Veterinarians should consider the type of tissue they want to treat when choosing a management strategy. | The Horse StaffVeterinarians regard the equine joint as an organ, composed of articular cartilage, the synovial membrane lining the inside of the joint capsule, the synovial fluid filling the joint space, the subchondral bone underlying the cartilage layer, and the supporting soft tissue structures. Viewing the joint as an integrated organ has important implications for how veterinarians approach diagnosis and treatment.Veterinarians need to consider the origin of joint inflammation and/or cytokine-driven damage to develop more effective and targeted treatment plans for their patients, said Cricket Russillo, DVM, ISELF-Cert, of High Performance Equine, in Northern Virginia and Florida, during her presentation at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 6-10, in Denver, Colorado.Joint disease causes 60% of equine lameness problems, often leading to substantial economic losses for horse owners, both direct (medical costs) and indirect (loss of performance). When treating joint disease, practitioners should assess the different joint tissues and essentially reverse engineer a targeted treatment plan based on what joint tissues are likely affected, said Russillo.Articular Cartilage and Equine Joint DiseaseArticular cartilage facilitates smooth movement and absorbs shock. It has limited repair ability, and its breakdown leads to pain, inflammation, and impaired joint function.The horses body produces immunoregulatory proteins called cytokines, which coordinate and shape inflammatory and healing responses. In response to injury, articular cartilage releases pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa). These cytokines promote cartilage matrix degradation by upregulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases, which are both enzymes that contribute to cartilage degradation. If we suspect cartilage injury, the goal should be to protect cartilage integrity and arrest the inflammatory cascade and stabilize the matrix, said Russillo.She recommended veterinarians select systemic chondroprotective agents such as hyaluronic acid (HA), polysulphated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs), pentosan polysulfate (PPS), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for milder cases or younger animals. These medications can be combined with a reduced workload for longer-lasting effects.We also want to focus on the root cause of the inflammation and blunt the activity of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, said Russillo. This is where orthobiologics such as hemoderivatives and stem cells come into play. Orthobiologics might also contribute growth factors that can be beneficial for slowing cartilage degradation, she added.Treating the Synovial Membrane in Equine Joint DiseaseThe synovial membrane plays a critical role in the onset and progression of inflammation. Specialized white blood cells called synovial macrophages adopt different phenotypesessentially, functional states cells adopt in response to their environmentbased on signals in the joint. Macrophages in healthy joints express the M2 phenotype, whereas macrophaes in unhealthy joints express the M1 phenotype, which is pro-inflammatory, producing high levels of TNFa and IL-1b.When regulatory M2 macrophage activity can no longer counterbalance pro-inflammatory M1 signaling, inflammation escalates and stimulates MMPs and aggrecanases. In this environment type B synoviocytesspecialized cells that line joints, tendons, and bursaeundergo hyperplasia (an abnormal increase in cell number), resulting in joint stiffness and dysregulating the production of healthy joint fluid.When we suspect inflammation of the synovium is the primary issue, then there are two avenues of therapy: Blunt inflammation or manipulate the interplay of M1 and M2 synovial macrophage polarization, said Russillo.Referring to intra-articular therapies, or those introduced to the joint, she added, Corticosteroids are extremely effective at mitigating inflammation, orthobiologics can decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulate the release of growth factors, and the polyacrylamide (hydro)gels are theorized to drive synovial macrophages to the M2 response.Synovial Fluid and Equine Joint DiseaseSynovial fluid plays a crucial role in providing nutrients to cartilage, lubrication, and removing metabolic waste. Joint inflammation results in excess production of abnormal synovial fluid, with high levels of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species that damage cartilage.Therapies directed at this joint tissue are aimed at manipulating the level of HA, said Russillo. Directly injecting HA is not often considered beneficial as a sole therapy. But intravenous HA does improve synovial fluid and joint health, and systemic administration of PSGAGs may also help improve synovial fluid quality. These therapies are most likely to benefit young patients with minimal joint pathology (disease or damage).Treating Equine Subchondral Bone ProblemsThe dense, structural subchondral bone beneath articular cartilage plays a pivotal role in joint stability and load distribution. It is a highly adaptive tissue that responds to mechanical loading. Excess repetitive stress can contribute to the development and progression of joint disease that is common in equine athletes across disciplines. Subchondral bone disease might precede and drive cartilage degeneration.The main treatment is exercise modification, which may not be a well-received recommendation by clients, said Russillo. Extralabel bisphosphonates may be considered, and intra-articular orthobiologics may have a beneficial effect (in these cases).Take-Home MessageIf we consider the specific tissue involved in our patients joint disease, it then becomes possible to curate a treatment plan for that particular target tissue and to improve outcomes and client satisfaction, said Russillo. Veterinarians might weigh a combination of treatments in addition to modifying the horses workload.

