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 .