|
National Geographic Ballad of the Irish Horse
|
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In Ireland, horses are |
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of history and memory, |
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where the ancient magic |
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still weaves its spell. |
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Their presence is pervasive, |
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as if horses help to define |
| 00:00:55 |
Horses are the Irishman's sport... |
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Ireland is the birthplace |
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Horses are Ireland's tradition. |
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Showjumping originated |
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Horses are Ireland's business. |
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This is the Irish National Stud. |
| 00:01:24 |
Horses are Ireland's pleasure. |
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Here people still ride across |
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and thousands of families |
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This romance of the Irish |
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and their horses |
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nurtured by necessity, |
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It is one of the oldest |
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The Ballad of the Irish Horse. |
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Ireland |
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Ireland of myth and mystery, |
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of wild shores and soft rains, |
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lush pastures and rich soil, |
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where the past still lives. |
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Even today, Ireland remains, |
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as it has been |
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largely agricultural. |
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Here, the story of man and horse |
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A saga woven of threads |
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custom and religion, |
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inseparably in the fiber |
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While the rest of Europe |
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by the Industrial Revolution, |
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Ireland remained essentially |
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Until only 40 year ago, |
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most families in Ireland |
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to plow the fields |
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On market days, |
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to a wagon to haul his produce. |
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On Sundays, horse and wagon |
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In remote areas of the west, |
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the old Irish ways |
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And the people of |
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in their lives |
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Here, people still go ton fairs |
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at villages |
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to buy and sell horses |
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In Napoleonic times, |
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came here to buy |
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for their elite cavalry regiments. |
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Today at the Great October Fair |
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the flavor of a lost age lingers. |
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If she's there for 50 pounds, |
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The trading is still punctuated |
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a middleman still brings buyer |
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And a bit of earth |
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still shows that a bargain |
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Like his father and grandfather, |
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He came to this fair |
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Now he brings his son, Alan, |
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knowing the boy |
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And today he has come to buy |
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We'll go and see |
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Stand back a minute there, lads. |
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What do you carry on |
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Fourteen two. |
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The man says seven. |
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Give him 1,000 pounds. |
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Give him to him for 1,000 pounds |
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And after that, say no more. |
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I'll give you 800. |
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Well, I look at it this way. |
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Your lad will be |