The horse world has welcomed Natural Englands decision to reopen the complaints process for the control of ragwort.Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)can be deadly if eaten by horses, cattle and other animals, whether consumed fresh or dried.Last year, concerns were raised among the equestrian community when the government body said it would no longer investigate reports of the plant.However, National England recently said it was reversing this decision, and that the complaints procedure would reopen from April 2026.This means that land owners concerned about the spread of the weed from neighbouring fields will now have the power to enforce action via National England.Gemma Stanford, Director of Horse Care and Welfare at British Horse Society (BHS), welcomed the news.The reopening of the complaints process is a really positive step and will help ensure that concerns about ragwort in high-risk areas can once again be properly investigated, she told Your HorseAt BHS, we understand the dangers that ragwort can pose and the worry this can cause to horse owners. Our priority is to educate and support the whole equestrian community, to make sure that theyre aware of these risks and ragworts effect on equine welfare.Ragwort has a place in the ecosystem in areasaway from horses or livestock grazingor land used for forage production, and we believe that the primary focus should be its removal from these high-risk areas.The most effective way to protect a horse from ragwort is by keeping their fields and surrounding areas clear of the plant, as it can spread by the wind, explained vet Leona Bramall MRCVS.Learning what it looks for in its early stages as well as when it flowers is essential, so that it can be pulled up immediately, she said.It is important to note that all pulled ragwort should be destroyed correctly, ideally by burning, and never left in the field as dead ragwort is more likely to be eaten by horses and is just as big a threat to their health.Lead image by ShutterstockRelated contentVet advice: this is how ragwort affects horses when eatenPoisonous plants for horses: in picturesYour annual worming schedule plus 6 tips for effective worm managementThe post Horse world welcomes ragwort law u-turn appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details Excitable Horses at Turnout Handling excitable horses poses risks; sedation helps reduce these dangers. Standing Sedation Advantages Safer than general anesthesia; mortality rate reduced to 0.2%. How Standing Sedation Works Rapid onset sedatives like xylazine and detomidine administered to effect. Common Sedatives Alpha-2 agonists (e.g., xylazine) and opioids enhance sedation effects. Acepromazine A reliable tranquilizer with rare side effects such as priapism. Trazodone Oral sedative for pre-sedation calming, useful for anxious horses. Dosage Administration Dosage tailored to horse's breed, age, and temperament. Beyond Sedation Building trust and improving handling disciplines can reduce sedative need. Minimizing Risks Conduct sedation in quiet environments and ensure horses are lightly fasted. When to Call the Vet Consult a vet to determine the best sedation options for your horse. Conclusion Safe sedative practices and veterinary guidance improve turnout experiences. Handling excitable horses during turnout can be a challenge, especially for those that become aggressive or try to bolt when leaving the stall. Fortunately, modern protocols and safe sedation options offer a solution that improves safety for both horse and handler. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of sedation, discuss the most commonly used sedatives, and provide practical advice for horse owners. Why Sedation Helps with Excitable Horses at Turnout Time Excitable horses pose significant risks when it comes to routine turnout, often requiring physical restraint from handlers. Sedation reduces not only the need for such restraints but also the overall stress and danger involved in the process. Unlike general anesthesia, which carries a higher 1.2% mortality rate, standing sedation is considerably safer with a mortality rate of around 0.2%. This significant reduction in risk highlights the advantages of sedatives that allow horses to remain on their feet. How Standing Sedation Works Veterinarians often administer standing sedatives like xylazine and detomidine "to effect" with rapid onset