1 00:00:11,044 --> 00:00:14,946 In Ireland, horses are an indelible part of the landscape... 2 00:00:15,081 --> 00:00:19,643 of history and memory, of a past and present 3 00:00:19,786 --> 00:00:21,253 where the ancient magic of the horse 4 00:00:21,388 --> 00:00:23,982 still weaves its spell. 5 00:00:24,124 --> 00:00:26,183 Their presence is pervasive, 6 00:00:26,326 --> 00:00:31,195 as if horses help to define what the Irish people are. 7 00:00:55,955 --> 00:00:58,446 Horses are the Irishman's sport... 8 00:00:58,591 --> 00:01:02,152 Ireland is the birthplace of steeplechasing. 9 00:01:09,636 --> 00:01:11,934 Horses are Ireland's tradition. 10 00:01:12,072 --> 00:01:15,007 Showjumping originated on this green land. 11 00:01:16,309 --> 00:01:18,573 Horses are Ireland's business. 12 00:01:18,711 --> 00:01:22,044 This is the Irish National Stud. 13 00:01:24,117 --> 00:01:26,347 Horses are Ireland's pleasure. 14 00:01:26,486 --> 00:01:30,786 Here people still ride across fields and farms to the hounds... 15 00:01:30,924 --> 00:01:35,258 and thousands of families keep horses for recreation. 16 00:01:47,807 --> 00:01:49,672 This romance of the Irish 17 00:01:49,809 --> 00:01:52,277 and their horses was born of the land, 18 00:01:52,412 --> 00:01:57,111 nurtured by necessity, and fostered by ancient bonds. 19 00:01:57,250 --> 00:02:00,276 It is one of the oldest love stories on earth: 20 00:02:00,420 --> 00:02:03,082 The Ballad of the Irish Horse. 21 00:02:46,332 --> 00:02:47,697 Ireland 22 00:02:47,834 --> 00:02:50,735 Ireland of myth and mystery, 23 00:02:50,870 --> 00:02:54,237 of wild shores and soft rains, 24 00:02:54,374 --> 00:02:57,639 lush pastures and rich soil, 25 00:02:57,777 --> 00:03:00,678 where the past still lives. 26 00:03:05,084 --> 00:03:07,484 Even today, Ireland remains, 27 00:03:07,620 --> 00:03:10,384 as it has been for thousand of years, 28 00:03:10,523 --> 00:03:12,423 largely agricultural. 29 00:03:21,601 --> 00:03:25,901 Here, the story of man and horse stretches over the centuries... 30 00:03:26,039 --> 00:03:29,440 A saga woven of threads of tradition and history, 31 00:03:29,576 --> 00:03:31,908 custom and religion, that binds them 32 00:03:32,045 --> 00:03:35,913 inseparably in the fiber of Irish life. 33 00:03:37,083 --> 00:03:38,983 While the rest of Europe was transformed 34 00:03:39,118 --> 00:03:41,211 by the Industrial Revolution, 35 00:03:41,354 --> 00:03:46,189 Ireland remained essentially untouched and unchanged. 36 00:03:48,494 --> 00:03:50,189 Until only 40 year ago, 37 00:03:50,330 --> 00:03:52,662 most families in Ireland needed a horse 38 00:03:52,799 --> 00:03:54,960 to plow the fields through the week 39 00:03:55,101 --> 00:03:57,194 on market days, the farmer hitched the horse 40 00:03:57,337 --> 00:04:00,204 to a wagon to haul his produce. 41 00:04:00,340 --> 00:04:04,071 On Sundays, horse and wagon took the family to church. 42 00:04:07,180 --> 00:04:08,772 In remote areas of the west, 43 00:04:08,915 --> 00:04:13,181 the old Irish ways and language survive. 44 00:04:28,134 --> 00:04:29,863 And the people of Ireland keep horses 45 00:04:30,003 --> 00:04:33,166 in their lives and on their landscapes. 46 00:04:38,878 --> 00:04:40,709 Here, people still go ton fairs 47 00:04:40,847 --> 00:04:43,042 at villages and country crossroads 48 00:04:43,182 --> 00:04:47,141 to buy and sell horses as they have for centuries. 49 00:04:58,097 --> 00:05:01,498 In Napoleonic times, quartermasters from European armies 50 00:05:01,634 --> 00:05:04,296 came here to buy the famed Irish horses 51 00:05:04,437 --> 00:05:07,304 for their elite cavalry regiments. 52 00:05:07,440 --> 00:05:10,932 Today at the Great october Fair in Ballinasloe, 53 00:05:11,077 --> 00:05:14,137 the flavor of a lost age lingers. 54 00:05:16,049 --> 00:05:19,177 If she's there for 50 pounds, she's there. 55 00:05:19,319 --> 00:05:22,811 The trading is still punctuated by the slapping of hands 56 00:05:22,955 --> 00:05:26,413 a middleman still brings buyer and seller together. 57 00:05:26,559 --> 00:05:28,789 And a bit of earth on the horse's hindquarters 58 00:05:28,928 --> 00:05:32,056 still shows that a bargain has been struck 59 00:05:34,701 --> 00:05:38,762 Like his father and grandfather, John Daly is a horse breeder. 60 00:05:38,905 --> 00:05:40,964 He came to this fair with his father. 61 00:05:41,107 --> 00:05:42,597 Now he brings his son, Alan, 62 00:05:42,742 --> 00:05:45,711 Knowing the boy will follow in his footsteps. 63 00:05:45,845 --> 00:05:48,541 And today he has come to buy Alan a pony. 64 00:05:48,681 --> 00:05:52,048 We'll go and see something else anyway. 65 00:06:02,895 --> 00:06:05,295 Stand back a minute there, lads. 66 00:06:09,869 --> 00:06:11,769 What do you carry on the book down there? 67 00:06:11,904 --> 00:06:14,031 Fourteen two. 68 00:06:14,173 --> 00:06:17,006 The man says seven. I'll give you eight. 69 00:06:17,143 --> 00:06:18,872 Give him 1,000 pounds. 70 00:06:19,011 --> 00:06:20,478 Give him to him for 1,000 pounds and that's the price. 71 00:06:20,613 --> 00:06:22,205 And after that, say no more. 72 00:06:22,348 --> 00:06:24,077 I'll give you 800. 73 00:06:26,252 --> 00:06:27,651 Well, I look at it this way. 74 00:06:27,787 --> 00:06:29,084 Your lad will be getting a good pony, 75 00:06:29,222 --> 00:06:30,280 and he's a good rider. 76 00:06:30,423 --> 00:06:31,720 And I like to see him getting the pony 77 00:06:31,858 --> 00:06:33,086 If you tell me you'll take it for them 78 00:06:33,226 --> 00:06:34,693 I'll divide it the last 200 pounds. 79 00:06:34,827 --> 00:06:36,988 That's 900, right? 80 00:06:37,130 --> 00:06:38,529 Give him 1,000 pounds. 81 00:06:38,664 --> 00:06:40,723 Go on, give him 1,000. 82 00:06:41,834 --> 00:06:42,892 I tell you what I'll do. 83 00:06:43,035 --> 00:06:44,935 I'll go away and leave you for an hour to think about it. 84 00:06:45,071 --> 00:06:46,038 And you might get a better lad. 85 00:06:46,172 --> 00:06:47,332 I'm here to sell him. 86 00:06:47,473 --> 00:06:49,771 That'll be 1,000 pounds, the both of yours. 87 00:06:49,909 --> 00:06:51,706 You're fiddling around there like a fiddler. 88 00:06:51,844 --> 00:06:53,937 That will be 1,000 quid and get the money. 89 00:06:54,080 --> 00:06:56,412 Give him a check then for 1,000 pounds. 90 00:06:56,549 --> 00:06:57,607 Will you break the board? 91 00:06:57,750 --> 00:07:00,241 Go on. Give him to him now. Sold. 92 00:07:04,824 --> 00:07:08,760 Hold out, hold out. 93 00:07:09,929 --> 00:07:20,169 One, two, three, four... 94 00:07:22,608 --> 00:07:23,540 God bless you. 95 00:07:23,676 --> 00:07:25,940 After a few pounds are given to the seller for luck, 96 00:07:26,078 --> 00:07:28,808 Alan leaves the fair with a Connemara pony... 97 00:07:28,948 --> 00:07:32,975 symbol of his future and his heritage. 