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 The Irish Draught Horse, a mystery in America until approximately four years ago, made it's debut as a jumper at the Tucson Winter Circuit. Though nearly a thousand horses competed at the six week event, the Irish Horse didn't go unnoticed. The most visible horse was America's most popular Irish Draught Stallion, O'Leary's Irish Diamond ridden by Rob Gage. Irish a dressage champion changed his career from dressage to show jumping last December. With less than two months jump training he headed south to Arizona. Though Gage knows Irish can jump much higher he kept the stallion jumping 3'9" to 4' jumps. Gage said he wanted to build his confidence and wouldn't chase the little thoroughbreds that dominate those competitions The Irish Stallion was striking each day at he approached the grand prix arena where he competed. His owner/groom was constantly asked "what breed is he?"
Irish was in competition for three weeks and has now returned home for another busy breeding season. Other Irish Horses do well at Tucson.
Thanks to the sponsors - the seven-year-old stallion was sponsored by Betty Meyer of Salinas California and Scifeeds of San Diego California. Meyer, a breeder, saw Irish for the second time. She earlier saw the stallion when he was competing in Dressage. The most successful Irish Draught Horse to compete in America in dressage, Irish changed careers at the request of the highly acclaimed American Grand Prix rider Gage. Gage had Irish in training for almost two months before competing him in Tucson.
Gage didn't predict many victories in his first competition, noting Irish has a big jump but will only jump four foot fences in his first competition. Gage says there will be plenty of fast little horses with clear rounds at that level of competition. He says Irish will not chase those horses. Gage was correct in his prediction.
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| Above Gage, a former AGA rider of the year and winner of more than 25 grand prix, enters ring at Tucson. Though Irish is new to jumping, Gage is impressed and says he enjoys riding him. Irish is the Gage's first Irish Horse. |
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