times of 3-5 minutes. This allows for a precise dosage that minimizes side effects, tailored specifically to the horse's breed, age, and overall demeanor. Common Safe Sedatives for Handling Excitable Horses Equine veterinarians prefer standing sedatives due to their excellent safety profiles and limited side effects. Let's explore the most reliable options available for equine sedation today. Alpha-2 Agonists This category includes xylazine and detomidine, which are well-known for their ability to maintain an upright form even when a horse is heavily dosed. These drugs provide quick sedation and reduce potential risks, although there's a possibility for rare but notable side effects such as choke if the horse eats too soon post-sedation. Opioids and Their Synergistic Effects When combined with alpha-2 agonists, opioids like butorphanol boost their calming effect, making them highly effective for turnout scenarios. While side effects such as slow heart rates or facial twitching may occur, they are usually mild and manageable. Acepromazine: A Reliable Tranquilizer Though traditionally viewed with skepticism due to possible priapism, acepromazine remains a smooth sedative option. In fact, the risk of priapism in stallions is as low as 1 in 10,000 cases, making it a reliable choice for most horses during turnout. Utilizing Trazodone for Pre-Sedation Calming An oral sedative, trazodone, offers an additional layer of calm before sedation, particularly useful for anxious horses. While it can slightly increase the amount of xylazine needed at induction, it's effective for preparing horses for turnout or even stall rest. Dosage and Administration Basics Veterinarians will tailor the dosage according to the horse's breed, age, and temperament. For instance, xylazine is often administered at a rate of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV for routines such as lameness exams. Geriatric horses require extra care to avoid deeper sedation, while foals may lie down due to the effects. Sedative Type and Mortality Risk Sedative Type Typical Use for Turnout Key Safety Notes Mortality Risk (Standing) Alpha-2 Agonists (xylazine, detomidine) Calms for safe pasture release Rapid onset; rare choke/aggression 0.2% Opioids (butorphanol) + Alpha-2 Enhanced calm, lower doses Reduces excitement risk 0.2% Acepromazine Mild standing tranquilization Priapism risk: 1/10,000 0.2% Trazodone (oral) Pre-handling anxiolysis May need more xylazine Low, study-based Beyond Sedation: Best Practices for Handling Excitable Horses While sedation offers immediate relief in handling excitable horses, building everyday trust and improving handling disciplines can significantly reduce the need for sedatives over time. Paired with equestrian supplements available at our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements collection, these strategies help maintain a balanced, less anxious state for your horse. Potential Risks and How to Minimize Them Sedation is safer than ever, with the majority of anesthesia-related issues occurring during the recovery phase. However, risks such as paradoxical excitement and ataxia persist. It's crucial to conduct sedation in quiet environments and ensure that horses are lightly fasted beforehand to avoid issues like choke. When to Call the Vet and Best Practices When turnout becomes a daily struggle, consult with a veterinarian to determine the best sedation options for your horse. In doing so, you'll not only improve the experience for your horse but also simplify your daily routine. Once the vet assesses the situation, they can offer a customized plan that might include regular monitoring or minor training sessions. Conclusion Incorporating safe sedative practices with the guidance of a veterinarian ensures that your excitable horse remains calm and safe during turnout, enhancing both the horse's and handler's overall well-being. By adopting these practices alongside effective turnout and fly protection solutions, horse owners can transform a typically stressful situation into a more enjoyable experience.```html```

