The saying goes, everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day…
but we’re celebrating by introducing you to some pretty awesome Irish Horses. The breed is renowned for being courageous, resilient, eager to please and intelligent. This makes them easy to work with and suitable for any kind of rider- both in and out of the show ring. From Connameras and Irish Cobs and Draughts, to Irish Sport Horses and Warmbloods, some of your favorite breeds have Irish roots. It’s time to show off that pride!
We asked our Ecogold followers to tell us all about their Irish Horses, and they did not disappoint. Read on to meet a diverse group of talented, sweet and Ecogold-loving Irish horses.
Seamus & Finn
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Finn, Rosie’s 4-year-old Connemara/Dutch Warmblood cross, was an accident. A little Connemara stud got out in the dead of winter and managed to get a mare pregnant. Lucky for Rosie, she says Finn has a great brain and sweet personality, with big plans for the future.
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Seamus is a 20-year-old Connemara/Irish Draft cross who competed in preliminary level eventing for the past 8 years with rider Rosie. She says that he is the ultimate reliable show partner. Even at age 20, he still has little ‘Irishman’ moments where he scoots or bucks! The pair hope to qualify for the AECs this year.
Follow Seamus and Finn @roseeventing.
Maritime
Known as Connor, this 10-year-old gelding is half Connemara and half Oldenburg. At 16hh, he’s outgrown both his parents! He currently shows in the 2’6” hunters and has been a safe and fun ride for his human, Kate, after she had a baby. She says that he has the bravery of a Connemara with warm blood movement (and some cheeky pony moments thrown in for good measure).
Follow Connor on Instagram @katevohara.
Killerisk Maximilian
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Known affectionately as Killian, this Irish Sport Horse can do it all. From XC to bareback paddock rides, he is also a best friend, therapist, and partner to rider Liz. She knew it was meant to be- after trying 5 other horses, her heart immediately settled on the 8-year-old chestnut from Ireland.
Find Killian on Instagram @kilnereq.
Barclay
Did you know that Barclay means birch? A suitable name for this flea-bitten gray! This gentle giant is 17.3hh, and his rider Meg loves his brave personality and kind mannerisms. They’ve spent the past 5 years together, and hope to make their debut in the hunter ring this coming fall.
Find Barclay on Instagram @megccarson
Donovan
Born and raised in Ireland, Donovan competed through the four star Eventing level in England before coming to the U.S.A., where he competed in the upper levels for a few years. Owner Riley purchased this handsome Sport Horse 4 years ago, and he has since showed her the ropes of lower level Eventing.
Find Donovan @corarileyeventing.
Fernhill Leroy Brown
Leroy is a 16.2h, piebald Irish Sport Horse. His dam is an Irish Draught, and he recently arrived from Ireland to partner with his new rider, Addie.
Watch them go @addie.eventing.
All That Jazz
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A small but mighty Connemara mare, Jazz and rider Elle compete in eventing and love their Ecogold pads.
Have an Irish-bred mount that you’d like to gush about? Send us an email telling us about your horse (with pictures, of course) and they could be featured in a future blog. Happy St. Patty’s Day to all our Ecogold riders and their horses!