98 00:07:40,927 --> 00:07:44,522 Some 9,000 years ago, man made his way here, 99 00:07:44,664 --> 00:07:49,465 crossing a land bridge that once linked Scotland and Ireland. 100 00:07:49,602 --> 00:07:54,130 Horses arrived about 2,000 B.C., brought by Neolithic people 101 00:07:54,273 --> 00:07:58,141 who introduced their farming culture to this fertile land. 102 00:08:01,347 --> 00:08:05,545 The island's placid existence exploded around 500 B.C., 103 00:08:05,685 --> 00:08:08,449 as a wave of Celtic warriors invaded 104 00:08:08,588 --> 00:08:12,251 their battle chariots drawn by hot blooded horses. 105 00:08:27,440 --> 00:08:30,466 When the bloody days of plunder and murder subsided, 106 00:08:30,610 --> 00:08:32,771 the invaders became settlers, 107 00:08:32,912 --> 00:08:36,245 and their Celtic legacy imprinted its indelible stamp 108 00:08:36,382 --> 00:08:39,215 on the soul and style of Ireland. 109 00:08:41,120 --> 00:08:42,678 The blood of their fiery mounts 110 00:08:42,822 --> 00:08:44,813 mixed with that of the indigenous ponies, 111 00:08:44,957 --> 00:08:48,051 producing a better, faster horse. 112 00:08:49,462 --> 00:08:53,159 Over the centuries, successive tides of conquering peoples 113 00:08:53,299 --> 00:08:55,893 and ideas were to sweep across ireland 114 00:08:56,035 --> 00:08:59,129 in her poignant and tumultuous history. 115 00:08:59,272 --> 00:09:02,503 There were Vikings, Normans, and Englishmen. 116 00:09:02,642 --> 00:09:05,076 There were St. Patrick and Christianity. 117 00:09:05,211 --> 00:09:08,738 All would create permanent changes on the face of the land 118 00:09:08,881 --> 00:09:11,941 and in the hearts of the Irish people. 119 00:09:20,159 --> 00:09:23,026 But certain things would never change. 120 00:09:23,162 --> 00:09:26,325 For thousands of years and hundreds of generations, 121 00:09:26,465 --> 00:09:31,232 man and horse continued to share the soil of Ireland. 122 00:09:34,507 --> 00:09:36,907 Today, in the west, Connemara ponies 123 00:09:37,043 --> 00:09:40,979 still run free over the wild countryside. 124 00:09:52,959 --> 00:09:55,553 Here at Lough Mask in County Mayo, 125 00:09:55,695 --> 00:09:58,186 John Daly has kept two stallions isolated 126 00:09:58,331 --> 00:10:01,129 on an island through the winter. 127 00:10:04,003 --> 00:10:05,766 The island is a short trip by boat 128 00:10:05,905 --> 00:10:09,272 from the lakeshore and Daly's stud farm 129 00:10:12,712 --> 00:10:14,236 Connemara ponies are, in fact, 130 00:10:14,380 --> 00:10:18,146 small horses, muscular and strong boned 131 00:10:18,284 --> 00:10:21,253 perfectly adapted to the rugged western landscape, 132 00:10:21,387 --> 00:10:24,845 they retain the iron constitutions of wild horses 133 00:10:24,991 --> 00:10:27,255 the ability to forage, the strength 134 00:10:27,393 --> 00:10:31,227 to survive on their own in an untamed wilderness. 135 00:10:33,366 --> 00:10:35,857 But now, in spring, it is time to reunite 136 00:10:36,002 --> 00:10:37,993 the gray stallion with the mares. 137 00:10:41,741 --> 00:10:43,299 Come on, boy. 138 00:10:44,610 --> 00:10:48,205 Easy, boys... 139 00:10:49,548 --> 00:10:50,947 Easy, good fella. 140 00:10:58,190 --> 00:11:00,181 With a gentleness and expertise attained 141 00:11:00,326 --> 00:11:02,794 from a lifetime shared with horses, 142 00:11:02,928 --> 00:11:06,261 John quickly gains the stallion's confidence. 143 00:12:15,901 --> 00:12:18,665 There is evidence that spirited spanish horses, 144 00:12:18,804 --> 00:12:21,773 some imported, some shipwrecked off the coast, 145 00:12:21,907 --> 00:12:26,037 mixed with the native ponies to create this hardy breed. 146 00:12:28,347 --> 00:12:30,838 Once used as both pack and plow animals 147 00:12:30,983 --> 00:12:33,315 in a rough and roadless countryside, 148 00:12:33,452 --> 00:12:34,942 today the intelligent, 149 00:12:35,087 --> 00:12:38,181 docile Connemara ponies are bred for riding. 150 00:12:41,827 --> 00:12:44,387 Daly will release the stallion with the herd, 151 00:12:44,530 --> 00:12:49,058 allowing him to mate with any of the mares that are in season. 152 00:13:30,442 --> 00:13:33,775 Mares come into season only nine days after foaling... 153 00:13:33,913 --> 00:13:36,245 but are quick to let a stallion Know 154 00:13:36,382 --> 00:13:38,316 if his advances are unwelcome. 155 00:13:52,031 --> 00:13:56,331 Her posture and stillness indicate this mare's receptiveness. 156 00:14:07,279 --> 00:14:09,440 So the blood of native Irish horses, 157 00:14:09,582 --> 00:14:12,483 strengthened by the demands of wild coast, 158 00:14:12,618 --> 00:14:15,644 tempered by centuries of work with the Irish people, 159 00:14:15,788 --> 00:14:18,086 is passed into the future. 160 00:14:19,225 --> 00:14:21,853 And if all goes well, in 11 months 161 00:14:21,994 --> 00:14:25,020 there will be a new foal in the daly herd. 162 00:14:27,433 --> 00:14:29,799 At Tulira Castle in County Galway, 163 00:14:29,935 --> 00:14:31,800 Lady Anne Hemphill began breeding 164 00:14:31,937 --> 00:14:35,600 Connemara ponies some 25 years ago. 165 00:14:35,741 --> 00:14:37,868 An avid rider from the age of three, 166 00:14:38,010 --> 00:14:39,409 Lady Hemphill wanted her children 167 00:14:39,545 --> 00:14:43,174 to share her lifelong enthusiasm. 168 00:14:43,315 --> 00:14:45,647 Her husband encouraged her to organize classes 169 00:14:45,784 --> 00:14:48,617 in horsemanship for the local children. 170 00:14:48,754 --> 00:14:50,813 Two decades later, she is still teaching 171 00:14:50,956 --> 00:14:53,447 the County Galway Hunt Branch of pony Club. 172 00:14:53,592 --> 00:14:55,583 "Now if the pony's at grass, 173 00:14:55,728 --> 00:14:59,095 what should he have in the fields?" 174 00:14:59,231 --> 00:15:00,596 Water. 175 00:15:00,733 --> 00:15:02,724 Yes, fine. What's another reason, David? 176 00:15:02,868 --> 00:15:03,926 Shade. 177 00:15:04,069 --> 00:15:07,061 Shade is most important, isn't it? 178 00:15:11,911 --> 00:15:13,936 Are you looking at his teeth? 179 00:15:14,079 --> 00:15:15,706 Yes. If he has a full set of teeth, 180 00:15:15,848 --> 00:15:17,076 he's over seven years. 181 00:15:17,216 --> 00:15:18,740 Well done. Good Girl. 182 00:15:18,884 --> 00:15:21,216 There are pony Club branches all over Ireland 183 00:15:21,353 --> 00:15:24,345 porviding an opportunity for both country and city children 184 00:15:24,490 --> 00:15:27,584 to learn not only riding, but sportsmanship 185 00:15:27,726 --> 00:15:30,718 and proper care of the animals. 186 00:15:30,863 --> 00:15:32,558 I think it's a very good foundation for them 187 00:15:32,698 --> 00:15:35,360 because it's getting away from this usual thing of 188 00:15:35,501 --> 00:15:39,232 being in the cinemas, the discos, and what have you. 189 00:15:39,371 --> 00:15:41,999 Can you manage, Mark? 190 00:15:42,141 --> 00:15:43,938 No, no... it's a long way up. 191 00:15:44,076 --> 00:15:46,977 I don't Know if you'll be able to hold him, will you? 192 00:15:48,814 --> 00:15:50,145 Keep away, keep away from that. 193 00:15:50,282 --> 00:15:51,044 Go out here in the middle of the field 194 00:15:51,183 --> 00:15:53,617 so that other people can get through and get mounted. 