Irelands senior jumping team enters an excitingnew era next month as High PerformanceJumpingManagerJessicaKrtenleadsthe team intoher debutfive-star Nations Cup at the opening leg of the Longines League of Nations in Abu Dhabi.Having won in Dubai last season, the green jackets will be hopeful of repeating the dose on February 13th, withKrtenblending youth and experience as Trevor Breen is joined in the team byhisbrother Shane, MikeyPenderand Niamh McEvoy.Pender and Trevor Breen return to a happy hunting groundboth jumped two flawless roundsasIreland topped the Abu Dhabi podium in 2025 to kick the series off in style.Breen will partnerHighland Presidentand Penderrides the Irish Sport HorseHHS Los Angeles,the same pairings that helped earn Ireland their momentous success last year.Trevor Breen and Highland President jumped a double clear as Ireland won the Abu Dhabi leg of the Longines League of Nations last yearMultiple Youth European medal-winnerMcEvoy, who picked up a firstfive-starsuccess at the 2025 Dublin Horse Show, has been in fantastic form and deservedly earns adebutcall-up to the five-star ranks.McEvoylines up withOlympic GL FVD, on board whom she helped Ireland to win the three-star Nations Cup in Vejer de la Frontera last October.Shane Breenmakes hisLongines League of Nationsdebutandcomes into theseriesin fine form, having seen off a field of 50 combinationto win the Longines World Cup legwithBP Arctic Blueat the four-star show in Abu Dhabilast weekend. Theywill renew their partnership in Abu Dhabi.Horse Sport IrelandsHigh Performance Jumping ManagerKrtensaid: We are very much looking forward to the opening leg of the Longines League of Nations.It is a team of experienced combinations mixed with younger pairings, and it gives them the chancetomake their markearly in the season, in what is a prestigious competition.New Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Jumping Manager Jessica Krtenis excited for the first leg of the Longines League of NationsIreland won the opening leg last year on the way to an overall runner-up finish in the final in Barcelona, and will face 10 rivalsin Abu Dhabi USA, Britain, Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and Brazil, the worlds top 10 nations, as well as hosts UAE.The series consists of four qualifying events, culminating in thefinal in Barcelona in October, where 1,600,000 in prize money and lucrative bonus rewards await the worlds elite.From Abu Dhabi, the seriesmoves on toOcala, Floridain March, returns toEurope for theRotterdamlegin June, beforeSt.TropezGassinhosts the final qualifying leg in September.Following the four qualifying legs, the top eight teams in the league standings will qualify for thefinal.The Horse Sport Ireland Jumping Team for the Longines League of Nationsis as follows:Co. TipperarysShane BreenwithBP Arctic Blue, owned by Breen Equestrian.Co. TipperarysTrevor BreenwithHighland President, owned byHeather Black.Co. TyronesNiamh McEvoywithOlympic GL FVD, owned byKeith Ennis.Co. KildaresMikey PenderwithHHS Los Angeles (ISH), owned byBravo Hughes Ltd.BREEDING: HHS Los Angeles (ISH) 2014 mare by Le Roi (ZDP) out of China Cavalier (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Marion Hughes. Owner: Bravo Hughes Ltd. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL).The post Dawn of a new era as Krtenleads Ireland into 2026 Longines League of Nations campaign appeared first on .

We often assume our horses experience the world the same way we do. In reality, equine vision is fundamentally different from human vision, and many behaviours we label as spooky, resistant, or inattentive are actually logical responses to how horses see, process, and interpret their surroundings. When we understand the differences in how horses see, training becomes clearer, fairer, and far more effective.Reaction Time: Horses react first, investigate laterOne of the most important differences between human and equine vision lies in reaction speed.Continue reading How Horses See the World ~ And why it should change how we work with them at EquiPepper.

We often assume our horses experience the world the same way we do. In reality, equine vision is fundamentally different from human vision, and many behaviours we label as spooky, resistant, or inattentive are actually logical responses to how horses see, process, and interpret their surroundings. When we understand the differences in how horses see, training becomes clearer, fairer, and far more effective.Reaction Time: Horses react first, investigate laterOne of the most important differences between human and equine vision lies in reaction speed.Continue reading How Horses See the World ~ And why it should change how we work with them at EquiPepper.

