Virtuoso Irish Sport Horses

21/07/2023

This is absolutely fantastic and I am so, so, so happy to be able to post this.
Cobie and .charlotte.sometimes._ team winners today in the 110-115 division across the pond.
I helped Charli buy Cobie after seeing him and thought it would be a perfect match.
No one deserves this more than them, the hard work, dedication and partnership these two have is beautiful.
Through sickness, college, barn changes, trainer changes, exams etc they have fought so hard for it.
Every time they go out they do amazing things competing against horses and owners with unlimited budgets.
So proud of you Charli - you are a fabulous rider!

12/07/2023

Quick Reminder Applications Close Tonight!!

Coaches are named:
Lucinda Fredericks
Geoff Billington Show Jumper Geoff Billington
Heike Holstein
Dane Rawlins

Enter here:

https://forms.gle/VSVThgi4UXeX3PC87

What are you waiting for? World renowned coaches and an amazing opportunity.

TheGrassrootsGazette Equitas

Emilyjane Fletcher

11/07/2023

I wrote an article a couple of weeks ago that was published on this morning. For anyone who owns a horse or pony I would recommend reading it as it may help or at least give you some time to gather information and contacts incase the worst happens.
As a breeder and owner of horses I have seen foals and horses pass away, have to be put down or still born. It is very upsetting every time and emotions always run high.
In this post on the third photo I have included a screenshot from wherein he asks anyone who buys or owns horses to please recognise the breeders in their achievements throughout their life.
In breeding we tend to see more of these harsh outcomes than other parts of the equestrian riding world. Therefore any recognition and good stories are much appreciated.
I hope this article can help in the process If you ever find yourself in a horrible situation and I would really appreciate if we can recognise and tag the breeders of our horses!

Link below please like and share
https://www.equitas.ie/they-shoot-horses-dont-they/?ref=the-equitas-generation-newsletter&attribution_id=64a982eb3980260001b2947a&attribution_type=post

10/07/2023

👀 All the legs!! 👀

✈️ We have a c**t ❤️😍 from one of the very few breeding mares by Contender left in the world.✈️

🔝 Sire: Livello international 160 Showjumper. (Limbus X Ahorn). He has many progeny jumping 160 including Lappucino, BEC Lorenzo and ESI Toulouse.

⭐ Dam: Lasina is Contender X Lasino. Holstein line 3407.

Her dam line is full of 130-160 performers.
She is a full sister to stallion Cola and also U-Cola. Other notable performers include Classiker 160sj.

The great granddam Tira also produced two advanced (S) level show jumpers named Escarda (by Fernando) and Checkles (by Corofino I). And also from this damline comes not only approved stallion Cola but Le Grand Plaisire and Lord Fernando.

Bringing to the mix all the big TB names back in the pedigree - Ladykiller xx, Rantzau xx, Rittersporn xx, Orange Peel xx, Furioso xx, Cottage Son xx etc.!

Lasina has produced some fantastic stock, her first foal went to Australia and she jumped up to 120 as a 5yo before becoming a foundation broodmare for her family. She has youngstock in Ireland, USA and the Netherlands with the likes of Bertram Allen, and Niels Tacken.

We can't keep c**t foals so if you would like any more information on this beautiful c**t please ask. He will be grey and is expected to make 16.3hh.

27/06/2023

Applications now OPEN:

Apply here:
https://forms.gle/VSVThgi4UXeX3PC87

Details here:
https://thegrassrootsgazette.ie/?fbclid=PAAaZXCOgMD3CP1geRgFTwwUktAoF-v7D_TWr49Q0Z2IE_78Isxe3mJMZB-ic

The first of it's kind in Ireland!

The Grassroots Riding Academy.

Do you want to be part of the first academy and be trained by the likes of Lucinda Fredericks? Are you over 18? Riding at 80cm-120cm level??