195 00:15:53,752 --> 00:15:56,983 Now, come on. I'll give you a leg. 196 00:15:57,122 --> 00:15:59,249 Ups-a-daisy. Hold on. Good boy. 197 00:16:00,559 --> 00:16:03,824 I find it very rewarding, and it's more rewarding in that 198 00:16:03,963 --> 00:16:05,294 when some of the children that were 199 00:16:05,431 --> 00:16:07,592 members of this branch when I first started. 200 00:16:07,733 --> 00:16:09,997 They're doctors, or they're solicitors, 201 00:16:10,135 --> 00:16:12,228 or they're business people now. 202 00:16:12,371 --> 00:16:14,771 And they're coming back, and they've got children. 203 00:16:14,907 --> 00:16:16,738 I call all their children my grandchildren. 204 00:16:16,875 --> 00:16:18,001 I haven't got any of my own grandchildren, 205 00:16:18,143 --> 00:16:21,442 but I got a lot of grandchildren. 206 00:16:21,580 --> 00:16:24,242 Use your legs. Take him on. 207 00:16:24,383 --> 00:16:26,476 Now, take it easy. Just come back, Gay, 208 00:16:26,618 --> 00:16:29,109 and take it easy. Use your legs. Good boy. 209 00:16:30,356 --> 00:16:31,914 Now don't go so far back 210 00:16:32,057 --> 00:16:34,525 Now just trot into it. 211 00:16:34,660 --> 00:16:36,389 Good boy. Well done. 212 00:16:36,528 --> 00:16:37,825 Good man. Woops! 213 00:16:39,898 --> 00:16:43,527 All right? You're fine. Next. 214 00:16:43,669 --> 00:16:44,636 Shorten up your reins. 215 00:16:44,770 --> 00:16:46,101 You haven't got much contact, have you? 216 00:16:46,238 --> 00:16:47,364 Come into it trotting. 217 00:16:47,506 --> 00:16:49,235 For a small branch we've produced 218 00:16:49,375 --> 00:16:51,366 the winning pony Club championship teams. 219 00:16:51,510 --> 00:16:52,636 We've gone to England three time. 220 00:16:52,778 --> 00:16:53,802 It is quite something. 221 00:16:53,946 --> 00:16:55,106 I don't want any racing, 222 00:16:55,247 --> 00:16:56,942 and I don't want anybody going into hospital. 223 00:16:57,082 --> 00:16:59,414 So for goodness sake just take your ponies down. 224 00:16:59,485 --> 00:17:01,976 You will trot down across the field to the river. 225 00:17:02,121 --> 00:17:04,248 I'll show you which way to go. 226 00:17:09,995 --> 00:17:12,327 I love seeing these children with their happy little faces. 227 00:17:12,464 --> 00:17:15,126 But it just gives me the greatest pleasure. 228 00:17:16,502 --> 00:17:19,994 So a keen horsewoman passes on the joy of riding, 229 00:17:20,139 --> 00:17:23,267 and the children of yet another generation forge new links 230 00:17:23,409 --> 00:17:27,106 with their ancient Irish heritage of horsemanship. 231 00:17:33,352 --> 00:17:36,617 Racing horses was the Celts' favorite sport. 232 00:17:36,755 --> 00:17:39,485 This plain still bears the name Curragh, 233 00:17:39,625 --> 00:17:41,786 derived from their ancient word meaning 234 00:17:41,927 --> 00:17:45,260 "a place where horse racing is held." 235 00:17:46,598 --> 00:17:48,532 Keep her going now on to the next one. 236 00:17:48,667 --> 00:17:50,191 Living at the edge of the Curragh, 237 00:17:50,335 --> 00:17:51,825 the Hutchinson family retains 238 00:17:51,970 --> 00:17:54,871 the Celtic passion for horse racing. 239 00:17:55,007 --> 00:17:56,565 In the paddock behind their home, 240 00:17:56,708 --> 00:18:01,407 Caroline, age 15, is coached by her father, pat. 241 00:18:01,547 --> 00:18:03,572 He was an amateurjockey. 242 00:18:03,715 --> 00:18:06,309 She dreams of becoming a professional. 243 00:18:06,452 --> 00:18:09,888 Whoa, lass. Whoa, lass. That's all right. 244 00:18:14,193 --> 00:18:16,923 Pony races are held throughout ireland 245 00:18:17,062 --> 00:18:19,326 Though the jockeys are young boys and girls, 246 00:18:19,465 --> 00:18:21,558 the betting is serious business, 247 00:18:21,700 --> 00:18:24,567 with part of the proceeds going to charity. 248 00:18:24,703 --> 00:18:27,263 Six to four on... 249 00:18:27,406 --> 00:18:30,842 My father always had about a hundred horses. 250 00:18:30,976 --> 00:18:33,137 And he was one of the biggest dealers in the country. 251 00:18:33,278 --> 00:18:34,905 Had a couple of thousand acres of land 252 00:18:35,047 --> 00:18:36,947 and I used to ride all our own horses. 253 00:18:37,082 --> 00:18:39,949 And now, thank God, the kids are following on. 254 00:18:40,085 --> 00:18:42,485 Caroline is one of four Hutchinson daughters 255 00:18:42,621 --> 00:18:45,021 participating in this competitive world 256 00:18:45,157 --> 00:18:47,682 Mrs. Hutchinson is active too, 257 00:18:47,826 --> 00:18:50,021 for the pony races are a family affair 258 00:18:50,162 --> 00:18:53,188 much like Little League Baseball. 259 00:18:55,100 --> 00:18:56,965 Some of Ireland's leading jockeys 260 00:18:57,102 --> 00:18:59,935 began their careers in the pony races. 261 00:19:06,812 --> 00:19:08,302 Sure, Caroline is very good. 262 00:19:08,447 --> 00:19:11,280 She's courageous, she has ability, 263 00:19:11,416 --> 00:19:13,907 she likes the game, and she loves horses. 264 00:19:14,052 --> 00:19:15,212 And I don't think she'll ever, 265 00:19:15,354 --> 00:19:17,219 no matter what I say or anybody else says, 266 00:19:17,356 --> 00:19:18,755 she won't do anything else. 267 00:19:18,891 --> 00:19:22,190 She rides to win, and I think that's the secret. 268 00:19:25,797 --> 00:19:28,925 I'd live to be a professional jockey when I get older. 269 00:19:29,067 --> 00:19:33,731 The biggest challenge for me anyway is that I'm girl. 270 00:19:33,872 --> 00:19:36,773 I don't think race riding is wonderful for little girls. 271 00:19:36,909 --> 00:19:38,900 But they do like it. They love it. 272 00:19:39,044 --> 00:19:40,841 They live for it. 273 00:19:40,979 --> 00:19:42,241 They don't want to go to the disco. 274 00:19:42,381 --> 00:19:43,405 They want their pony. 275 00:19:43,549 --> 00:19:45,608 They want to be a sport. 276 00:19:45,751 --> 00:19:48,481 You're always thinking of where you are 277 00:19:48,620 --> 00:19:49,882 and thinking ahead of the next bend 278 00:19:50,022 --> 00:19:52,513 whether it's sharp or how to ride the next bend. 279 00:19:52,658 --> 00:19:54,717 And especially if you're on a pony 280 00:19:54,860 --> 00:19:59,024 that's slow earlier on and comes on fast at the end. 281 00:20:09,041 --> 00:20:10,531 Because of her consistent winning, 282 00:20:10,676 --> 00:20:13,167 Caroline is sought to race other people's ponies 283 00:20:13,312 --> 00:20:15,212 as well as her father's. 284 00:20:16,348 --> 00:20:18,782 When you're in front and when you have won, 285 00:20:18,917 --> 00:20:20,282 the owners come running up to you 286 00:20:20,419 --> 00:20:22,319 and say, "Well done" and all that. 287 00:20:22,454 --> 00:20:25,014 It's just great to see their happy face 288 00:20:25,157 --> 00:20:27,216 from winning on their pony. 289 00:20:27,359 --> 00:20:29,759 And then your friends come up and say, "Well done". 