the action taking place concurrently in Poland and France, the Irish first won in Sopot as Taylor Vards team were successful in the Nations Cup of Poland before Jessica Kurtens team staged a magnificent comeback to finish third in the Barriere Nations Cup at La Baule.Vard was first up with a team of Shane Breen, Alexander Butler, Max Wachman and Billy Twomey proving too strong for Argentina in a jump-off, with Breen and Scarteen sealing the deal.After two rounds of jumping, Ireland finished on a score of 8 faults, level with the South Americans. Japan conmpleted the podium.Wachman produced a double clear performance on Fancy De Kergane, with clears from Butler with Ti Amo Z, and Twomey under pressure with Ace Of Hearts Z as Irelands anchor, before Breen held his nerve to seal the win in the jump-off.Shane Breen and Scarteen sealed the deal for Ireland in the jump-off to win the Nations Cup of PolandVard said: I always knew we had a great chance but halfway through the second round I was starting to think wed be lucky to finish on the podium but our last two riders, Max and Billy, were just incredible.We never gave up, and then Shane went in and won it for us. Congratulations too to Argentina and Japan too, it was a great fight from start to finish but Im just delighted for our riders, horses, their owners and grooms.In La Baule, it turned into a game of two halves as Ireland were eighth of the 10 nations after round one, yet the mistakes had looked rectifiable, with Kenny, OConnor and Sweetnam only having four faults each and Allen a time fault.That was put right in no uncertain terms after the break, however, with Kenny and Eddy Blue, Allen and Qonquest De Rigo and OConnor with Chatouline PS all jumping clear rounds, meaning Sweetnams services were not required as Irelands anchor with James Kann Cruz (ISH).One by one, the errors crept in from the opposition, with Ireland climbing the standings to finish third behind winners France and runners-up Germany. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cian O'Connor (@cianoconnor_official)Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Manager, Kurten, said: Today was a very important event in La Baule as many countries brought extremely strong teams to measure where they are, looking ahead to the World Championships in Aachen.We started slowly in round one with concentration mistakes, which cost us a lot. Round two, however, was on point and where we should be. A podium is always good and the third place today showed us that while we are not there yet, we are moving very much in the right direction, so I finish the day feeling positive.The post Double podium for Irelands jumpers with win in Sopot and podium in La Baule appeared first on .

Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to name the newly Approved stallion Boleybawn Alvaro as Stallion of the Month for Edition 5 of the HSI Breeding Newsletter.Bred by Co Wicklows Ronan Rothwell, Boleybawn Alvaro is by Dominator 2000 Z (ZANG) out of Arina (KWPN) mare by Crown Z (ZANG).His dam, Arina, is a prolific dam of performance horses in her own right. Among her offspring so far are Boleybawn Actor (ISH) by Ars Vivendi (HOLST) who competed in the 5-Year-Old class at the 2016 FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium with Darragh Ryan (IRL). He has since gone on to compete at 1.45m internationally with Germanys Johanna Zander-Keil, with whom he featured as part of the third placed German team at the Young Riders Nations Cup in Dielsdorf Zurich (SUI) in 2023. The combination has also placed with at 1.50m nationally in Germany.Boleybawn Aasha (ISH) by Dignified vant Zorgvliet (BWP) is also out of Arina, and this mare has had great success for Norwegian rider Mira Olivia Hoeidal. Together they have taken Top 10 placings at 1.50m level including the Grand Prix of the CSIO3* NC EEF in Drammen (NOR) 2022, the Grand Prix of the of the CSIO3* NC EEF in Uggerhalne (DEN) 2022 and a Top 10 in the 1.55m Table A Two Phase class at the CSI5*W in Oslo (NOR). They also represented Norway at the 2021 European Young Rider Showjumping Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal in 2021 and have placings at 1.60m level.Arina is also the dam of Boleybawn Cooley (ISH) by Dignified vant Zorgvliet (BWP), who competed at 1.45m level with Charlotte Jacobs (USA), Boleybawn Alexa (ISH) by Grandorado TN who competed in the 2025 FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses with Harry Wood (GBR) as part of the Ballypatrick team. Arina is also the dam of Global Karina (ISH) by Kannan (KWPN) who competed at Mondial Du Lion, the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in 2023 and 2024 in the 6- and 7-year-old categories respectfully with Yasmin Olsson Payne (NOR).Boleybawn Alvaro himself can now add his victory in the Reitsport.ch Youngster Grand Prix at the 2026 CSIO5* in St Gallen (SUI) to his already successful international career as a young horse. Speaking with Horse Sport Ireland, Alvaros breeder Ronan Rothwell had the following to say: We decided to keep Alvaro as a stallion, as first of all we always felt that the pedigree was up to the standard to consider keeping him entire. His dam is from the mother line of Ratina Z and she has produced so many good sport horses that have competed from 1.40m right up