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and he's a good rider. |
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And I like to see him |
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If you tell me |
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I'll divide it |
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That's 900, right? |
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Give him 1,000 pounds. |
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Go on, give him 1,000. |
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I tell you what I'll do. |
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I'll go away and leave you |
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And you might get a better lad. |
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I'm here to sell him. |
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That'll be 1,000 pounds, |
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You're fiddling around there |
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That will be 1,000 quid |
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Give him a check then |
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Will you break the board? |
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Go on. Give him to him now. Sold. |
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Hold out, hold out. |
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One, two, three, four... |
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God bless you. |
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After a few pounds are given |
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Alan leaves the fair |
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symbol of his future |
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Some 9,000 years ago, |
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crossing a land bridge that |
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Horses arrived about 2,000 B.C., |
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who introduced their farming |
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The island's placid existence |
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as a wave of |
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their battle chariots drawn |
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When the bloody days of plunder |
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the invaders became settlers, |
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and their Celtic legacy imprinted |
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on the soul and style of Ireland. |
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The blood of their fiery mounts |
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mixed with that of |
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producing a better, faster horse. |
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Over the centuries, successive |
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and ideas were |
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in her poignant |
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There were Vikings, |
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There were St. Patrick |
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All would create permanent changes |
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and in the hearts of |
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But certain things |
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For thousands of years |
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man and horse continued |
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Today, in the west, |
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still run free |
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Here at Lough Mask in County Mayo, |
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John Daly has kept |
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on an island through the winter. |
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The island is a short trip |
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from the lakeshore |
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Connemara ponies are, in fact, |
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small horses, |
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Perfectly adapted to |
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they retain the iron constitutions |
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the ability to forage, |
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to survive on their own |
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But now, in spring, |
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the gray stallion with the mares. |
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Come on, boy. |
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Easy, boys... |
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Easy, good fella. |
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With a gentleness |
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from a lifetime |
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John quickly gains |
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There is evidence |
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some imported, |
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mixed with the native ponies |
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Once used as both pack |
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in a rough |
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today the intelligent, |
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docile Connemara ponies |
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Daly will release the stallion |
