Irish Draught Promotion in Millstreet a Great Success

The Exhibition and Open Day of Irish Draught horses held in Green Glens Arena on Saturday last, the 31^st of January, drew thousands of enthusiasts to the popular venue. The massive turnout recalled the glorious Irish Draught era of Kerrygold and Greenvale in Millstreet.

This event appealed to a wide range of interests far beyond those who came to see the horse exhibits. There literally was something for everyone, ranging from exotic snakes to vintage cars and a hugely popular children’s Art Competition (click here for the results word.doc) that attracted almost a thousand entries from primary schools in the Cork and Kerry region.

It was impossible to see everything, as many events were taking place simultaneously and choices had to be made. The main arena was a hive of activity; one wall was covered by all the art entries, depicting the Irish Draught in many interesting styles. In the centre of the arena Claire Walsh gave a fascinating demonstration on how to prepare a horse for the show ring. She worked through each stage of washing, combing and plaiting her own mare in full view of a most attentive audience.  Her credentials are impeccable, having turned out RDS and National Show champions.

Local farrier, Tim Cahill, took centre stage to give an equally interesting demonstration of traditional hot shoeing, using a commendably calm gelding. Many of the ringside observers reluctantly dragged themselves away from the horse exhibition on hearing that well-known veterinary expert Des Barnwell was commencing his presentation on mare fertility.

Arena Two was the venue for the horse exhibition that certainly fulfilled its promise to show the versatility of the Irish Draught. The action started with a display of brood mares and young stock. Susan Finnerty provided an insightful and entertaining commentary as the horses paraded and trotted in front of a crowd that was six deep along the ringside.

The best was yet to come and the Dressage performance by Anna Schep to the background track of “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen was certainly a show stopper. Frances Geoghegan brought the day to a memorable conclusion with a dazzling display of carriage driving as she elegantly moved Karen Garret’s ‘Little Mo’ at speed through an intricate series of cones.

Overall, this well organised event, which attracted visitors from all over Ireland and the U.K. should prove to be a tremendous boost for the Irish Draught in Munster and far beyond.