290 00:20:29,895 --> 00:20:31,260 It's just a great feeling. 291 00:20:33,765 --> 00:20:35,562 I'm delighted that I won the last race. 292 00:20:35,701 --> 00:20:37,464 That was a female race. 293 00:20:37,603 --> 00:20:38,900 And I'm just thrilled that I won it 294 00:20:39,037 --> 00:20:40,436 and that I had a good pony. 295 00:20:40,572 --> 00:20:42,733 Winning against both girls and boys, 296 00:20:42,874 --> 00:20:44,933 Caroline raced closer to her dream 297 00:20:45,077 --> 00:20:47,511 when she became champion pony racing jockey 298 00:20:47,646 --> 00:20:51,241 for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year. 299 00:20:55,854 --> 00:21:00,587 In 1752, with the steeples as starting and finishing points, 300 00:21:00,726 --> 00:21:03,194 a Mr. O'Callaghan raced a Mr. Blake 301 00:21:03,328 --> 00:21:04,886 from the church at Buttevant, 302 00:21:05,030 --> 00:21:08,830 jumping walls and fences, across farms and fields, 303 00:21:08,967 --> 00:21:10,867 to the church at Doneraile... 304 00:21:11,003 --> 00:21:14,200 thus running the first recorded steeplechase. 305 00:21:22,080 --> 00:21:24,810 Today, some of Ireland's most popular steeple chases 306 00:21:24,950 --> 00:21:27,510 take place at the Galway Races. 307 00:21:27,653 --> 00:21:30,019 Thousands gather daily to bet on the horses 308 00:21:30,155 --> 00:21:33,716 in this week of festivities held at the same time of year 309 00:21:33,859 --> 00:21:35,417 that the ancient Celts assembled 310 00:21:35,560 --> 00:21:38,222 to honor their god of horseracing. 311 00:22:52,237 --> 00:22:53,727 The National Stud was established 312 00:22:53,872 --> 00:22:56,102 to foster the Irish thoroughbred industry 313 00:22:56,241 --> 00:23:00,974 by providing breeders with good stallions at reasonable fees. 314 00:23:02,047 --> 00:23:03,844 The record of thoroughbred breeding dates 315 00:23:03,982 --> 00:23:08,783 from the publication in 1793 of the first English Stud Book 316 00:23:08,920 --> 00:23:13,186 which listed three Arab stallions and the Royal Mares. 317 00:23:13,325 --> 00:23:17,193 Every thoroughbred on earth is descended from them. 318 00:23:19,731 --> 00:23:22,962 A sire is selected by the breeder on the basis of bloodlines, 319 00:23:23,101 --> 00:23:24,932 tracked back through the stud book, 320 00:23:25,070 --> 00:23:27,004 his conformation or appearance, 321 00:23:27,139 --> 00:23:29,300 and the number of races he has won. 322 00:23:29,441 --> 00:23:31,341 Six-year-old Raja Bab horse. 323 00:23:31,476 --> 00:23:34,138 He's a tremendous individual. 324 00:23:34,279 --> 00:23:37,339 A great mover, tremendous quality. 325 00:23:37,482 --> 00:23:39,416 His first crop are now foals. 326 00:23:39,551 --> 00:23:42,884 He won four group races, including the Corkanorry Stakes 327 00:23:43,021 --> 00:23:47,185 at Royal Ascot in course record time. 328 00:23:49,661 --> 00:23:51,891 Dr. Maire o'Connor is deputy manager 329 00:23:52,030 --> 00:23:54,965 and resident veterinarian at the stud. 330 00:23:55,100 --> 00:23:57,000 We're just starting to build her back up again... 331 00:23:57,135 --> 00:23:59,069 for a couple of days. 332 00:23:59,204 --> 00:24:00,899 Yeah, yeah. She's walking very well now. 333 00:24:01,039 --> 00:24:02,904 Ireland is well Known as the European nursery. 334 00:24:03,041 --> 00:24:08,946 We have the climate and the soil for rearing horses. 335 00:24:10,081 --> 00:24:13,448 There's a tremendous closeness and a tremendous understanding 336 00:24:13,585 --> 00:24:16,076 of the horse in the Irish people. 337 00:24:16,221 --> 00:24:18,086 Among her responsibilities is determining 338 00:24:18,223 --> 00:24:21,215 when the mares are ready for covering. 339 00:24:34,239 --> 00:24:37,402 Every step of the procedure must be carefully monitored 340 00:24:37,542 --> 00:24:41,137 in the breeding of these delicate and valuable animals. 341 00:25:01,233 --> 00:25:03,064 Eighteen days after the covering, 342 00:25:03,201 --> 00:25:08,229 a sonogram is made by a visiting veterinarian and Dr. O'Connor. 343 00:25:15,680 --> 00:25:17,147 With this sophisticated device 344 00:25:17,282 --> 00:25:19,546 they can see inside the mare's uterus 345 00:25:19,684 --> 00:25:22,175 and determine if there is a live fetus 346 00:25:22,320 --> 00:25:25,949 You can see it there... at about 10 o'clock 347 00:25:26,091 --> 00:25:28,025 Heart beating. The heart's beating. 348 00:25:28,159 --> 00:25:30,059 Within the white spot, the pulsing heart 349 00:25:30,195 --> 00:25:33,426 of the tiny fetus is clearly visible. 350 00:25:36,001 --> 00:25:38,834 The mare's gestation period is 11 months; 351 00:25:38,970 --> 00:25:42,030 the birth usually takes less than an hour. 352 00:25:45,944 --> 00:25:48,174 A member of the staff acts as midwife. 353 00:26:15,340 --> 00:26:17,433 For Maire o'Connor and the staff, 354 00:26:17,576 --> 00:26:20,477 the hundreds of births they have witnessed in the past 355 00:26:20,612 --> 00:26:24,207 do not diminish the wonder of this moment. 356 00:26:48,340 --> 00:26:50,331 Within the hour the age-old instinct 357 00:26:50,475 --> 00:26:54,571 to stand and run with the herd is already stirring in the foal, 358 00:26:54,713 --> 00:26:58,205 and the fragile new life is given human help. 359 00:27:14,799 --> 00:27:17,461 These spindly legs, now trembling and weak, 360 00:27:17,602 --> 00:27:21,231 have centuries of speed bred in them. 361 00:27:27,512 --> 00:27:28,809 When they are three days old, 362 00:27:28,947 --> 00:27:31,677 healthy foals are ready to go outside. 363 00:27:31,816 --> 00:27:34,080 Each is examined daily. 364 00:27:34,219 --> 00:27:38,781 Those with special problems get special attention. 365 00:27:38,923 --> 00:27:42,256 Up you come. There's a baby, there's a baby. 366 00:27:43,428 --> 00:27:46,591 That's good. Okay. 367 00:27:46,731 --> 00:27:47,857 Come on. 368 00:27:51,069 --> 00:27:52,536 There's tremendous limestone in Ireland 369 00:27:52,671 --> 00:27:54,298 and you get a tremendous amount of minerals 370 00:27:54,439 --> 00:27:56,703 coming through the grass to the horses. 371 00:27:56,841 --> 00:27:58,968 So you get very good bone development. 372 00:27:59,110 --> 00:28:01,874 And, of course, race horses need their legs. 373 00:28:02,013 --> 00:28:05,073 So you want good bone in a race horse. 374 00:28:05,216 --> 00:28:10,017 Born to race, these foals carry within them the urge to run. 375 00:28:10,155 --> 00:28:12,919 Among these new lives there are future champions, 376 00:28:13,058 --> 00:28:15,288 bred at the Irish National Stud 377 00:28:15,427 --> 00:28:20,194 to thunder home to victory on the race tracks of the world. 