| ~ Ireland ~ |
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| Ireland was born at Applebite Farms here in California on February 13, 1997. His registered name is Show Me the Man. He was in training with Mike Maher but did not have the speed to continue training. |
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| September 28th, the day after he came off the track. |
| ~ Our Story ~ |
| On September 27, 2000 I went with a friend up to a local TB Farm to see a horse she had bought. As we were walking along, I was drawn to this big bay horse in a stall. I was told his name was Show Me the Man and he had just come in from Golden Gate Fields that morning. I was also warned not to get too close to his stall because he would lunge and not let anyone near him. We kept walking, but I was drawn to him. I kept looking back at him, and he began watching me and throwing his head up and down. We did a lap around the barn and back to my friends horse. Ireland began to call to me from his stall. As everyone watched, I walked over slowly to his stall. When I got close enough to try to pet him, he let me. Next thing I knew he had his head on my shoulder and was nuzzling me. From there the rest is history. I was NOT in the market for another horse, but something told me he was the one I had to have. That night I could not get him out of my head and tossed and turned all night. Needless to say, the next day I went back to buy him. When I took him out of his stall I was amazed at how much bigger he was than he already appeared. He's a good 17 hands! Once again I was warned to be carefull with him, but he had good ground manners with me. He even walked OVER a stack of 2 haybales that were in his way. That's when I decided he'd go for eventing as well. After giving him a good month off, with lots of bonding and treats, I saddled him up. We are working on the basic walk/trot/whoa! commands and so far so good. He's now trotting over poles and has taken a few low jumps, and we are working on taming the gallop into a can'ter.. Ireland will start training for 3-day eventing with my trainer from England. |
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| ~ Pedigree ~ |
| Nasrullah Curragh King Early Sunrise Olympiad King Big Game (GB) Gamest Bebe Mangaki Porterhouse Isle of Greece Lysistrata Sweet Anasticia Tim Tam Awake Krakenwake Northern Dancer SHOW ME THE MAN Nijinsky II Flaming Page Encino Crimson Satan Crimson Saint Bolero Rose Shorouk Dust Commander Run Dusty Run Running Beauty Dusty Heart Better Bee Bet Her Name Name It |
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| The Retraining Program Begins |
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| This photo was taken on May 6, 2001. We have begun working on teaching Ireland what a CANTER is. He launched into this like he was back in the starting gate! Notice how his mane is standing up and I'm tipped forward....but he did respond and came back to me without taking off down the long side of the arena. |
| This photo was taken the same day while we were working on our balance at the trot. |
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| Living Happily Ever After |
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| June 2001 |
| Photo by Susan Ragan |
| Photo by Susan Ragan |
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| Ireland, the day after we met, and I purchased him. He was not looking like the friendliest horse, but that has all changed. See his photos below. |
| The boys now live at a Thoroughbred Ranch here in Vacaville. They have a 2.5 acre irrigated pasture to live in, complete with a pond and trees. They are happier than I have ever seen them and they have both filled out nicely with their coats dappling as well. |
| In Loving Memory ~ On September 19, 2001 Ireland crossed over the rainbow bridge. In a freak pasture accident he fractured his scapula and the doctors at UC Davis could not save him. Not a day goes by that I don't miss this kind soul. You are FOREVER in my heart, and in my soul Ireland. I love you..... |
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| This photo was taken two days before Ireland died, and was our last ride together. Luckily this photo was taken that day. |
| The photos on either side of this text are my saying my farewells to Ireland at UC Davis before he was euthanized. It was the hardest thing I have ever endured, and he stood bravely beside me to the very end. He was truely a wonderful guy. |