Delighted to hear that current Irish national champion Olympic and naimh mcevoy make this nations cup debut in Abu Dhabi this week to help the Irish team defend their title #bshgraduate

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Moonshine! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Easy R Equine RescueAdoptable Horse: Moonshine, a 14-year-old, 14.2hh American Paint Horse mareOrganization: Easy R Equine Rescue, Lubbock, TexasGet to Know Adoptable Horse MoonshineMoonshine came to Easy R in May 2025 as an owner surrender. The owner was having a very intensive back operation and could no longer care for the horses. According to him, Moonshine came to his house when the neighbor who owned her took a job that required extensive worldwide travel. Other than what they have been told, Equine R has very little information about her previous life and training.Moonshine is a bit standoffish and leery of people. She is not mean or aggressive; she just acts as if she has had limited exposure to ground training and realizing what people are expecting from her. At this point, Easy R is working with her on standing nicely for the farrier, being caught and haltered more easily, and cooperating with any type of veterinary treatment.She has what looks to be some arthritis in one of her back legs, which does cause her to be off at a trot and lope. After discussion with the veterinarian about potential soundness under saddle, it has been decided that it would be best for Moonshine if she was adopted as a non-rideable, companion only horse. The veterinarian expressed concerns that if she is lame without a rider, that it would cause too much stress on her injured leg to train her under saddle.Moonshine gets along well with other horsesin fact, she is incredibly bonded to a mare at her current foster home. She is a very cute little Paint Horse and would be an adorable pasture pet in a home with at least one other horse.Contact Easy R Equine Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Moonshine!Photo courtesy Easy R Equine RescueASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Moonshine appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to announce Zapatero VDL (KWPN) as the first stallion of the month for the Irish Sport Horse Studbook. Having been awarded a 5* merit in 2024 for his eventing progeny, Zapatero has now been awarded a second 5* merit for the sporting performances of his showjumping progeny.To achieve 5* status for showjumping progeny, a stallion must have two or more progeny that jump double clear rounds in two round classes or Grand Prix or in FEI Nations Cups of at least a height of 1.50m at CSI4* or CSI5* level.The two progeny that earned this award for Zapatero VDL are Jourdain VDL (KWPN) and Magic Mike (KWPN).Magic Mike is a 2009 KWPN gelding out of Zivola (KWPN) by Indoctro (HOLST), who has competed at CSI5* with several riders including Kyle King and Michael Murphy for the USA, and Robert Blanchette for Ireland.With King in the saddle, Magic Mike scored a 2nd place in a 1.55m Jump-Off class at the 2021 Spruce Meadows Master CSIO5* in Canada. They also scored a 2nd place result in the 1.60m Grand Prix at CSI5* Major League Show Jumping event in Traverse City, Michigan in 2021.Jourdain VDL is a 2014 gelding out of Alba VDL (KWPN) by Darco (BWP) and has been competed internationally by Jur Vrieling (NED), Alex Gill (GBR) and currently by Carlos Lopez-Fanjul Tartiere (ESP). With Vrieling in the saddle, Jourdain VDL competed in the CSI5*GCT in Valkenswaard (NED), Riesenbeck (GER), and Cannes (FRA) in 2024 and represented the Netherlands in the CSIO5* League of Nations, Nations Cup in Falsterbo (SWE). Since taking over the ride, Spains Carlos Lopez-Fanjul Tartiere has steered Jourdain VDL to a 4th place finish in the CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix of Valencia (ESP), and a 9th place finish in the CSI4* 1.50m Jump Off Class in Gorla Minore (ITA) in 2025.Approved by Horse Sport Ireland at the 2022 Stallion Selections in Cavan Equestrian Centre, Zapatero VDL stands with Eamonn and Gladys McArdle in Drumhowan Stud, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. Speaking about the stallion, Gladys said: When Zapatero VDL arrived to Ireland in 2022, Wiebe-Yde van de Lageweg of VDL Stud joked to us that you can send his semen in an envelope, its top, and we couldnt agree more. Hes a fresh and proud stallion, used consistently by good clients. Indeed, as breeders ourselves, we have had several successful sales with his foals, including the sale 10,600 sale topper at the MRBG Sale in Glenamaddy last year. Their blood type and powerful movement shines through. We are thrilled to hear Zap has now achieved his second 5* rating from HSI. It is a rare