378 00:28:36,247 --> 00:28:38,215 Here at Goffs, the finest thoroughbreds 379 00:28:38,349 --> 00:28:40,283 are offered at auction. 380 00:28:40,418 --> 00:28:43,478 A yearling, still totally untried as a racehorse, 381 00:28:43,621 --> 00:28:46,852 may bring close to a million dollars. 382 00:28:46,991 --> 00:28:50,324 At 260... any more now, 383 00:28:50,462 --> 00:28:53,898 about $300,000 at 260, 384 00:28:54,032 --> 00:28:56,500 at 260 one more time. 385 00:28:56,634 --> 00:29:01,037 At 260 that's what I sell her for this time... 386 00:29:01,172 --> 00:29:03,834 Millions are spent as buyers stake their money 387 00:29:03,975 --> 00:29:07,308 on the animal's pedigree and conformation. 388 00:29:08,580 --> 00:29:12,414 Vincent o'Brien is the greatest racehorse trainer in the world 389 00:29:12,550 --> 00:29:17,078 a magician who transforms horseflesh into gold. 390 00:29:20,992 --> 00:29:23,324 An international group of investors depends on 391 00:29:23,461 --> 00:29:28,160 his uncanny eye to select potential champions. 392 00:29:28,299 --> 00:29:30,199 His reputation began to soar 393 00:29:30,335 --> 00:29:33,270 in the '50s with three consecutive wins 394 00:29:33,404 --> 00:29:35,565 at the world's most difficult steeple chase: 395 00:29:35,707 --> 00:29:37,299 England's Grand National. 396 00:29:37,442 --> 00:29:40,707 There is stubborn refusal here by Glen Fire. 397 00:29:40,845 --> 00:29:44,178 And now for a most unhappy landing. 398 00:29:48,052 --> 00:29:49,986 Those were the leaders at the 27th jump, 399 00:29:50,121 --> 00:29:51,588 but alas, this fence accounted 400 00:29:51,723 --> 00:29:54,317 for the gallant Sun Dew and Martuvu. 401 00:29:54,459 --> 00:29:57,860 No, there was not to be a royal victory this year. 402 00:29:57,996 --> 00:29:59,691 At the last fence, Tudor Line jumped wide 403 00:29:59,831 --> 00:30:01,560 but Quare Times made no mistake 404 00:30:01,699 --> 00:30:03,530 and galloped away in great style. 405 00:30:03,668 --> 00:30:05,226 Neither Tudor Line nor Kerry's Cottage 406 00:30:05,370 --> 00:30:07,338 who will finish third, could possibly catch him now. 407 00:30:07,472 --> 00:30:10,566 It was Quare Times' Grand National all right. 408 00:30:10,708 --> 00:30:12,608 And it was the third successive National win 409 00:30:12,744 --> 00:30:17,010 for trainer Vincent o'Brien. These Irish! 410 00:30:22,720 --> 00:30:25,689 Triumphant in the classic races of steeplechasing, 411 00:30:25,824 --> 00:30:29,419 o'Brien next turned his wizardry to flat racing. 412 00:30:29,561 --> 00:30:32,325 Son of a farmer, fifth of eight children, 413 00:30:32,463 --> 00:30:34,021 he started his remarkable career 414 00:30:34,165 --> 00:30:37,032 with a rented stable and three horses. 415 00:30:37,869 --> 00:30:39,461 I must have had a natural liking 416 00:30:39,604 --> 00:30:41,299 for horses right from the start, 417 00:30:41,439 --> 00:30:44,533 and that developed then over the years. 418 00:30:44,676 --> 00:30:46,337 Eventually I started training. 419 00:30:46,477 --> 00:30:49,640 I don't think I would be happy doing anything else. 420 00:30:49,781 --> 00:30:53,945 Today his empire spreads over nearly 1,000 acres. 421 00:30:54,085 --> 00:30:57,919 Ballydoyle is the world's finest private training facility, 422 00:30:58,056 --> 00:31:00,957 with magnificent barns, covered rides, 423 00:31:01,092 --> 00:31:04,084 gallops each 14 furlongs in length, 424 00:31:04,229 --> 00:31:08,131 a 19th century Georgian home, a helicopter pad, 425 00:31:08,266 --> 00:31:11,429 and stables of thoroughbreds worth millions of dollars 426 00:31:11,569 --> 00:31:14,129 all under tight security. 427 00:31:15,306 --> 00:31:19,402 O'Brien retains a percentage of every horse he trains. 428 00:31:20,545 --> 00:31:22,706 Among this season's crop of aristocrats 429 00:31:22,847 --> 00:31:24,906 are seven sons of Nijinsky 430 00:31:25,049 --> 00:31:29,042 three of Alleged, and nine of Northern Dancer. 431 00:31:31,122 --> 00:31:33,613 O'Brien's extraordinary powers seem to spring 432 00:31:33,758 --> 00:31:35,783 from an almost magical ability 433 00:31:35,927 --> 00:31:39,658 to sense what each animal ends to develop and succeed. 434 00:31:39,797 --> 00:31:43,233 It is very important to make a study of each individual animal 435 00:31:43,368 --> 00:31:46,599 because they're like people they all differ. 436 00:31:46,738 --> 00:31:51,539 Some horses have got a very easy, calm disposition, 437 00:31:51,676 --> 00:31:54,167 and they have no mental problems. 438 00:31:54,312 --> 00:31:57,679 But others have, and they give them special attention. 439 00:31:57,815 --> 00:32:00,306 They're specially trained, so as to try 440 00:32:00,451 --> 00:32:05,150 and keep them settled and at ease in themselves. 441 00:32:05,823 --> 00:32:08,849 O'Brien's success as a trainer is legendary: 442 00:32:08,993 --> 00:32:10,688 His race winnings alone have been 443 00:32:10,828 --> 00:32:14,093 as high as a million dollars in a single year. 444 00:32:14,232 --> 00:32:16,860 But it is after a hose's last race is won 445 00:32:17,001 --> 00:32:19,970 that its big moneymaking career may begin. 446 00:32:20,104 --> 00:32:23,267 Today o'Brien focuses on training colts. 447 00:32:23,408 --> 00:32:26,343 After a few major wins of top class races, 448 00:32:26,477 --> 00:32:29,776 the best are retired to stand at stud. 449 00:32:31,082 --> 00:32:32,811 Sold to groups of investors for 450 00:32:32,951 --> 00:32:35,078 more than 25 million dollars each, 451 00:32:35,219 --> 00:32:40,350 these stallions earn huge fees in their years as sires. 452 00:32:40,491 --> 00:32:42,049 So, the mystique of a man 453 00:32:42,193 --> 00:32:45,560 and his thoroughbreds becomes big business 454 00:32:45,697 --> 00:32:49,292 an important component of modern Ireland's economy. 455 00:32:59,143 --> 00:33:00,701 In the 18th century, 456 00:33:00,845 --> 00:33:03,313 Irish farmers began to breed tough, powerful, 457 00:33:03,448 --> 00:33:07,316 work animals able to pull both plow and cart. 458 00:33:07,452 --> 00:33:10,285 Today, the blood of the robust Irish Draft horse 459 00:33:10,421 --> 00:33:13,288 mingles with that of the fiery thoroughbred to produce horses 460 00:33:13,424 --> 00:33:17,258 with the stamina needed forjumping and hunting. 461 00:33:18,963 --> 00:33:21,090 The hunt, as a gentlemanly pursuit, 462 00:33:21,232 --> 00:33:26,033 attained its present form and popularity 463 00:33:26,170 --> 00:33:26,465 in 18th century England and was brought here 464 00:33:26,604 --> 00:33:29,198 when Ireland was under English rule. 465 00:33:30,341 --> 00:33:32,275 Michael Dempsey is master of hounds 466 00:33:32,410 --> 00:33:36,278 of the world famous Galway Blazers Hunt Club. 467 00:33:37,915 --> 00:33:42,443 Tempo, get in. Tempo, come in. Get in. 468 00:33:42,587 --> 00:33:44,316 My grandfather was interested in, 469 00:33:44,455 --> 00:33:47,185 my father was interested in horses, and my uncle. 