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allowing him to mate with any |
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Mares come into season |
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but are quick to |
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if his advances are unwelcome. |
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Her posture and stillness indicate |
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So the blood of |
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strengthened by the demands |
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tempered by centuries of work |
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is passed into the future. |
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And if all goes well, |
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there will be a new foal |
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At Tulira Castle in County Galway, |
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Lady Anne Hemphill began breeding |
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Connemara ponies |
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An avid rider |
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Lady Hemphill wanted her children |
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to share her lifelong enthusiasm. |
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Her husband encouraged her |
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in horsemanship |
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Two decades later, |
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the County Galway |
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"Now if the pony's at grass, |
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what should he have in the fields?" |
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Water. |
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Yes, fine. |
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Shade. |
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Shade is most important, isn't it? |
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Are you looking at his teeth? |
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Yes. |
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he's over seven years. |
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Well done. Good Girl. |
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There are pony Club branches |
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providing an opportunity |
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to learn not only riding, |
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and proper care of the animals. |
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I think it's a very good |
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because it's getting away |
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being in the cinemas, |
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Can you manage, Mark? |
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No, no... it's a long way up. |
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I don't know if you'll be |
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Keep away, keep away from that. |
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Go out here |
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so that other people can |
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Now, come on. |
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Ups-a-daisy. Hold on. Good boy. |
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I find it very rewarding, |
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when some of the children |
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members of this branch |
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They're doctors, |
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or they're business people now. |
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And they're coming back, |
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I call all their children |
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I haven't got any of |
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but I got a lot of grandchildren. |
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Use your legs. Take him on. |
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Now, take it easy. |
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and take it easy. |
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Now don't go so far back. |
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Now just trot into it. |
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Good boy. Well done. |
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Good man. Woops! |
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All right? You're fine. Next. |
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Shorten up your reins. |
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You haven't got much contact, |
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Come into it trotting. |
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For a small branch we've produced |
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the winning Pony Club |
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We've gone to England three time. |
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It is quite something. |
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I don't want any racing, |
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and I don't want anybody |
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So for goodness sake |
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You will trot down |