enough achievement and endorsement of a stallion as a dual-purpose sire. It is good to be able to keep him in Ireland in the flesh with fresh semen for breeders and hes one of the best boys on the stud to work with.Produced as young horse by Dutch rider Angelique Hoorn, Zapatero VDL (KWPN) is no stranger to Irish equestrians given that from 2013 to 2015 he was ridden by the High-Performance Manager of the Irish Showjumping team; Jessica Kurten. Together, the partnership of Kurten and Zapatero VDL earned placings at the CSI5* shows in Paris (FRA), La Coruna (ESP), Basel (SUI) and Zurich (SUI). They also competed in the Sires Of The World at the World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in the Zangersheide Stud in Lanaken, Belgium.HSI High Performance Jumping Manager Jessica Kurten & Zapatero VDL (KWPN) at the 2014 Paris Longines CSI5* Masters; SportfotKurten said: Im delighted to hear that Zapatero VDL is getting this recognition. It was a great pleasure to have him in my team. He has a huge heart and possesses sharp reflexes combined with a sensible head. He is a good example of a modern sport stallion.Sired by Chin Chin (HOLST), out of Manieta (KWPN) by Ircolando (KWPN), Zapatero VDL descends from the same damline as Ibiza (KWPN), ridden by Irelands Jenny Rankin at 1.55m level, and part of the Irish team that finished second in the CSIO4*EEF Nations Cup final in Warsaw (POL) in 2024.Irish Sport Horse connectionsSome of Zapatero VDLs Irish Sport Horse progeny include, Monbeg Senna, who helped him earn his 5* merit for Eventing progeny and CBI Bella Donna (ISH), who represented the Team Ireland Equestrian Young Horse Squad at the World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium with Vincent Byrne in 2021. She has since gone on to compete at CSI2* level with Byrne and was recently sold to the UK.CBI Bella Donna (ISH) & Vincent Byrne (IRL) in the 6-Year-Old classes in Lanaken 2021; SportfotFormerly owned by Kaleigh Soden of Leggettsrath Stables in Co. Kilkenny, she said the following to say about the mare:CBI Bella Donna was a super mare for us over the last few years. She had scope, was ultra-competitive and always had a great attitude for the job. We look forward to seeing her help her new owners step up the levels & the offspring we kept from her start their careers in the coming years.Horse Sport Ireland would like to congratulate all the connections of Zapatero VDL with this achievement and wish the breeders, owners, riders and riders the best of luck with their progeny by him going forward. We look forward to more Irish Sport Horse progeny of his competing on the world stage in the years to come.Horse Sport Ireland review stallion classifications and star rating criteria on an ongoing basis for the Irish Draught Horse, Irish Sport Horse and Irish Sport Pony Studbooks. Owners and agents of approved stallions may submit them for star rating review either through their own performance or that of their progeny by contacting stallions@horsesportireland.ie.The post Stallions in Focus Zapatero VDL appeared first on .

The Class 1 Irish Draught stallion Cappa Capone is the recipient of a new performance merit having earned a Bronze Merit for scoring over 65% in all of his Preliminary Level dressage results under Dressage Ireland rules in his career thus far with Kate Solon.Cappa Capone is by Cappa Cassanova (IDC1) and is out of Cappa Jewel (IDC1) by Coolcronan Wood (IDC1). Cappa Capone is the third son of Cappa Cassanovas to earn Class 1 status.Bred and owned by Jimmy & Edel Quinn of Cappa Stud in Co. Galway, Cappa Capone earned his Class 1 status at the 2019 Stallion Selections in Cavan Equestrian Centre.Speaking to Horse Sport Ireland about the achievement, Jimmy gave us a little more detail about Cappa Capones history.Ill never forget that May morning. The mist was still hanging low over the Galway fields when I went to check on Jewel. She was finally ready, and within the hour, there he wasthis grey colt looking up at me with eyes that seemed far too knowing for something that had just arrived in the world. Edel and I have foaled out dozens of mares over the years, but there was something different about this one from the start. Most foals are all legs and uncertainty for the first few hours. Not this lad. He was on his feet in twenty minutes, moving with a balance that you just dont see in something so new to the world. He walked straight up to me, no fear, just curiosity. Like he was taking my measure. We should call him Capone, I said to Edel. The name just fitthat quiet confidence, that intelligence in his eye. Though thankfully hes turned out to have none of the notorious gangsters bad habits. Instead, he inherited something far more valuable: a kind, willing