Applications open tomorrow and close July 9th.

https://thegrassrootsgazette.ie/the-grassroots-rider-academy/?ref=equitas.ie

https://www.equitas.ie/grassroots-rider-academy/



Beechfield Stables Sport Horses Via Equine Lucinda Fredericks Equitas TheGrassrootsGazette

25/06/2023

Meet Flo!
Virtuoso Florence
Vicarstown x Quiletto
Vicarstown is a Luidam X Darco 6yo stallion with amazing scope and the best temperament.
Flo's dam is by Quiletto with breeding back to Diamond Serpent and Ballinvella.
Beautiful foal with a nice step and very friendly temperament.
Her siblings are in the UK, USA and Ireland.
Delighted she has already been reserved to the UK.

07/06/2023

Horses only care if you're kind.

04/06/2023

RIP little dude 🌈❤️ 5jun2023
Say hello to Frodo Baggins!
A Connemara x New Forest Pony
Sire: Kinamara Jovial Star a class 1 N/N 148cm Connemara pony.
Dam: Ipley Mistress
To make approx 13.2hh
Available to a great home only.
All comments and shares appreciated.

21/05/2023

18 days old and she's stunning!!

Virtuoso Fantastique
Vivant X Contender
Pretty, intelligent, blood filly with lovely presence.
Dam is full sister to Cola and U-cola with many more 130-160 horses in the dam line.
Her siblings are in NL, IE, AUS and the US.
This has been three years in the waiting after losing the last two foals. Breeding is the hardest job.

20/05/2023

Who dat boi??
Always a pleasure to go and see Vicarstown aka Lui. Owned by Gemma at Beechfield Stables.
Have seen him grow and develop the last five years. He has amazing talent, scope and power to burn with a wonderful temperament.
Here in his chifney so he knows it is a different kind of work today (cover a mare).
He is a Luidam X Darco stallion. 6yo approx.16.3hh. Ready to progress to 130.
Can't wait for my foal to hit the ground in a few weeks.

18/05/2023

08/05/2023

What do you think of the round at Badminton yesterday?
Why aren't the media asking the right questions?
Is Equitas the first media brand to do this?
To read the full article please go to equitas.ie where it is free to Subscribe or head to the Instagram

01/05/2023

Grab a coffee in the morning and have a read (or a glass of something now). Great article on horses and horsemanship.

https://www.worldofshowjumping.com/WoSJ-Exclusive-interviews/A-Young-Riders-Academy-with-Franke-Sloothaak-Do-as-little-as-possible-but-as-much-as-necessary.html #

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24/04/2023

Breeding Basics part 3 delves into the murky waters of stud fees!
Stud fees, terms and conditions can be as clear as mud. Have a read of the article and be reminded of some important questions to ask before handing over payment.
Use the link in my Equitas highlights reel or go to:

https://www.equitas.ie/breeding-part-3-the-murky-waters-of-stud-fees/

22/04/2023

Love nothing more than getting updates from the extended Virtuoso family.
Dash is now 2! He just gets more and more handsome ❤️
Now in the UK🇬🇧 with his family he's absolutely thriving.
His half sister Fleur will move to the UK once weaned also.
gelding

11/04/2023

Virtuoso Full Twist aka Fleur
Pretty lady Fleur is now reserved for the UK.
To make ~16.2hh Castlefield Kingston X Ars Vivendi
She will stay with us to be cared for until she is weaned.
This will include all initial education and groundwork with handling, leading and loading.

07/04/2023

Foals and headcollars.
I tend to introduce a headcollar when foals are a week or two old and once they are used to the feel of it and are happy for it to be taken on and off I leave them without them as much as possible.
I never use it to lead a foal at such a young age. The arm / towel / doubled up lead rope around the neck and same around the butt is a much safer option for moving and loading foals.
.
However I do feel it's important that they get used to the feeling of pressure in a relaxed environment and it seems to really help later on in their education.
Usually you need two people to get the headcollar on if you can't hold the foal sufficiently yourself as you don't want the foal to run off and you're trying to hold its head by the headcollar.
Once on I cradle the foal with both arms and place the foal in a corner. I stand slightly in front of the foal, release the arm from around the chest and hold the headcollar rope gently. When the foal moves their head they will feel slight pressure but your body will be blocking any forward or sideways movement of the foal and thus there will not be excessive pressure on the head. They learn very quickly once they relax the head and themselves there is no pressure.
This progresses in a day or two to the video as shown above where you can hold the headcollar and they back up usually but go with them quietly maintaining very soft pressure. You're not trying to hold or fix their head or stop them moving with force. As soon as they relax and stop you release any pressure. Fleur in the video above has only had headcollar pressure twice and this was the second time. That is how quickly you can see progress once the environment is relaxing and you and the foal are under as little pressure as possible. Of course it is very new to the foal and they may react quite fast and explosively immediately on any pressure and this is where your body position comes into play. You definitely don't want to hang off their head. It is also why it's easier to teach at this age before they're big enough to go through you for a short cut 😜.
If you have any other hints, tips or tricks let me know!

