Horse breeders lauded for high achievements

Top performances at the London Olympics, a Rolex FEI Show Jumping World Cup win, and Ireland reclaiming first place in world studbook eventing rankings, were reflected at the presentation of the Horse Sport Ireland 2012 Breeders’ Awards.

The award for breeder of the top international eventing horse went posthumously to Dr Donal Geaney, Castleisland, Co Kerry, breeder of Mr Medicott (ISH). The gelding, ridden by Karen O’Connor (USA), recorded top-five finishes in his three international outings this year, and ranked first in the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) 2012 eventing rankings.

Catherine and Edward Doyle, breeders of Flexible (ISH), were awarded ‘Breeder of the Top International Show Jumping Horse’. Flexible, a 16-year-old stallion, and US rider Rich Fellers won the Rolex FEI Show Jumping World Cup and were fifth in the WBFSH rankings.

The 2012 Outstanding Contribution Award was awarded posthumously to Iris Kellett, who became a show jumping household name in 1949 when she won the Princess Elizabeth Cup in London. Twenty years later, she won the Championship of Europe. Following her competitive career, she devoted herself to teaching equestrianism, and helped inspire generations of Irish breeders and riders.

Award Recipients:

Outstanding Contribution: Iris Kellett.

Breeder of the Top International Event Horse: The late Dr Donal Geaney, Castleisland, Co. Kerry, breeder of Mr Medicott (ISH), 1999 chestnut gelding by Cruising (ISH) out of Slieveluachra (ISH), by Edmund Burke (TB).

Breeder of Top International Show Jumper: Catherine Doyle and Edward Doyle, Naas, Co Kildare, breeder of Flexible (ISH), 1996 stallion by Cruising (ISH) out of Flex (ISH) by Safari (TB).

Greatest Support of Irish Sport Horses: Clare Ryan, Cahir, Co Tipperary.

Breeder of Horse that contributed most to the Irish Senior Event Team: Michael Doyle, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, breeder of Master Crusoe (ISH), 2001 bay gelding by Master Imp (TB) out of Slaney Cruise Diamond (ISH), by Cruising (ISH).

Breeder of Horse that contributed most to the Irish Show Jumping Team: Comdt John Ledingham, Bective, Co Meath, breeder of Lisona (ISH), 2001 bay mare by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Clady (ISH), by Porsch (BWP).

Breeder of Horse that contributed most in the FEI Nations Cup League Series: Pat Nihill, O’Brien’s Bridge, Co Clare, breeder of Castlefield Eclipse (ISH), 1996 bay mare by OBOS Quality (OLD) out of Furisto Clover Hill by Furisto (HANN).

Breeder of Highest Placed ISH at FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses, Lanaken: Thomas O’Brien, Athenry, Co Galway, breeder of Codarco (ISH), 2007 bay stallion by Darco (BWP) out of Vereedom G (KWPN) by Orame (KWPN).

Breeder of Top Irish Sport Horse Showing Mare: The late Michael Roche, Foulksmills, Co Wexford, breeder of Assagart Saviour (ISH), 2002 mare by Flagmount King (ID C1) out of Assagart Kitty (ISH).

Breeder of Top Irish Draught Showing Mare: Raymond Sloyan, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, breeder of Elm View (RID), 2007 chestnut mare by Elm Hill (ID C1) out of Morning Glow (ID) by Sir Rivie (ID C1).

Breeder of medal-winning horse at Paralympics: Yana Verling, Enniskeane, Co Cork, breeder of Mister Cool (ISH), 1999 gelding by Coolcorron Cool Diamond (ISH) out of Admiral’s Lass (ISH).

Young Breeder Award: Iris Brazil, Kinnegad, Co Westmeath.

Outstanding Irish groom at WBFSH Young Horse Championships: Ashleigh Skillen.