temperament thats been the foundation of everything hes achieved. When we bred Jewel to Cassanova, we knew the cross had potential. Cassanovas been one of the stars of our breeding programthree-time RDS Champion, Gold Merits for showing, jumping, and progeny. Hes proven himself as a producer time and again, and Capone is his third son to gain full approval. But the dam line is just as important. Through Coolcronan Wood, Capone goes back to Sea Crest, the sire of Cruising. And on Jewels dam side, theres Rochestown KatieChampion foal in 1996and behind her, Rochestown Gold, whose offspring have been Reserve RDS Champions. So yes, the pedigree was there on paper. But breeding is never just about pedigrees. Its about what each individual horse brings to the table, and Capone brought something special from day one. As a youngster, while other colts would spook at the tractor or shy from strangers, Capone would walk right up to anyone who came to the fence. Not pushy, just interested. Watching. Learning. Cappa Capone (IDC1) as a foal with his dam Cappa Jewel (IDC1)When he was three, Capone was presented at the stallion inspections. He passed with flying colorsfully approved in 2019. Hes grown into a proper Irish Draught stallion now, standing 170cm with 24 inches of bone and the conformation and movement to match. A few years later, he won his qualifier at Scarteen for the RDS Performance Class, showing the versatility that the breed was founded on. But the real revelation has been watching him in dressage. Ill admit, when Kate Solon first took him on, I wasnt sure how far an Irish Draught could go in that discipline. Its one thing to be handy and versatile, another to compete at championship level in a sport that demands such precision and collection. Kates partnership with him has been extraordinary though. She understands him, and more importantly, he understands her. He doesnt just do what sheaskshe wants to get it right. That willingness, that intelligence, it all comes back to that temperament he showed as a foal. This year, he was awarded a Bronze Merit for Dressage. Then came word that hed placed as the highest Irish Draught at the 2025 Dressage Ireland National Championships. I wont lieEdel and I were absolutely delighted. Not just for the achievement itself, but for what it says about the breed. Irish Draughts arent supposed to be dressage horses, according to some. But Capones proving that when you combine the right breeding with the right temperament and the right training, theres no ceiling on what these horses can do. Hes still true to type170cm, substantial, looks every inch the Irish Draught he is. But he moves like something else entirely when Kate has him in the arena. Athletic, balanced, willing. Always willing. Thats the key to him, really. His talent would mean nothing without that kindness, that desire to please. And thats something you cant breed for on paper. Its just who he is. Standing here now, watching him in his paddock with that same calm intelligence he had as a foal, I think about that misty May morning eight years ago. About how some horses just arrive with something extra. Capone had it from his first breath, and hes carried it through every step of his journeyfrom that foaling stall to the national championships. Were proud of what hes achieved, but more than that, were proud of how hes achieved it. With grace, with intelligence, and with that kind temperament that was evident from the very beginning. Thats the legacy we hope he passes on to his offspringnot just his movement or his conformation, but that willing heart.Cappa Capone (IDC1) and Kate SolonHis rider, Kate Solon, was effusive in her praise for the stallion:Since day 1 Capone has been a pleasure to produce. He is exceptionally well mannered, easy-going and genuine, yet very talented and athletic. He is so uphill to ride and very quick to learn. Alongside his success in performance classes, he has shown real aptitude for dressage and is now being developed with the aim of campaigning him up the levels, both in dressage and showjumping to showcase his versatility.Horse Sport Ireland would like to congratulate Jimmy and Edel Quinn, and Kate Solon on this achievement and wish them the very best of good luck with Cappa Capone on the next phase of his competitive career.Cappa Capone (IDC1) and rider, Kate SolonHorse Sport Ireland review stallion classifications and star rating criteria on an ongoing basis for the Irish Draught Horse, Irish Sport Horse and Irish Sport Pony Studbooks.Owners and agents of approved stallions may submit them for star rating review either through their own performance or that of their progeny by contactingstallions@horsesportireland.ie.The post Stallion in Focus Cappa Capone appeared first on .