0 Likes, 1 Comments - Virtuoso Irish Sports Horses () on Instagram: "Foals and headcollars. . I tend to introduce a headcollar when foals are a week or two old and on..."

03/04/2023

How much does it cost to breed a horse? Scroll across to see a brief costing (the vet packages are per cycle & the cost of ET etc are not even considered here).
This has thrown up some interesting discussions today. What do you think?
Copy the link below for the full article:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/cost-to-breed-horse-316201?utm_medium=social&utm_content=horseandhound&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow

31/03/2023

🇬🇧 Reserved to the UK🇬🇧

❤️ Meet Fleur ❤️
🇮🇪🐴🍀
Born 22nd March 2023. Photos at 7 days old and video at 2days old (videos in comments).
She's a beautiful, super flashy filly with all the chrome. Take a look at the unusual squiggle down her face - she will always be recognised!
She is sired by Castlefield Kingston out of our mare April .
Castlefield Kingston is an 8yo stallion currently jumping CSI4* 135. Kingston is Cinsey ex Cascari and is fully approved by the ISH Studbook
April her dam is Ars Vivendi X Diamond Lad with a very interesting dam line.
She is a Full sister to: - Boleybawn Trendy (2009 Ars Vivendi): 1.30m & 6/7yo qualifiers Eddie Moloney

Half sister to:
- LCC Diamond Dazzler (2005 Harlequin): 1.40 Linda Courtney & Labrie Vold Kruger

- Diamond Lux (2002 Lux Z): 1.30m & 6/7yo Natasha Adrian

- Cor Diamond Dazzaler (2012 Harlequin): 130 Shane Goggins

- Lux Diamond Boy (2003 Olympic Lux) 1.35 amadini and Tomaz Tabernik

- Ssh Otthello (2001): 4yo Maurice Cousins Steven Smith
Potentially available to interested parties. Please contact me for more details. Does not yet have a registered name so this can be discussed.

12/03/2023

Breeding Basics part 2
Further understandings of Breeding - the mare's cycle and chemically altering her cycle: advanced considerations and embryo transfer.
https://www.equitas.ie/breeding-part-2/
.
Or use the link in my 'Equitas' highlights reel.
Check out the page for more and links to all articles.
Please comment and share.
Let me know if you would like more articles on breeding 🤗👍

10/03/2023

Breeding Basics part 1.
A basic understanding of breeding. Before you breed, the mare's cycle and types of cover.
https://www.equitas.ie/breeding-part-1/
.
Or use the link in my 'Equitas' highlights reel.
Check out the page for more and links to all articles.
Please comment and share, second part will go live over the weekend.

08/03/2023

A tribute to the current mares!
Clockwise from top left:
- Lasina - her sire is the one and only Contender
- Deadly - her sire is the jet black 160 jumper Quiletto
April - sired by the great broodmare sire Ars Vivendi
Izzy - sired by Brookshill Brumby (New Forest Pony).
Happy International Women's Day to the mares who make it possible.
.
A huge shout-out to owners of their progeny or any Virtuoso Sport Horse!
And all respective breeders who are facing into some long days and nights this spring/summer

07/03/2023

☕
An interview with Walter Connors by TheHorse.ie where he describes himself as a 'jack of all master of none,' however he's a pretty successful 'jack of all' by any standards!
His thoughts on buying a horse
'Just make a decision if it's right then great, if not then learn from it and move on.'

05/03/2023

Breeding
Pre-foaling Quick Checks closer to due date. April is due in 8 days. Although due dates don't mean much for mares and most will happily foal from D320 to D365+!!.