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I'll show you which way to go. |
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I love seeing these children |
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But it just gives me |
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So a keen horsewoman |
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and the children of yet |
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with their ancient Irish heritage |
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Racing horses was |
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This plain still bears |
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derived from |
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"a place |
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Keep her going now on |
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Living at the edge of the Curragh, |
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the Hutchinson family retains |
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the Celtic passion |
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In the paddock behind their home, |
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Caroline, age 15, |
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He was an amateur jockey. |
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She dreams of |
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Whoa, lass. Whoa, lass. |
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Pony races are held |
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Though the jockeys are |
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the betting is serious business, |
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with part of the proceeds |
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Six to four on... |
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My father always had |
| 00:18:30 |
And he was one of the |
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Had a couple of |
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and I used to ride |
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And now, thank God, |
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Caroline is one of four |
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participating in |
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Mrs. Hutchinson is active too, |
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for the pony races are |
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much like Little League Baseball. |
| 00:18:55 |
Some of Ireland's leading jockeys |
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began their careers |
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Sure, Caroline is very good. |
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She's courageous, she has ability, |
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she likes the game, |
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And I don't think she'll ever, |
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no matter what I say |
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she won't do anything else. |
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She rides to win, |
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I'd live to be a professional |
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The biggest challenge for me |
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I don't think race riding |
| 00:19:36 |
But they do like it. They love it. |
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They live for it. |
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They don't want to |
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They want their pony. |
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They want to be a sport. |
| 00:19:45 |
You're always thinking of |
| 00:19:48 |
and thinking ahead of |
| 00:19:50 |
whether it's sharp |
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And especially if you're on a pony |
| 00:19:54 |
that's slow earlier on |
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Because of her consistent winning, |
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Caroline is sought to |
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as well as her father's. |
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When you're in front |
| 00:20:18 |
the owners come running up to you |
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and say, "Well done" and all that. |
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It's just great to see |
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from winning on their pony. |
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And then your friends come up |
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It's just a great feeling. |
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I'm delighted |
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That was a female race. |
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And I'm just thrilled |
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and that I had a good pony. |
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Winning against |
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Caroline raced |
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when she became |
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for an unprecedented |
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In 1752, with the steeples |
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a Mr. O'Callaghan |
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from the church at Buttevant, |
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jumping walls and fences, |
| 00:21:08 |
to the church at Doneraile... |
