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said German Born Judge Sonja Vracko
5/9/04 Canterbury qualifier Newberry Florida
Giving O'Leary's Irish Diamond 8s on his extended trot Judge Sonja Vracko commented the extensions were "elastic and very forward." The Irish Draught Stallion now competing at what is considered an International level of Dressage is constantly drawing the attention of Florida Dressage enthusiasts. With scores of 62 percent and 64 percent the Stallions qualified for any of the USDF's Regional Championships. He is also on his way to receiving a USDF performance certificate at Prix St. George. The competition was won by former Olympian Michael Poulin. However, "Irish" didn't go unnoticed, Poulin approached Irish's Rider Stephany Fish with an offer to help her in her work with the large and impressive grey. Fish, said she plans on working with Poulin before the regional championships. Fish was reserve Champion at 4th level in 2003.
The return of Irish to dressage competition after a year of show jumping has been a little tougher than expected. Fish has been doing very well in the last couple of months but admits it took a little time to develop a trusting partnership with the 10 year old stallion. His owner Jim Leary admits he mistakingly put the horse in the hands of the wrong trainer last summer and Irish lost his trust of the person in the saddle. "That is history and sometimes you think a trainer is right and then you find out different. It was unfortunate but it happens. He is back now and that is what is important." "He likes Stephany and her coach Michael Ippolito. He is a kind horse and kindness brings out the best in him." Leary added.
Other Irish Horses do well in Florida Dressage
Florida dressage enthusiasts also saw the Irish Sport Horse mare Madison perform her first 1st level class receiving a 62 percent with Stephany Fish once again the rider. Madison is owned by Joe Mannikko and Barbara Baris. She is a grand daughter of the Irish Draught Stallion Glidawn Diamond the sire of O'Leary's Irish Diamond.
Unfortunately for the Irish Draught and the Irish Sport Horse they get little recognition in the US for their ability as dressage and show jumpers. Because of their kindness they seem to attract owners who don't have an understanding and desire to compete in open competition.
Irish also wins second in Florida Hunter Pace
Before her Florida Dressage show, Stephany Fish decided that O'Leary's Irish Diamond needed a break from his dressage work. She entered him in a hunter pace. Her team, the "HorsePower Team", was made up of 3 people, Linda Pugh-Petz, Priscilla Baldwin and Stephany. The Palm Beach Hounds put the pace on at Dupuis Park, a state park. The pace went on for about 2 hours; there were different levels, from no jumping to jumping. The obstacles included coops, fallen logs, brush, etc. The Horse Power Team placed 2nd out of several teams in the jumping division. Irish fell into pace well, and was terrific considering we had a mare leading the team! And of course they were in the jumping division.
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