Check multiple times a day early on and in under a camera at night.
- attitude and demeanor (15 minutes a few times each day to start)
- shape round Vs point
- udder size shape and milk vein
- tail and hind quarters lax Vs tight
- v***a stretched or not
- milk pH, opacity, taste
Usually in and under camera from two weeks pre due date or earlier if felt necessary.

1 Likes, 0 Comments - Virtuoso Irish Sports Horses () on Instagram: "Breeding . Pre-foaling Quick Checks closer to due date. April is due in 8 days. Although due date..."

04/03/2023

2023 👀 - Are you on the lookout for something different?
Foal due in June:
Vicarstown x Quiletto
Vicarstown is an up and coming 2017 Luidam X Darco stallion. He's approx 16.3hh with an amazing temperament as well as huge power and scope. He was competed lightly last year as a 5yo including double clears at 115cm level.
His first dam: Flower E, is full sister to Grimaldi E SJ 1.40m and Hirondelle E SJ 1.45m.
Second dam: Nadine
Symfonie van het Eikelbos: dam of
-Whisper Z SJ 1.50m
And his Third dam: Idonia
Ridonia: dam of
-Alvadore Konineshoeve SJ 1.60m
-Jenson SJ 1.40m
-Livingstone e SJ 1.40m
Bred by Micheal O'Neill of Vicarstown stables
The foals dam is by Quiletto and stands at approx 16hh, she's blood and light off the ground with a lot of heart and stamina. She competed at 120 with an amateur. The Granddam also competed to 130sj unreg and 120sj reg.
DM any questions!!

03/03/2023

Breeding
Pre-foaling Quick Checks from 6 months on:

- attitude and demeanor
- shape round Vs point
- udder size shape and milk vein
- tail and hind quarters lax Vs tight
- v***a stretched or not
- milk pH, opacity, taste
Usually in and under camera from two weeks pre due date or earlier if felt necessary.

3 Likes, 0 Comments - Virtuoso Irish Sports Horses () on Instagram: "Breeding . Pre-foaling Quick Checks from 6 months on: - attitude and demeanor - shape round Vs p..."

02/03/2023

Look what I got sent today!
Virtuoso Explicit Content aka 'Bunny.' Billy Congo X Quiletto filly.
Captured by the insanely talented Buck It Equine, LLC for .charlotte.sometimes._ who has a fantastic clipping business .by.char
She looks like she is so happy in the US and I am delighted to see she has found her 'home' and has an amazing partnership with Charlotte.
Here's to watching her grow and thrive. Born in the middle of 2022 she was approx 14hh at 8months. Her sister who was also the same is currently rising 2 and is approx 16hh ❤️
🇮🇪

01/03/2023

Grab a coffee and have a read of my 5 minute minds interview with Olive Broderick.

Olive is the owner of Kylemore Stud and The Stallion Shop - Ireland working 18-20 hour days through the breeding season she kindly gave me an hour to chat and answer a few questions 🙏☺️

https://www.equitas.ie/5-minute-minds-quick-reads-on-peoples-perspectives-with-olive-broderick/?fbclid=PAAaYLzs5ZAidOMxndH_6x8nRDpi-fRZl6ukEK7Zk61WBO7Iy09OLPR8h1TDk

All other articles and interviews can be found here:
https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTUwODg0ODI0MjgxMTQ1?story_media_id=3047280153704137052_36128132220&igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

Olive Broderick lives in Galway and is the founder and owner of Kylemore Stud (with her husband Ivor) and also more recently, 'The Stallion Shop'. Olive is a well-known and well respected individual across the stud and breeding community in Ireland and abroad and she has an amazing knowledge of

28/02/2023

Oddly Satisfying ❤️

Anyone relate?