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thus running the first recorded |
| 00:21:22 |
Today, some of Ireland's |
| 00:21:24 |
take place at the Galway Races. |
| 00:21:27 |
Thousands gather daily to bet |
| 00:21:30 |
in this week of festivities |
| 00:21:33 |
that the ancient Celts assembled |
| 00:21:35 |
to honor their god of horseracing. |
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The National Stud was established |
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to foster |
| 00:22:56 |
by providing breeders with |
| 00:23:02 |
The record of |
| 00:23:03 |
from the publication in 1793 of |
| 00:23:08 |
which listed three Arab stallions |
| 00:23:13 |
Every thoroughbred on earth |
| 00:23:19 |
A sire is selected by the breeder |
| 00:23:23 |
tracked back through |
| 00:23:25 |
his conformation or appearance, |
| 00:23:27 |
and the number of races |
| 00:23:29 |
Six-year-old Raja Bab horse. |
| 00:23:31 |
He's a tremendous individual. |
| 00:23:34 |
A great mover, tremendous quality. |
| 00:23:37 |
His first crop are now foals. |
| 00:23:39 |
He won four group races, |
| 00:23:43 |
at Royal Ascot |
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Dr. Maire O'Connor |
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and resident veterinarian |
| 00:23:55 |
We're just starting to |
| 00:23:57 |
for a couple of days. |
| 00:23:59 |
Yeah, yeah. |
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Ireland is well known |
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We have the climate and the soil |
| 00:24:10 |
There's a tremendous closeness |
| 00:24:13 |
of the horse in the Irish people. |
| 00:24:16 |
Among her responsibilities |
| 00:24:18 |
when the mares |
| 00:24:34 |
Every step of the procedure |
| 00:24:37 |
in the breeding of these delicate |
| 00:25:01 |
Eighteen days after the covering, |
| 00:25:03 |
a sonogram is made by a visiting |
| 00:25:15 |
With this sophisticated device |
| 00:25:17 |
they can see |
| 00:25:19 |
and determine |
| 00:25:22 |
You can see it there... |
| 00:25:26 |
Heart beating. |
| 00:25:28 |
Within the white spot, |
| 00:25:30 |
of the tiny fetus |
| 00:25:36 |
The mare's gestation period |
| 00:25:38 |
the birth usually takes |
| 00:25:45 |
A member of the staff |
| 00:26:15 |
For Maire O'Connor and the staff, |
| 00:26:17 |
the hundreds of births |
| 00:26:20 |
do not diminish |
| 00:26:48 |
Within the hour |
| 00:26:50 |
to stand and run with the herd |
| 00:26:54 |
and the fragile new life |
| 00:27:14 |
These spindly legs, |
| 00:27:17 |
have centuries of |
| 00:27:27 |
When they are three days old, |
| 00:27:28 |
healthy foals |
| 00:27:31 |
Each is examined daily. |
| 00:27:34 |
Those with special problems |
| 00:27:38 |
Up you come. |
| 00:27:43 |
That's good. Okay. |
| 00:27:46 |
Come on. |
| 00:27:51 |
There's tremendous limestone |
| 00:27:52 |
and you get a tremendous |
| 00:27:54 |
coming through the grass |
| 00:27:56 |
So you get very good |
| 00:27:59 |
And, of course, |
| 00:28:02 |
So you want good bone |
| 00:28:05 |
Born to race, these foals carry |
| 00:28:10 |
Among these new lives |
| 00:28:13 |
bred at the Irish National Stud |
| 00:28:15 |
to thunder home to victory |
| 00:28:36 |
Here at Goffs, |
| 00:28:38 |
are offered at auction. |
| 00:28:40 |
A yearling, still totally |
| 00:28:43 |
may bring close to |
| 00:28:46 |
At 260... any more now, |
| 00:28:50 |
about $300,000 at 260, |
| 00:28:54 |
at 260 one more time. |
| 00:28:56 |
At 260 that's what I sell her |
| 00:29:01 |
Millions are spent |
| 00:29:03 |
on the animal's pedigree |
| 00:29:08 |
Vincent O'Brien is the greatest |
| 00:29:12 |
a magician who transforms |
| 00:29:20 |
An international group |
| 00:29:23 |
his uncanny eye |
| 00:29:28 |
His reputation began to soar |
| 00:29:30 |
in the '50s |
| 00:29:33 |
at the world's |
| 00:29:35 |
England's Grand National. |
| 00:29:37 |
There is stubborn refusal here |
| 00:29:40 |
And now for a most |
| 00:29:48 |
Those were the leaders |
| 00:29:50 |
but alas, this fence accounted |
| 00:29:51 |
for the gallant Sun Dew |
| 00:29:54 |
No, there was not to be |
| 00:29:57 |
At the last fence, |
| 00:29:59 |
but Quare Times made no mistake |
| 00:30:01 |
and galloped away in great style. |
| 00:30:03 |
Neither Tudor Line |
| 00:30:05 |
who will finish third, |
| 00:30:07 |
It was Quare Times' |
| 00:30:10 |
And it was the third |
| 00:30:12 |
for trainer Vincent O'Brien. |
| 00:30:22 |
Triumphant in the classic races |
| 00:30:25 |
O'Brien next turned his wizardry |
| 00:30:29 |
Son of a farmer, |
| 00:30:32 |
he started his remarkable career |
| 00:30:34 |
with a rented stable |
| 00:30:37 |
I must have had a natural liking |
| 00:30:39 |
for horses right from the start, |
| 00:30:41 |
and that developed |
| 00:30:44 |
Eventually I started training. |
| 00:30:46 |
I don't think I would |
| 00:30:49 |
Today his empire spreads |
| 00:30:54 |
Ballydoyle is the world's finest |
| 00:30:58 |
with magnificent barns, |
| 00:31:01 |
gallops each 14 furlongs |
| 00:31:04 |
a 19th century Georgian home, |
| 00:31:08 |
and stables of thoroughbreds |
| 00:31:11 |
all under tight security. |
| 00:31:15 |
O'Brien retains a percentage |
| 00:31:20 |
Among this season's crop |
| 00:31:22 |
are seven sons of Nijinsky |
| 00:31:25 |
three of Alleged, |
| 00:31:31 |
O'Brien's extraordinary powers |
| 00:31:33 |
from an almost magical ability |
| 00:31:35 |
to sense what each animal ends |
| 00:31:39 |
It is very important to make |
| 00:31:43 |
because they're like people |
| 00:31:46 |
Some horses have got a very easy, |
| 00:31:51 |
and they have no mental problems. |
| 00:31:54 |
But others have, and they |
| 00:31:57 |
They're specially trained, |
| 00:32:00 |
and keep them settled |
| 00:32:05 |
O'Brien's success |
| 00:32:08 |
His race winnings alone have been |
| 00:32:10 |
as high as a million dollars |
| 00:32:14 |
But it is |
| 00:32:17 |