to 1.60m level. Also her offspring have qualified for the Young Horse Championships in Dublin on 15 occasions, which I think is a remarkable achievement.Alvaro was born a beautiful type and when he was a young horse, he was, to me, the perfect specimen of a modern show jumper. His qualities: he possesses more all-around qualities than any other stallion that I know of on the circuit. From his mental attitude, his rideability, his canter, his technique, his suppleness, his carefulness, his scope, and his all-around will and want to compete and win. Hes been heavily exposed since he was a young horse, from being presented at the Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections as a four-year-old where he was Preliminary Approved, and later that year competed in the four-year-old championships in Dublin, placing third in the five-year-old championships at the RDS, reserve champion at the World Young Horses Championships in Lanaken, champion six-year-old at the RDS, placing fifth in the Seven-Year-Old World Championships at Lanaken, and now having just won the 7-& 8-Year-Old Championships at the five-star show in St Gallen in Switzerland.Boleybawn Alvaro presented at the Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections in 2022 where he passed Stage 1 and Stage 2 over the course of the two day event earning him is initial Preliminary Approved status with the Irish Sport Horse Studbook. At the inspection, the inspection panel had the following to say: Boleybawn Alvaro is a very attractive, modern sport horse. He has a very active, free walk with good use of his body. His trot is light, well balanced and covers ground. His canter shows impulsion, lightness, roundness with good balance. He is light off the floor with a good bascule and open with his haunches. He has excellent reflexes. His technique is good for his age and shows easy scope. This horse is very well produced and has superb rideability.In 2023, Irish team rider Niamh McEvoy took over the ride on Alvaro and the pair qualified for the 5-Year-Old Class at the RDS Dublin Horse Show in their first competitive outing together. They went on then to compete in both Championship qualifiers and the final without having a single pole down over the course of the week. They took 3rd place overall in the final and were named as part of the Team Ireland Equestrian Young Horse Squad who travelled to compete in Lanaken, Belgium in their first international foray together. There, they finished second overall to be Reserve Champion of the 5-Year-Old World Championship.Boleybawn Alvaro and his connections receiving his prize at the Dublin Horse ShowIn 2024, the returned to the hallowed Ballsbridge Arena in the RDS where they were yet again foot perfect all week and took the win in the 6-Year-Old Championship. They returned to Lanakens world famous Zangersheide Stud once again contest the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses where the pairing fiished second in the second of the two Championship qualifiers.As a seven-year-old in 2025, Boleybawn Alvaro again appeared at Lanaken, making it a hat-trick of Championship appearances. He jumped double clear in the first 1.40m 7-Year-Old qualifier and took an 8th place finish in the second qualifier, a 1.40m Table A Speed. This was all capped off then on Finals Day when a single pole down in the jump off earned them a 5th place finish in the 7-Year-Old Championship. Over the course of three years, and eight rounds of jumping, McEvoy and Alvaro knocked only two poles in their appearances in Lanaken. An exceptional achievement. Speaking about the stallion, Niamh McEvoy had this to say: Ive been lucky enough to ride Alvaro since he was a 5-year-old and hes always been a real favourite in my string!Alvaro has proven himself time and time again, from winning medals in Lanaken, to winning the 6-Year-Old championship in Dublin, to more recently winning the 7- & 8-year-old final at the CSIO5* show in St Gallen. He has really demonstrated that he is a horse for the highest level of the sport.He is a stallion of outstanding character and quality, and combines talent, athleticism and an exceptional temperament. Alvaro is definitely one of the most consistent horses Ive ridden and I really believe he has a huge future in the sport!Ronan Rothwell, understandably a proud breeder continued by saying:For me when I breed a mare Im always looking for the natural traits in the stallion that I match her with so I find that the traits that are maybe not so visible, the traits that are hidden under the bonnet are the most important and can be hardest to identify for a breeder. I think with Alvaro its very easy for everybody to see that his concentration in the ring and his will to leave the poles in the cups and take on his courses is exceptional. I do believe that this will be a key to him breeding some very good horses in the future.When I watch him jump his courses and I review the videos, especially in slow motion, its really special to see how easily he can bend his body around the jumps and how supple he is all the way through his body and his legs. He can just use himself the way most horses cant.Im delighted to have been the breeder of Boleybawn Alvaro and its been a joy to watch him go through all the different stages in life. Were very lucky to be able to collaborate on ownership with Greg Broderick and his career has been managed to perfection by the team at Bally Patrick since he was a five-year-old.Were very lucky in Ireland to have some exceptional producers in the country because when we have the raw material like Alvaro, they cant fulfil their true potential unless a very professional and talented approach is taken and executed.Horse Sport Ireland would like to congratulate Ronan Rothwell, Niamh McEvoy and all the team at Ballypatrick for the success of Boleybawn Alvaro thus far and we wish them every success with the stallion as he continues his career internationally.The post Stallions in Focus Boleybawn Alvaro appeared first on .

Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to feature Steeped In Luck (IDC1), a stallion whose career has demonstrated both the versatility and enduring value of the Irish Draught breed on the international stage.Bred in Co. Louth by James Lee, Steeped In Luck was born in 2002. He stands at 170cm and is by Mount Diamond Flag (IDC1) out of Steeple View (IDC1) by Aghlerow (IDC1). Through his granddam Ginger Shiela (IDC1), Steeped In Luck also carries the genes of Ginger Dick (IDC1) in his pedigree. Ginger Dick was also the sire of the international showjumping Irish Draught stallion Classic Vision (IDC1).While many Irish Draught stallions establish their reputation through showing, breeding or the results of their offspring, Steeped In Luck forged his name through an exceptional performance career that demonstrated the adaptability of the breed at the highest levels of equestrian sport.In 2007, he attracted attention at the North American Irish Draught Society Annual Show in Chicago, winning all four classes in which he was entered, including the highly competitive In-Hand Stallion Class. Judges praised his correctness, balance and athleticism, describing him as a structurally sound horse with excellent movement and strong conformation.However, it would be in the dressage arena that Steeped In Luck would truly distinguish himself.At a time when Irish Draught horses were seldom seen competing against specialist warmbloods at elite dressage level, Steeped In Luck embarked on a career that would challenge perceptions of what the breed could achieve. Over the course of his career, he represented both Canada and the United States in international competition.Over the course of a lengthy career with a number of different riders, Steeped In Luck competed at CDI-W and CDI3* level at some of North Americas premier venues, including Wellington FL, Tryon NC and Devon PA, while also appearing on the FEI World Dressage Rankings. His record includes placings at Grand Prix level, including a third-place finish in a CDI-W Grand Prix in 2014 for Canadian rider Shannon Dueck and second place in a CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle at Tryon with American rider Elizabeth Austin.Canadian Olympian Tom Dvorak was an early advocate for the stallions abilities, noting that Steeped In Luck could give the warmbloods a run for their money and demonstrating that the Irish Draught possessed the talent and athleticism required to compete successfully at advanced FEI levels. With Dvorak in the saddle, Steeped In Luck had several Top 10 finishes at CDI-W level including Saugerties NY in 2012.His achievements earned him a place on Dressage Canadas High Performance Long List and established him as one of the most successful purebred Irish Draughts to compete in international dressage during the modern era.Recognition of his quality extends beyond competition results. Steeped In Luck holds Class 1 status within the Irish Draught Studbook and has earned Gold Merit recognition for Dressage. He is also a Gold Premium Canadian Sport Horse.In 2024, the stallion arrived back in Ireland and has been based with the Carey family at Tullaghansleek Stud in Co. Westmeath ever since. The move represented an important opportunity for Irish breeders to access bloodlines that combine traditional Irish Draught characteristics with proven international performance credentials.Speaking about the stallion, Claire Carey of Tullaghansleek Stud said:Were very fortunate to stand Steeped in Luck at Tullaghansleek Stud, under the trust of Elizabeth and Keith Douglas who are the founders of his success. He brings back strong attributes of the Irish Draught which have been lacking in recent years. He has the conformation, pedigree and performance behind him. It also helps that hes a great colour! He is a pleasure to have in the yard. He knows his job well and he is extremely fertile, leaving our job simple.His first Irish crop are now yearlings. The standard he is producing is extremely high. We look forward to him being established as a sire of quality competitive horses as well as broodmares. We expect he will have a lasting impact on the breed.Today, Steeped In Luck occupies a unique place within the Irish Draught breed, combining traditional Irish Draught bloodlines with proven international Grand Prix dressage performance at World Cup level.Horse Sport Ireland would like to wish Steeped In Luck and his connections continued success as his first Irish-bred progeny continue to develop and follow in his footsteps.The post Stallions in Focus Steeped In Luck appeared first on .

Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to announce Libertys Just in Time as the first Stallion Of The Month for the Irish Cob Studbook.Libertys Just In Time is a Class 1, Elite Registered, 16.2hh piebald Irish Cob stallion. Owned by Brigid Devine of Devine Equestrian. Libertys Just In Time is currently running with her Elite herd of traditional Registered piebald Irish Cob mares in her Longford base.Libertys Just In Time, a real ambassador of the Irish Cob breed shows the traditional breed traits, a well-proportioned animal, compact and muscular, powerful with a heavy bone structure, with a straight back, broad chest, strong neck, and well-muscled croup, all which give him an imposing yet balanced appearance. Like most Irish Cobs, Just In Time is known for his gentle, calm, and reliable nature, which he passes to all his progeny. Devine Equestrian boasts having his progeny in every Continent of the globe!Brigid tells us: Libertys Just in Time was bred by Sean Murray, at Ballydangan Irish Cobs, a deliberate breeding of a black 15.3hh Irish Cob mare called Ballydangan Traditional Irish Lady (back breeding from the Lob) and Libertys Lament, by Divine Saoirse (back breeding from the Loin King) two of Irelands best-known Irish Cob bloodlines. Libertys Just In Time was the first colt resulting from this successful breeding and was christened Just In Time, which was very appropriate eleven years ago when he was born, as there was no bigger Irish Cob stallions here in Ireland to preserve the breed at the time. Future similar breedings resulted in Libertys Just In Case (filly, now in Colorado) Libertys Just As Good (colt, now in the UK) Libertys Just The One (filly, Ballydangan) Libertys Just The Same (filly, Ballydangan) and Libertys Just As Well (colt, Ballydangan)Libertys Just In Times sire Libertys Lament, was also a sire to many very successful Irish Cob stallions at Devine Equestrian and many were used to showcase the Irish Cob breed over the years including Divine Lord of the Dance, Divine Richmond Street, Divine Timpeall na Tire, Divine Celtic Fire and Divine Elliott.Some of his successful showing progeny include Divine Definition (CHAPS) Divine Excellence (CHAPS and Texas GVHS National Championship Show) Divine Benefit (CHAPS) Divine Feather (Gypsy Vanner National Championship Show, Texas) and Divine Richie (HOYS)Brigid Devine with her home bred Divine Defination, CHAPS winner 2022Devine Equestrian are also very proud to have bred his remarkable son, Divine Finders Keepers.Finders Keepers, who also is extremely quiet and mannerly, is known as a checkedy tobiano piebald colour, which is quite rare. He presently stands 15.3hh, and are hopeful he will make 16.2hh.His Dam is Libertys Ladywell, a 16.2hh Registered piebald Irish Cob mare.Finders Keepers has tested positive homozygous for the tobiano gene. He was awarded Elite, Class 1 status for the Irish Cob breeding programme with the Irish Cob Studbook, on 8th April 2025 at the Irish Cob Inspection in Coillog Equestrian Centre, Co. Kildare.Brigid continues: Divine Finders Keepers dam, the legendary Libertys Ladywell was also bred by Sean Murray, Ballydangan Irish Cobs and we at Devine Equestrian were very fortunate to get an opportunity to breed her to Libertys Just in Time in 2021. The result of this breeding is an extraordinary Divine Finders Keepers. This piebald colt was born in Ladywells 22nd year. A testament of a top breeding loyal Irish Cob mare. Sadly, Libertys Ladywell has now retired from breeding. But what a Legacy she has left to the Irish Cob Studbook!The Irish Cob, also known as the Gypsy Cob or Gypsy Vanner, is a compact, powerful, and versatile horse breed originating from Ireland, and prized for its strength, calm temperament, and distinctive feathered legs. Combining stamina, strength, and a remarkable calmdisposition, the Irish Cob traces back to the 18th century and was traditionally bred by Irish Travellers to pull their caravans, known as vardos. This is what makes them suitable for novice riders, family horses, and therapeutic