(It is my favourite thing about feed bags 😹)

Satisfying

26/02/2023

Really interesting piece on the equine amnion and wound care by Amy Rivergrove Equine Veterinary

22/02/2023

👀

Foal due by Castlefield Kingston out of our mare April.
Castlefield Kingston is a young stallion by Cinsey x Cascari. He is well balanced, has great rideability with good technique and carefulness.
April is Ars Vivendi X Diamond Lad with a very interesting dam line.
She is a Full sister to: - Boleybawn Trendy (2009 Ars Vivendi): 1.30m & 6/7yo qualifiers Eddie Moloney

Half sister to:
- LCC Diamond Dazzler (2005 Harlequin): 1.40 Linda Courtney & Labrie Vold Kruger

- Diamond Lux (2002 Lux Z): 1.30m & 6/7yo Natasha Adrian

- Cor Diamond Dazzaler (2012 Harlequin): 130 Shane Goggins

- Lux Diamond Boy (2003 Olympic Lux) 1.35 amadini and Tomaz Tabernik

- Ssh Otthello (2001): 4yo Maurice Cousins Steven Smith
DM any questions or enquiries. Would love to collaborate on this foal. Available if a c**t and to be discussed if a filly.

20/02/2023

Virtuoso Denver aka 'Baby D' turning 2 this year.
Currently expected to make 16.3hh+ he's looking absolutely fantastic under the fabulous care of his owner Natasja!
HHS Cornet x Ard Ohio X Clover Hill.
Delighted with this partnership in Denmark.
DM any enquires for foals due this year or possible bespoke breedings for 2024.

07/02/2023

Really interesting interview, very relevant to sport horses as well..............................................

On pedigree Vs the individual horse -
'I would sacrifice a bit of pedigree for the individual.'

On vetting-
'We don't need full sets of x-rays but if you have got any reason to think you should x-ray you have full permission to do so....let's not look for problems that are not clinically there at the moment.....however we are now doing more as customary back x-rays, we are finding the breed now many horses have some kissing spines or very close spines and you will still take a horse with that but sometimes you need all the information to make judgement.'

'There's no such thing as the perfect vetting.'

'It's very easy to fail one.'
...............................................

Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!
☕📚

Thanks to TheHorse.ie for this one.

16/01/2023

If he says he's too busy to text you back ....
🫣😉

POV: You have to send an important message but need to win the Grand Prix first.

12/01/2023

2023 Foal Watch
Vivant van den Heffinck X Contender
Vivant needs no introduction - an international superstar having competed at the highest level with three different riders.
Showing superb technique and scope with a great canter and attitude he also comes with fantastic rideability. All of which he is passing onto his progeny who are competitive at the top level. Adding to this he is also 54% blood!
Lasina is one of the very few direct breeding mares sired by Contender left in the world. She is a full sister to the fully approved jumping stallion Cola and also a full sister to U-Cola. Multiple other 130-160 horses in her dam line including Classiker and Gippsy as well as two other approved stallions Lord Fernando and Le Grand Plaisire.
All her progeny have shown amazing technique and scope with the best of temperaments. They are a pleasure to have around the yard and train.
DM enquiries.

08/01/2023

It's all in the breeding:
Cola!
Fully approved stallion in multiple registries and a full brother to our broodmare Lasina.
Contender X Lasino.
Out of a very small crop he has 15+ horses jumping 140+.
From website: 'He took his 30-day test in 2004 in Schlieckau, finishing with the highest possible scores in jumping. Cola confirmed his exceptional quality at shows by winning several elementary (L) and medium (M) level tests for young show jumpers. At the Bundeschampionat for show jumpers in Warendorf in 2006 he won a qualifier with an 8.8 and again qualified for the Bundeschampionat in 2007. In the following years he and Jan Sprehe were highly placed in international advanced (S**) level show jumping classes and since 2011, he has been successfully presented in the international sport (e.g. in Linz/AUT, Budapest/HUN) by Josef Jonas Sprehe. At the end of 2013, he moved to be trained by Tanja Sprehe who competed with him successfully too in national and international jumping classes.

In Vechta in 2006, Cola was awarded the I-c main premium for the quality of his first crop of foals, many of which were awarded a premium. A remarkably high number of his eldest offspring is successful in advanced (S) level show jumping. The Westphalian mare Fiona 483 (dam by Frühlingsball-Paradox I-Gottschalk) with Jörne Sprehe should be especially mentioned.'
Delighted to have this damline in our breeding programme.
DM enquiries