Piebalds storm the ramparts at the RDS
These and other earthy memories of the nomadic lifestyle of the travelling clans will come trotting back on Sunday in the unlikely setting of the Dublin Horse Show.
For the coloured horses that once pulled their canvas-covered wagons will be in a class or two of their own.
For the Piebald (black and white) and skewbald (brown and white) horses will be competitively shown at Ballsbridge for the first time in the show's 130 year history.
The RDS decision to introduce a section for these horses is a significant recognition of their new-found popularity.
Over the generations, these animals and the travellers who owned them, were largely kept to the margins of the roads they travelled on and the society in which they lived.
Yet, the Sheridans and the O'Briens, the Coffeys and the O'Driscolls, and the other clans who travelled the country kept faith with their piebalds and skewbalds.
They knew that these gentle horses and ponies possessed terrific action, strength and athletic ability. It was not until after the clans graduated to the Hiace that the rest of the equestrian world took serious note.
The British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) was formed in 1989 to promote the sturdy breed.
In 1993, Doug Lock, Kilbarry Barry Stud, Fermoy, who toured the world as a guitar technician with the 60s group, the Moody Blues, and Jack O'Sullivan, founded the Irish Piebald and Skewbald Association.
Over the years, Doug Lock persuaded the Department of Agriculture to recognise coloured stock as a European breed type.
Fermoy Show became the first to hold an IPSA members only class beginning the long journey that has led to Ring 1 at the RDS on Sunday.
Now, quality coloured horses, especially those crossed with a thorougbred to produce eventers, are much sought after in Ireland and in Britan, continental Europe and in Scandinavia.
They are no longer regarded as the second class citizens, much to the delight of people like Doug Lock, now IPSA Life President.
"I think it is absolutely marvellous. I think it is about time these horses were thoroughly recognised. Cross breeding has really brought them to the fore. It is fantastic," he said.
The IPSA, headed by Claire Flaherty, CEO, and Seamus Murray, secretary-treasurer, has handled over 300 coloured horse registrations to date. Ms Flaherty, based in Athenry, Co Galway, thanked the RDS for including classes for coloured horses.
She said people today see these horses as stylish and unique. The quality of coloured stallions has also improved greatly and the export trade has increased dramatically.
"They make an excellent all round family horse, are noted for their kind and gentle temperament and have great sporting and jumping abilities," she said.
The IPSA is in discussions with the EC through the Department of Agriculture to set up an approved stud book for coloured horses in Ireland and to allow it issue official identity documents. The stud book is being maintained for it by its British counterparts, the BSPA.
Ms Flaherty said up to now there have been coloured showing classes in the regional shows in Ireland. But the RDS decision to add classes for them to its programme will greatly add status to the breed and give it the exposure it rightly deserves.
The IPSA has also been canvassing local shows and has commissioned a web site http://www.theipsa.com
It all represents a big turnabout from the days when the piebalds and the skewbalds belonged almost exclusively to the travelling clans.
As these coloured horses enter the hallowed RDS on Sunday, the descendents of those who moved from one roadside camp to another will be entitled to smile.
And so will all those enthusiasts whose efforts to promote the breed over the years have ensured the lifting of yet another obstacle on the road to securing greater recognition for these gentle horses and their admirable traits.
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