470 00:33:47,325 --> 00:33:48,587 They used to both hunt. 471 00:33:48,726 --> 00:33:49,852 At that time, you see, we used to do 472 00:33:49,994 --> 00:33:51,859 all the work with horses on the farm. 473 00:33:51,996 --> 00:33:52,985 There were no tractors. 474 00:33:53,131 --> 00:33:55,895 Once the exclusive province of the aristocracy, 475 00:33:56,034 --> 00:33:58,298 today the hunt's traditional style is enjoyed 476 00:33:58,436 --> 00:34:03,032 by thousands of ardent Irish riding enthusiasts. 477 00:34:14,419 --> 00:34:16,887 Dempsey, a local boy, grew up dreaming 478 00:34:17,021 --> 00:34:19,512 of becoming master of hounds. 479 00:34:19,657 --> 00:34:23,423 But I think I was about either 13 or 14 years when I said, 480 00:34:23,561 --> 00:34:26,689 "one day I will hunt those Blazer hounds". 481 00:34:26,831 --> 00:34:27,991 That was my ambition. 482 00:34:28,132 --> 00:34:31,101 Yes, all my life was to hunt those hounds. 483 00:34:32,270 --> 00:34:34,761 A farmer of modest means, Dempsey is paid 484 00:34:34,906 --> 00:34:38,103 by the members' subscriptions to hunt the pack 485 00:34:51,489 --> 00:34:53,047 oh, I love those hounds, 486 00:34:53,191 --> 00:34:54,658 and I Know all of them individually. 487 00:34:54,792 --> 00:34:57,283 And they're all of a character and they all are different. 488 00:34:57,428 --> 00:35:00,625 I see them every day to get very close with them. 489 00:35:00,765 --> 00:35:02,323 You have to be very close to your hounds 490 00:35:02,467 --> 00:35:05,231 before they'll work with you. 491 00:35:20,218 --> 00:35:23,654 Farmers have long considered foxes to be vermin. 492 00:35:23,788 --> 00:35:25,949 Hounds were bred to scent the wild foxes 493 00:35:26,090 --> 00:35:28,888 that his in fields and farms. 494 00:35:29,026 --> 00:35:32,018 Hunters "riding to hounds" followed on horseback, 495 00:35:32,163 --> 00:35:35,155 and so, this sport evolved. 496 00:35:35,299 --> 00:35:37,096 When you get out there and your packof hounds 497 00:35:37,235 --> 00:35:39,999 are going together and you hear their voice, 498 00:35:40,138 --> 00:35:42,436 that is the greatest feeling I Know. 499 00:35:42,573 --> 00:35:44,302 And a good horse beneath you. 500 00:35:44,442 --> 00:35:47,104 To be able to gallop right across the country behind them, 501 00:35:47,245 --> 00:35:49,679 and they're really running on and speaking. 502 00:35:49,814 --> 00:35:53,079 I think it's the best thrill that anybody could ever get. 503 00:35:53,217 --> 00:35:55,777 I don't Know what it does to you the voice of those hounds 504 00:35:55,920 --> 00:35:57,854 it just gets your blood really up. 505 00:35:57,989 --> 00:36:01,220 The first fox of the day is scented and pursued. 506 00:36:37,562 --> 00:36:40,030 Often they lose the fox. 507 00:36:40,164 --> 00:36:42,997 Sometimes, they lost their seat 508 00:36:43,134 --> 00:36:46,194 and occasionally they lose their way. 509 00:36:54,412 --> 00:36:58,371 Are you hurt? Off you go. 510 00:36:58,516 --> 00:36:59,540 Well, where do I go? 511 00:36:59,684 --> 00:37:01,447 Go on, go on across there. 512 00:37:01,586 --> 00:37:03,213 Go on and get on to it. 513 00:37:27,745 --> 00:37:30,009 When the last fox outruns the hounds 514 00:37:30,147 --> 00:37:31,705 and the hour grows late, 515 00:37:31,849 --> 00:37:35,114 Dempsey calls a halt to the day's hunting. 516 00:37:41,592 --> 00:37:42,684 Home now. 517 00:37:43,828 --> 00:37:45,989 We go for the beer now at Raftery's. 518 00:37:47,798 --> 00:37:50,790 The hunters head for a traditional last stop: 519 00:37:50,935 --> 00:37:53,301 A pub called "The Blazers. 520 00:37:59,377 --> 00:38:03,245 The Galway Blazers have a reputation for recklessness. 521 00:38:03,381 --> 00:38:05,440 It is said that a group of hunters from Galway 522 00:38:05,583 --> 00:38:08,950 once reveled so boisterously in a certain hotel 523 00:38:09,086 --> 00:38:13,921 that is burst into flames thus giving the group its name. 524 00:38:14,058 --> 00:38:18,518 Tonight, this pub is ablaze with traditional Irish pleasures: 525 00:38:18,663 --> 00:38:22,155 The pints, the laughs, and the songs. 526 00:38:28,572 --> 00:38:30,335 Every year the town of mill street 527 00:38:30,474 --> 00:38:34,570 hosts international show jumping competitions. 528 00:38:34,712 --> 00:38:38,045 Show jumping began in Ireland a century ago. 529 00:38:38,182 --> 00:38:40,582 Contests to see how high and wide 530 00:38:40,718 --> 00:38:43,551 the horses could jump over fences and walls, 531 00:38:43,688 --> 00:38:48,057 they offered prizes to those judged most suitable for hunting. 532 00:38:57,034 --> 00:39:01,061 This competition is called "Carroll's Boomerang Finder". 533 00:39:01,205 --> 00:39:03,105 It was named in honor of Boomerang, 534 00:39:03,240 --> 00:39:04,605 the horse that this man, 535 00:39:04,742 --> 00:39:07,108 Eddie Macken, rode to fame and fortune 536 00:39:07,244 --> 00:39:09,769 in the world of international show jumping 537 00:39:09,914 --> 00:39:13,145 the horse that made him a national hero. 538 00:39:22,593 --> 00:39:26,757 Macken's great successes with Boomerang began in the mid 70s. 539 00:39:26,897 --> 00:39:28,888 Soon horse and rider were labeled 540 00:39:29,033 --> 00:39:33,629 "the most exciting partnership show jumping has ever seen". 541 00:39:33,771 --> 00:39:37,639 The Hickstead Derby, English, 1977. 542 00:39:37,775 --> 00:39:41,438 Winner in 1976, now can he beat this time? 543 00:39:41,579 --> 00:39:45,242 He'll have to do fantastic turns to do it, 544 00:39:45,383 --> 00:39:46,748 and there are few riders 545 00:39:46,884 --> 00:39:49,250 more likely to do it than Eddie Macken. 546 00:39:49,387 --> 00:39:53,721 Come on, Boomerang... 547 00:39:53,858 --> 00:39:58,318 Yes 27.3! 548 00:39:58,462 --> 00:40:00,191 Boomerang was everything I am. 549 00:40:00,331 --> 00:40:02,128 I just was very fortunate to meet him 550 00:40:02,266 --> 00:40:03,494 at the right stage in life. 551 00:40:03,634 --> 00:40:05,363 He was probably fortunate to meet me. 552 00:40:05,503 --> 00:40:09,030 We came together and developed a great partnership; 553 00:40:09,173 --> 00:40:11,733 and he put me right at the top of the world of show jumping 554 00:40:11,876 --> 00:40:14,640 in a very short period of time. 555 00:40:14,779 --> 00:40:19,079 All eyes are on the brilliant Irishman Eddie Macken. 556 00:40:20,484 --> 00:40:22,213 He just pauses. 557 00:40:22,353 --> 00:40:24,184 He's in plenty of time. 558 00:40:25,356 --> 00:40:27,290 He's absolutely right for it. 559 00:40:30,628 --> 00:40:32,186 Go on, Eddie! 560 00:40:36,066 --> 00:40:40,730 What a magnificent performance by Eddie Macken. 