that its big moneymaking |
| 00:32:20 |
Today O'Brien focuses |
| 00:32:23 |
After a few major wins |
| 00:32:26 |
the best are retired to stand at stud. |
| 00:32:31 |
Sold to groups of investors for |
| 00:32:32 |
more than 25 million dollars each, |
| 00:32:35 |
these stallions earn huge fees |
| 00:32:40 |
So, the mystique of a man |
| 00:32:42 |
and his thoroughbreds |
| 00:32:45 |
an important component of |
| 00:32:59 |
In the 18th century, |
| 00:33:00 |
Irish farmers |
| 00:33:03 |
work animals able to |
| 00:33:07 |
Today, the blood of the robust |
| 00:33:10 |
mingles with that of the fiery |
| 00:33:13 |
with the stamina needed |
| 00:33:18 |
The hunt, |
| 00:33:21 |
attained its present form |
| 00:33:26 |
in 18th century England |
| 00:33:26 |
when Ireland |
| 00:33:30 |
Michael Dempsey |
| 00:33:32 |
of the world famous |
| 00:33:37 |
Tempo, get in. |
| 00:33:42 |
My grandfather was interested in, |
| 00:33:44 |
my father was interested |
| 00:33:47 |
They used to both hunt. |
| 00:33:48 |
At that time, you see, |
| 00:33:49 |
all the work with horses |
| 00:33:51 |
There were no tractors. |
| 00:33:53 |
Once the exclusive province |
| 00:33:56 |
today the hunt's |
| 00:33:58 |
by thousands of ardent |
| 00:34:14 |
Dempsey, a local boy, |
| 00:34:17 |
of becoming master of hounds. |
| 00:34:19 |
But I think I was about either |
| 00:34:23 |
"One day I will hunt |
| 00:34:26 |
That was my ambition. |
| 00:34:28 |
Yes, all my life was |
| 00:34:32 |
A farmer of modest means, |
| 00:34:34 |
by the members' subscriptions |
| 00:34:51 |
Oh, I love those hounds, |
| 00:34:53 |
and I know |
| 00:34:54 |
And they're all of a character |
| 00:34:57 |
I see them every day |
| 00:35:00 |
You have to be very close |
| 00:35:02 |
before they'll work with you. |
| 00:35:20 |
Farmers have long considered |
| 00:35:23 |
Hounds were bred |
| 00:35:26 |
that his in fields and farms. |
| 00:35:29 |
Hunters "riding to hounds" |
| 00:35:32 |
and so, this sport evolved. |
| 00:35:35 |
When you get out there |
| 00:35:37 |
are going together |
| 00:35:40 |
that is the greatest feeling |
| 00:35:42 |
And a good horse beneath you. |
| 00:35:44 |
To be able to gallop right |
| 00:35:47 |
and they're really running on |
| 00:35:49 |
I think it's the best thrill |
| 00:35:53 |
I don't know what it does to you |
| 00:35:55 |
it just gets your blood really up. |
| 00:35:57 |
The first fox of the day |
| 00:36:37 |
Often they lose the fox. |
| 00:36:40 |
Sometimes, they lost their seat |
| 00:36:43 |
and occasionally |
| 00:36:54 |
Are you hurt? Off you go. |
| 00:36:58 |
Well, where do I go? |
| 00:36:59 |
Go on, go on across there. |
| 00:37:01 |
Go on and get on to it. |
| 00:37:27 |
When the last fox |
| 00:37:30 |
and the hour grows late, |
| 00:37:31 |
Dempsey calls a halt |
| 00:37:41 |
Home now. |
| 00:37:43 |
We go for the beer now |
| 00:37:47 |
The hunters head for |
| 00:37:50 |
a pub called "The Blazers". |
| 00:37:59 |
The Galway Blazers have |
| 00:38:03 |
It is said that a group |
| 00:38:05 |
once reveled so boisterously |
| 00:38:09 |
that is burst into flames |
| 00:38:14 |
Tonight, this pub is ablaze |
| 00:38:18 |
the pints, |
| 00:38:28 |
Every year |
| 00:38:30 |
hosts international show |
| 00:38:34 |
Show jumping began |
| 00:38:38 |
Contests to see how high and wide |
| 00:38:40 |
the horses could |
| 00:38:43 |
they offered prizes to those |
| 00:38:57 |
This competition is called |
| 00:39:01 |
It was named |
| 00:39:03 |
the horse that this man, |
| 00:39:04 |
Eddie Macken, |
| 00:39:07 |
in the world of |
| 00:39:09 |
the horse that made him |
| 00:39:22 |
Macken's great successes with |
| 00:39:26 |
Soon horse and rider were labeled |
| 00:39:29 |
"the most exciting partnership |
| 00:39:33 |
The Hickstead Derby, |
| 00:39:37 |
Winner in 1976, |
| 00:39:41 |
He'll have to do |
| 00:39:45 |
and there are few riders |
| 00:39:46 |
more likely to do it |
| 00:39:49 |
Come on, Boomerang... |
| 00:39:53 |
Yes 27.3! |
| 00:39:58 |
Boomerang was everything I am. |
| 00:40:00 |
I just was very fortunate |
| 00:40:02 |
at the right stage in life. |
| 00:40:03 |
He was probably fortunate |
| 00:40:05 |
We came together and developed |
| 00:40:09 |
and he put me right at the top |
| 00:40:11 |
in a very short period of time. |
| 00:40:14 |
All eyes are on the brilliant |
| 00:40:20 |
He just pauses. |
| 00:40:22 |
He's in plenty of time. |
| 00:40:25 |
He's absolutely right for it. |
| 00:40:30 |
Go on, Eddie! |
| 00:40:36 |
What a magnificent performance |
| 00:40:40 |
Incredible to think |
| 00:40:43 |
his fourth British jumping derby |
| 00:40:48 |
This trophy was commissioned |
| 00:40:51 |
had won his fourth consecutive |
| 00:40:54 |
The Hickstead Derby is probably |
| 00:40:56 |
one of the most |
| 00:40:57 |
in world showjumping to win. |
| 00:40:59 |
For a horse to win it once |
| 00:41:01 |
be he actually won it four times. |
| 00:41:03 |
In 1980 Boomerang broke a bone |
| 00:41:07 |
and Macken retired him. |
| 00:41:09 |
But Hickstead brought them back |
| 00:41:10 |
for an emotional farewell tribute. |
| 00:41:27 |
It was a sad moment for Eddie |
| 00:41:29 |
as they left the show grounds |
| 00:41:32 |
Three years later, |
| 00:41:34 |
became so painful |
| 00:41:37 |
He is buried on Macken's farm. |
| 00:41:40 |
I never knew a horse that could |
| 00:41:43 |
And the possibilities of |
| 00:41:45 |
with as much talent |
| 00:41:50 |
The loss of Boomerang |
| 00:41:54 |
With his wife, Susanne, |
| 00:41:57 |
with the unique talent and |
| 00:42:01 |
Okay? |
| 00:42:02 |
All right. |
| 00:42:14 |
Buying, feeding, training, |
| 00:42:18 |
is an expensive |
| 00:42:21 |
But the Macken animals |
| 00:42:24 |
Including, for some, |
| 00:42:27 |
three times a week |
| 00:42:29 |
what Irish doctors prescribe |
| 00:42:33 |
must be good for horses. |
| 00:42:42 |
Youngest of five children, |
| 00:42:44 |