riding programs. They are intelligent, trainable, and versatile, excelling in both riding and driving disciplines.Irish Cobs are compact and muscular, typically standing 14.2 to 16.2 hands tall, with medium to heavy bone structure. They are easily recognized by their abundant feathering on the legs, thick flowing mane and tail, and often striking piebald or skewbald coats, though solid colours are also accepted.Irish Cobs are known for their gentle, calm, and reliable nature, making them suitable for novice riders, family horses, and therapeutic riding programs. They are intelligent, trainable, and versatile, excelling in both riding and driving disciplines. They are highly versatile, used for riding, driving, showing, and light draught work. Their wide, short backs make them comfortable under saddle, and their strong build allows them to perform well in various equestrian activities. They are also popular in leisure riding and competitive showing, particularly in Riding Cob classes in Ireland, the UK, and internationally.I set up an Irish Cob breeding programme in the mid-nineties in an effort to protect and preserve this native rare breed. I breed exclusively tobiano coloured Traditional Irish Cobs, originating from Irelands oldest Cob bloodlines and all my animals are pedigree Registered in the Irish Cob Studbook. Devine Equestrian is the only exclusively tobiano, Irish Cob herd here in Ireland and Europe and possibly the world.Horse Sport Ireland would like to congratulate Brigid for her efforts in relation to Irish Cobs.The post Stallions in Focus Libertys Just in Time appeared first on .

A tiny foal who was found abandoned at the age of just two weeks has blossomed into a happy, healthy youngster and is ready for a new home.Noodles, a dinky cob, required round the clock care from the World Horse Welfare team at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre after he was found orphaned in July 2024. Vets at the charity believe he did not receive enough colostrum (the milk produced by a mare which is rich in antibodies and nutrients) when he was born which left him susceptible to infections and illness.So tinyNoodles was so tiny when he first arrived,saidyard supervisor,Viki.Its unbelievable that someone could abandon him without his mother at such a young age, but we were determined to nurse him back to health.Orphaned foals need a lot of intensive care and Noodles was reluctant to feed at first, so he needed attention 24/7 for weeks.Round the clock careThe team worked day and night giving Noodles bucket feeds and monitoring his progress to ensure he had the best possible chance of survival.His character really came out once he started to feel better, adds hisgroom, Leah.Noodles has grown into an inquisitive, playful little pony, which is great to see after his sorry start in life.Noodles is ready for a new home. Best friendWhen Noodles was strong enough to go out with the other ponies, he stuck up a strong bond with fellow youngster, Tintin, who was found abandoned with two empty food cans wedged over his hoof.Acting like an older brother, Tintin guided Noodles through the early stages of learning how to interact and socialise with other ponies, something he didnt know how to do as he didnt have a mother to teach him.Tintin has now been rehomed and it is hoped that Noodles will also soon find a forever home.Noodles is currently 11.3hh so he is the perfect pal for another small youngster and is looking for a home where he can continue his education, said Leah.Hes a quick learner and enjoys being with people hell come straight over to see you in the field. Id love to see him find another best friend like Tintin in his new home.Noodles (left) with his best friend Tintin.For more information or to regime Noodles, click here. Images World Horse Welfare. More from Your HorseHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsHow do horses sleep? Experts explainOur pick of fly masks and veils for horsesThe post Orphaned foal rescued at two weeks old looking for forever home appeared first on Your Horse.