561 00:40:40,871 --> 00:40:43,032 Incredible to think that he's now won 562 00:40:43,174 --> 00:40:48,111 his fourth British jumping derby in a row. 563 00:40:48,245 --> 00:40:51,112 This trophy was commissioned after Boomerang 564 00:40:51,248 --> 00:40:54,740 had won his fourth consecutive Hickstead Derby. 565 00:40:54,885 --> 00:40:56,375 The Hickstead Derby is probably 566 00:40:56,520 --> 00:40:57,748 one of the most difficult competitions 567 00:40:57,888 --> 00:40:59,685 in world showjumping to win. 568 00:40:59,824 --> 00:41:01,485 For a horse to win it once is an achievement, 569 00:41:01,625 --> 00:41:03,855 be he actually won it four times. 570 00:41:03,994 --> 00:41:07,088 In 1980 Boomerang broke a bone in his foot 571 00:41:07,231 --> 00:41:09,165 and Macken retired him. 572 00:41:09,300 --> 00:41:10,665 But Hickstead brought them back 573 00:41:10,801 --> 00:41:13,133 for an emotional farewell tribute. 574 00:41:27,384 --> 00:41:29,045 It was a sad moment for Eddie 575 00:41:29,186 --> 00:41:32,451 as they left the show grounds for the last time. 576 00:41:32,590 --> 00:41:34,490 Three years later, Boomerang's condition 577 00:41:34,625 --> 00:41:37,651 became so painful he had to be put down. 578 00:41:37,795 --> 00:41:40,389 He is buried on Macken's farm. 579 00:41:40,531 --> 00:41:43,796 I never Knew a horse that could mean as much as Boomerang. 580 00:41:43,934 --> 00:41:45,595 And the possibilities of ever finding one 581 00:41:45,736 --> 00:41:49,137 with as much talent are very, very slim indeed. 582 00:41:50,407 --> 00:41:54,275 The loss of Boomerang still haunts Macken's life. 583 00:41:54,411 --> 00:41:56,902 With his wife, Susanne, he searches for a horse 584 00:41:57,047 --> 00:42:01,484 with the unique talent and temperament to replace Boomerang. 585 00:42:01,619 --> 00:42:02,847 Okay? 586 00:42:02,987 --> 00:42:05,012 All right. All right. 587 00:42:14,265 --> 00:42:17,962 Buying, feeding, training, and caring for a stable of horses 588 00:42:18,102 --> 00:42:21,731 is an expensive and time-consuming responsibility. 589 00:42:21,872 --> 00:42:24,136 But the Macken animals get the best... 590 00:42:24,275 --> 00:42:27,267 Including, for some, a bit of Guinness Stout 591 00:42:27,411 --> 00:42:29,845 three times a week on the theory that 592 00:42:29,980 --> 00:42:33,746 what Irish doctors prescribe for old people and pregnant women 593 00:42:33,884 --> 00:42:36,045 must be good for horses. 594 00:42:42,927 --> 00:42:44,485 Youngest of five children, 595 00:42:44,628 --> 00:42:47,290 Macken is the son of a small-town butcher. 596 00:42:47,431 --> 00:42:49,524 Is he ready to go? Yeah. He's fine. 597 00:42:49,667 --> 00:42:50,998 Yeah. You want to leave him for me in the morning. 598 00:42:51,135 --> 00:42:52,067 I'll ride him. 599 00:42:52,202 --> 00:42:54,796 A superb, natural rider, he has grown to be a trainer 600 00:42:54,939 --> 00:42:58,136 with a special feel and touch for a horse. 601 00:43:13,457 --> 00:43:16,449 This animal seems to have a muscular problem. 602 00:43:16,594 --> 00:43:20,792 Macken examines him to see if a veterinarian is required. 603 00:43:22,099 --> 00:43:23,430 He's starting to get a bit of a thing 604 00:43:23,567 --> 00:43:24,693 about this now that I'm fiddling around. 605 00:43:24,835 --> 00:43:26,666 Yeah. He's just anticipating it. 606 00:43:27,805 --> 00:43:29,033 Very tight there. 607 00:43:29,173 --> 00:43:31,869 Will, Robin's coming this afternoon again anyway, isn't he? 608 00:43:32,009 --> 00:43:33,237 He is, eh? 609 00:43:36,780 --> 00:43:37,747 Can you not work that other hand 610 00:43:37,881 --> 00:43:39,940 on top of his hip and save yourself? 611 00:43:40,084 --> 00:43:41,483 There's definitely something catching him there. 612 00:43:41,619 --> 00:43:46,079 Yeah. It's just a really worrying thing 613 00:43:46,223 --> 00:43:48,123 for the horse anyway to have 614 00:43:48,258 --> 00:43:50,852 somebody contracting his muscles without... 615 00:43:51,996 --> 00:43:55,261 Eddie himself has acKnowledged that a horse like Boomerang 616 00:43:55,399 --> 00:43:58,891 comes along only once in a lifetime. 617 00:43:59,036 --> 00:44:02,403 But together, he and Susanne continue their quest, 618 00:44:02,539 --> 00:44:07,909 hoping to find to create his next great show jumping partner, 619 00:44:08,045 --> 00:44:11,014 and soften the loss of Boomerang, 620 00:44:11,148 --> 00:44:14,049 a gallant champion and noble friend. 621 00:44:16,787 --> 00:44:20,484 You remember that chestnut foal we bought at John V. Donna? 622 00:44:20,624 --> 00:44:23,752 Oh, do you remember, yeah? 623 00:44:40,911 --> 00:44:43,471 All over Ireland, boys who would like to grow up 624 00:44:43,614 --> 00:44:46,606 to be the next Eddie Macken are practicing and competing 625 00:44:46,750 --> 00:44:49,776 with the intense hope and fervor of youth. 626 00:44:49,920 --> 00:44:53,356 For them, young riders like philip and Trevor Dagg, 627 00:44:53,490 --> 00:44:55,981 success demands more than practice 628 00:44:56,126 --> 00:44:58,560 it requires financial and emotional support 629 00:44:58,696 --> 00:45:01,028 from the entire family. 630 00:45:01,165 --> 00:45:02,632 As they often do, their parents 631 00:45:02,766 --> 00:45:05,257 devote the weekend to the boy's competition. 632 00:45:05,402 --> 00:45:06,767 The weather's going to break now, too. 633 00:45:06,904 --> 00:45:08,496 How many more do you...? 634 00:45:08,639 --> 00:45:10,766 Ten more, ten more, and he goes again. 635 00:45:10,908 --> 00:45:15,004 Philip was once junior champion in pony show jumping. 636 00:45:15,145 --> 00:45:18,205 Now he trains his 13 year old brother, Trevor, 637 00:45:18,348 --> 00:45:20,475 who began competing just last year. 638 00:45:20,617 --> 00:45:21,845 You come down into it. 639 00:45:21,985 --> 00:45:23,111 You're just going down the hill. 640 00:45:23,253 --> 00:45:25,153 And the horse just tends to go a little bit deeper 641 00:45:25,289 --> 00:45:26,620 because you're coming down the hill. 642 00:45:26,757 --> 00:45:28,725 So you just want to sit him up so he can... 643 00:45:28,859 --> 00:45:31,350 Compensate for the downhill. 644 00:45:31,495 --> 00:45:33,463 You're going too slow and you're half asleep. 645 00:45:33,597 --> 00:45:35,428 Now come on, waken up. Come on. 646 00:45:35,566 --> 00:45:38,694 Philip has already committed himself to a career with horses, 647 00:45:38,836 --> 00:45:40,599 and coaches other young competitors 648 00:45:40,738 --> 00:45:42,399 as well as Trevor. 649 00:45:42,539 --> 00:45:44,131 Just give him a little kick Come on. 650 00:45:44,274 --> 00:45:45,332 That's good. 651 00:45:45,476 --> 00:45:46,966 We'll just go up above and give him a puff, 652 00:45:47,111 --> 00:45:49,079 and then we'll go in. 653 00:45:50,380 --> 00:45:54,316 Now let's have two awake people to jump clear rounds. 