Macken is the son |
| 00:42:47 |
Is he ready to go? |
| 00:42:49 |
Yeah. You want to leave him |
| 00:42:51 |
I'll ride him. |
| 00:42:52 |
A superb, natural rider, |
| 00:42:54 |
with a special feel |
| 00:43:13 |
This animal seems to |
| 00:43:16 |
Macken examines him to see |
| 00:43:22 |
He's starting to |
| 00:43:23 |
about this now |
| 00:43:24 |
Yeah. He's just anticipating it. |
| 00:43:27 |
Very tight there. |
| 00:43:29 |
Will, Robin's coming this |
| 00:43:32 |
He is, eh? |
| 00:43:36 |
Can you not work that other hand |
| 00:43:37 |
on top of his hip |
| 00:43:40 |
There's definitely something |
| 00:43:41 |
Yeah. It's just |
| 00:43:46 |
for the horse anyway to have |
| 00:43:48 |
somebody contracting |
| 00:43:51 |
Eddie himself has acknowledged |
| 00:43:55 |
comes along only once |
| 00:43:59 |
But together, he and Susanne |
| 00:44:02 |
hoping to find to create his |
| 00:44:08 |
and soften the loss of Boomerang, |
| 00:44:11 |
a gallant champion |
| 00:44:16 |
You remember that chestnut foal |
| 00:44:20 |
Oh, do you remember, yeah? |
| 00:44:40 |
All over Ireland, |
| 00:44:43 |
to be the next Eddie Macken |
| 00:44:46 |
with the intense hope |
| 00:44:49 |
For them, young riders |
| 00:44:53 |
success demands more |
| 00:44:56 |
it requires financial |
| 00:44:58 |
from the entire family. |
| 00:45:01 |
As they often do, their parents |
| 00:45:02 |
devote the weekend |
| 00:45:05 |
The weather's going to |
| 00:45:06 |
How many more do you...? |
| 00:45:08 |
Ten more, ten more, |
| 00:45:10 |
Philip was once junior champion |
| 00:45:15 |
Now he trains |
| 00:45:18 |
who began competing |
| 00:45:20 |
You come down into it. |
| 00:45:21 |
You're just going down the hill. |
| 00:45:23 |
And the horse just tends to |
| 00:45:25 |
because you're coming |
| 00:45:26 |
So you just want to sit him up |
| 00:45:28 |
Compensate for the downhill. |
| 00:45:31 |
You're going too slow |
| 00:45:33 |
Now come on, waken up. Come on. |
| 00:45:35 |
Philip has already committed |
| 00:45:38 |
and coaches other |
| 00:45:40 |
as well as Trevor. |
| 00:45:42 |
Just give him a little kick. |
| 00:45:44 |
That's good. |
| 00:45:45 |
We'll just go up above |
| 00:45:47 |
and then we'll go in. |
| 00:45:50 |
Now let's have two awake people |
| 00:45:56 |
All right. |
| 00:45:58 |
You're going to win. |
| 00:45:59 |
You're going to win, okay? |
| 00:46:01 |
You're going to win. |
| 00:46:03 |
And we will trot, trot. |
| 00:46:14 |
Oh, crikey! |
| 00:46:17 |
We're going to win today, |
| 00:46:19 |
Yes, we are. |
| 00:46:21 |
We're going to win. |
| 00:46:27 |
Good boy. |
| 00:46:28 |
Let's go see Philip. Okay? |
| 00:46:32 |
Every competition |
| 00:46:34 |
to grow in skill and experience. |
| 00:46:37 |
But in Ireland, |
| 00:46:40 |
to the most exciting challenge |
| 00:46:43 |
the Dublin Horse show. |
| 00:46:46 |
Ireland's greatest horse show, |
| 00:46:48 |
it has been attracting champions |
| 00:47:06 |
All of the riders |
| 00:47:08 |
by winning at a number of |
| 00:47:39 |
Held at the Royal Dublin |
| 00:47:42 |
the Dublin Horse Show |
| 00:47:44 |
considered the nation's |
| 00:47:54 |
Enthusiasts from farms, |
| 00:47:57 |
across the country |
| 00:48:01 |
as 1,000 horses |
| 00:48:04 |
from five nations stage five days |
| 00:48:06 |
of fierce competitions |
| 00:48:23 |
Michael Dempsey is here |
| 00:48:25 |
the obedience of |
| 00:48:35 |
And Trevor Dagg |
| 00:48:37 |
in the same arena |
| 00:48:41 |
And you'll be all right. Okay? |
| 00:48:42 |
Don't worry about it. |
| 00:48:44 |
It'll go all right |
| 00:48:47 |
Okay, give him a pop. |
| 00:48:49 |
And this is |
| 00:48:51 |
To win the championship, |
| 00:48:53 |
Trevor must clear |
| 00:48:55 |
and jump the course |
| 00:49:05 |
Oh, no. |
| 00:49:15 |
Good man. Well done. |
| 00:49:23 |
Oh, no. it's gone. |
| 00:49:47 |
A caring brother |
| 00:49:50 |
But for Trevor, |
| 00:49:52 |
may be a harbinger of |
| 00:50:01 |
It was here |
| 00:50:03 |
jumping competitions were held. |
| 00:50:05 |
This year Eddie Macken |
| 00:50:08 |
to set a new Irish jumping record. |
| 00:50:20 |
In this great yearly celebration |
| 00:50:23 |
the ancient spirit of |
| 00:50:25 |
is aroused a new, |
| 00:50:30 |
Within each individual, the warmth |
| 00:50:33 |
with the animal |
| 00:50:35 |
his nation's history is rekindled. |
| 00:50:49 |
I think we have produced |
| 00:50:51 |
world class horses |
| 00:50:54 |
And we've become famous |
| 00:50:56 |
But I think the greatest asset |
| 00:50:59 |
that as a pleasure horse |
| 00:51:02 |
he seems to be more clever, |
| 00:51:06 |
more easy to deal with, |
| 00:51:09 |
And he seems to give |
| 00:51:12 |
than the Continental horses do. |
| 00:51:15 |
Myself and my family, |
| 00:51:19 |
today, tomorrow, |
| 00:51:21 |
we'll still look after the horse. |
| 00:51:24 |
We would give the horse |
| 00:51:27 |
We were with horses |
| 00:51:29 |
and Irish people, |
| 00:51:34 |
They'll talk about horses, |
| 00:51:36 |
they'll have horses, |
| 00:51:38 |
They'll never get rid of them. |
| 00:51:40 |
A tremendous appreciation |
| 00:51:43 |
runs through the Irish people. |
| 00:51:45 |
Ireland is an island. |
| 00:51:46 |
We are an island people, |
| 00:51:49 |
the traits that were |
| 00:51:53 |
are still present today |
| 00:52:10 |
In the quite of the countryside |
| 00:52:13 |
a new Connemara pony |
| 00:52:17 |
Only minutes old, |
| 00:52:21 |
he is born with the ability |
| 00:52:24 |
to survive in the lean land |
| 00:52:28 |
Within himself |
| 00:52:31 |
of thousands of years |
| 00:52:45 |
The saga of the Irish horse |
| 00:52:49 |
because to the people of Ireland, |
| 00:52:51 |
horses represent a link |
| 00:52:56 |
A traditional past |
| 00:53:02 |
So the children of Ireland |
| 00:53:06 |
each generation |
| 00:53:09 |
and hope, triumph and love, |
| 00:53:15 |
that is the ballad of |
| 00:53:30 |
Thank for your watching. |