654 00:45:56,320 --> 00:45:58,447 All right. You're going to win, okay? 655 00:45:58,589 --> 00:45:59,749 You're going to win. 656 00:45:59,890 --> 00:46:01,289 You're going to win, okay? 657 00:46:01,425 --> 00:46:02,551 You're going to win. 658 00:46:03,794 --> 00:46:06,228 And we will trot, trot. 659 00:46:14,605 --> 00:46:16,095 Oh, crikey! 660 00:46:17,574 --> 00:46:19,269 We're going to win today, aren't we? 661 00:46:19,409 --> 00:46:20,706 Yes, we are. 662 00:46:21,912 --> 00:46:22,844 We're going to win. 663 00:46:27,618 --> 00:46:28,676 Good boy. 664 00:46:28,819 --> 00:46:31,652 Let's go see philip. Okay? Good lad. 665 00:46:32,823 --> 00:46:34,654 Every competition is an opportunity 666 00:46:34,792 --> 00:46:37,693 to grow in skill and experience. 667 00:46:37,828 --> 00:46:40,319 But in Ireland, all competitions are prelude 668 00:46:40,464 --> 00:46:43,297 to the most exciting challenge of the year: 669 00:46:43,433 --> 00:46:45,264 The Dublin Horse show. 670 00:46:46,470 --> 00:46:47,960 Ireland's greatest horse show, 671 00:46:48,105 --> 00:46:52,303 it has been attracting champions for more than a century. 672 00:47:06,123 --> 00:47:08,455 All of the riders have qualified to participate 673 00:47:08,592 --> 00:47:12,790 by winning at a number of competitions throughout the year. 674 00:47:39,323 --> 00:47:42,053 Held at the Royal Dublin Society show grounds, 675 00:47:42,192 --> 00:47:43,887 the Dublin Horse Show has long been 676 00:47:44,027 --> 00:47:47,258 considered the nation's premiere social event. 677 00:47:54,972 --> 00:47:57,702 Enthusiasts from farms, villages and cities 678 00:47:57,841 --> 00:48:01,038 across the country join international visitors 679 00:48:01,178 --> 00:48:03,942 as 1,000 horses and riders and teams 680 00:48:04,081 --> 00:48:06,743 from five nations stage five days 681 00:48:06,884 --> 00:48:10,149 of fierce competitions and showmanship. 682 00:48:23,467 --> 00:48:25,162 Michael Dempsey is here to demonstrate 683 00:48:25,302 --> 00:48:28,237 the obedience of the Galway Blazer hounds... 684 00:48:35,078 --> 00:48:37,410 And Trevor Dagg has an opportunity to compete 685 00:48:37,547 --> 00:48:40,983 in the same arena used by the international teams. 686 00:48:41,118 --> 00:48:42,676 And you'll be all right. Okay? 687 00:48:42,819 --> 00:48:44,480 Don't worry about it. 688 00:48:44,621 --> 00:48:47,089 It'll go all right when you get out there. Okay? 689 00:48:47,224 --> 00:48:49,192 Okay, give him a pop. 690 00:48:49,326 --> 00:48:51,794 And this is George Dagg's Beau Brummel. 691 00:48:51,929 --> 00:48:52,953 To win the championship, 692 00:48:53,096 --> 00:48:55,087 Trevor must clear all the obstacles 693 00:48:55,232 --> 00:48:58,258 and jump the course in the shortest time. 694 00:49:05,676 --> 00:49:06,540 Oh, no. 695 00:49:15,686 --> 00:49:16,675 Good man. Well done. 696 00:49:23,126 --> 00:49:25,185 Oh, no. It's gone. 697 00:49:47,484 --> 00:49:50,317 A caring brother had hoped for first place. 698 00:49:50,454 --> 00:49:52,012 But for Trevor, this yellow ribbon 699 00:49:52,155 --> 00:49:55,181 may be a harbinger of future successes 700 00:50:01,331 --> 00:50:03,060 It was here that the world's first show 701 00:50:03,200 --> 00:50:05,566 jumping competitions were held. 702 00:50:05,702 --> 00:50:08,000 This year Eddie Macken is one of four riders 703 00:50:08,138 --> 00:50:11,301 to set a new Irish jumping record. 704 00:50:20,083 --> 00:50:23,644 In this great yearly celebration of horses and horsemanship, 705 00:50:23,787 --> 00:50:25,721 the ancient spirit of the Irish people 706 00:50:25,856 --> 00:50:30,190 is aroused a new, to stir and soar. 707 00:50:30,327 --> 00:50:33,592 Within each individual, the warmth of the age old connection 708 00:50:33,730 --> 00:50:35,459 with the animal that has helped shape 709 00:50:35,599 --> 00:50:39,126 his nation's history is rekindled. 710 00:50:49,046 --> 00:50:51,207 I think we have produced a lot of really 711 00:50:51,348 --> 00:50:54,078 world class horses on the international scene. 712 00:50:54,217 --> 00:50:56,708 And we've become famous obviously from that. 713 00:50:56,853 --> 00:50:59,151 But I think the greatest asset the Irish horse has is 714 00:50:59,289 --> 00:51:02,190 that as a pleasure horse and for the amateur, 715 00:51:02,325 --> 00:51:06,193 he seems to be more clever, 716 00:51:06,329 --> 00:51:09,264 more easy to deal with, to handle, to ride. 717 00:51:09,399 --> 00:51:12,596 And he seems to give a longer period of enjoyment 718 00:51:12,736 --> 00:51:15,296 than the Continental horses do. 719 00:51:15,439 --> 00:51:19,603 Myself and my family, if we have no breakfast, 720 00:51:19,743 --> 00:51:21,734 today, tomorrow, some other day in the future, 721 00:51:21,878 --> 00:51:24,005 we'll still look after the horse. 722 00:51:24,147 --> 00:51:27,583 We would give the horse our breakfast. 723 00:51:27,717 --> 00:51:29,708 We were with horses for generations, 724 00:51:29,853 --> 00:51:34,813 and Irish people, whatever, they're Irish. 725 00:51:34,958 --> 00:51:36,687 They'll talk about horses, 726 00:51:36,827 --> 00:51:38,818 they'll have horses, they'll keep horses. 727 00:51:38,962 --> 00:51:40,759 They'll never get rid of them. 728 00:51:40,897 --> 00:51:42,990 A tremendous appreciation of the horse 729 00:51:43,133 --> 00:51:44,930 runs through the Irish people. 730 00:51:45,068 --> 00:51:46,194 Ireland is an island. 731 00:51:46,336 --> 00:51:49,703 We are an island people, and as a result, 732 00:51:49,840 --> 00:51:52,900 the traits that were in our forefathers 733 00:51:53,043 --> 00:51:57,173 are still present today after many generations. 734 00:52:10,760 --> 00:52:13,058 In the quite of the countryside 735 00:52:13,196 --> 00:52:16,927 a new Connemara pony enters the world. 736 00:52:17,067 --> 00:52:21,003 Only minutes old, still weak and wobbly, 737 00:52:21,138 --> 00:52:24,403 he is born with the ability to stand alone, 738 00:52:24,541 --> 00:52:28,568 to survive in the lean land of the west. 739 00:52:28,712 --> 00:52:30,942 Within himself he carries the strength 740 00:52:31,081 --> 00:52:35,142 of thousands of years on Irish soil. 741 00:52:45,195 --> 00:52:49,427 The saga of the Irish horse continues in the 20th century 742 00:52:49,566 --> 00:52:51,261 because to the people of Ireland, 743 00:52:51,401 --> 00:52:56,134 horses represent a link with old ways, old values. 744 00:52:56,273 --> 00:53:00,039 A traditional past they want to preserve. 745 00:53:02,812 --> 00:53:06,043 So the children of Ireland grow up with these animals, 746 00:53:06,183 --> 00:53:09,641 each generation adding new chapters of challenge 747 00:53:09,786 --> 00:53:15,315 and hope, triumph and love, to the timeless story 748 00:53:15,458 --> 00:53:18,916 that is the ballad of the Irish horse. 749 00:53:30,707 --> 00:53:34,837 Thank for your watching.