It was with a heavy heart we learned of the passing of O'Leary's Irish Diamond (aka "Irish") just a few short weeks ago. This brilliant stallion touched many lives in his 16 years, not the least of which was his latest job as an ambassador of the breed, as the model for the 2010 RID Breyer Horse.
From a young horse, he had influenced people to take another look at the Irish Draught Horse, and he helped dispel the myth that a large boned horse could not be athletic or competitive in multiple disciplines by excelling in Dressage, Jumpers and Hunters throughout his sixteen years. 
Irish was bred by Bill and Anna Kennedy in Ireland. His sire Glidawn Diamond (RID) was a son of the famous King of Diamonds (RID). Glidawn Diamond himself passed earlier this year at a grand old age. His dam, Grey Curragong, through her dam-line goes back to Gortlee.
Irish was bred by Bill and Anna Kennedy in Ireland. His sire Glidawn Diamond (RID) was a son of the famous King of Diamonds (RID). Glidawn Diamond himself passed earlier this year at a grand old age. His dam, Grey Curragong, through her dam-line goes back to Gortlee. 
Irish was imported and promoted initially from Ireland in 1997 by James Leary of NM, who adored his horse and closely planned and orchestrated his early Dressage career, through third level, with Jutta Heinsohn in the saddle. Jutta rode Irish for the Irish Inspectors at his performance test, where he earned stellar marks all the way around and had the distinction of becoming the first Irish Draught to be performance tested in Dressage. From that beginning he went on to earn many regional awards as he advanced through the levels of dressage, culminating in completing his dressage career at Prix St. Georges level under then rider/trainer Stephany Fisch of Florida.
In betwixt his dressage career, he also attained awards in jumpers (under Rob Gage) and later hunters as well. Some of his early career awards included:
USDF Performance Certificates in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Levels.
2000 Champion 3rd Level Dressage Assoc. of Southern California.
2002 Open Jumper Champion
2002 Open Modified Jumper Champion
2004 Qualified USDF Regional Championships at Prix St Georges.
Irish was later sold to Melissa Cason-Kinney of Bigfork, Montana of Kinson Stud who not only loved him dearly, but continued his breeding career, campaigned him in Hunters and Jumpers nationally. It is a devastating loss for Melissa and her family who had become remarkably close to Irish and spent much of the last four years making the sport horse world, not just the Irish Draught community, aware of how special O'Leary's Irish Diamond was.
Irish's legacy is not only as the 2010 RID Breyer Horse Model, but his pure and partbred progeny as well. Irish and Melissa were to perform demonstrations in conjunction with the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games. We are so sorry the world did not get to see them on this stage.
Rest In Peace Irish, "May you be running free in Heaven"
2000 Champion 3rd Level Dressage Assoc. of Southern California.
2002 Open Jumper Champion
2002 Open Modified Jumper Champion
2004 Qualified USDF Regional Championships at Prix St Georges.
Irish was later sold to Melissa Cason-Kinney of Bigfork, Montana of Kinson Stud who not only loved him dearly, but continued his breeding career, campaigned him in Hunters and Jumpers nationally. It is a devastating loss for Melissa and her family who had become remarkably close to Irish and spent much of the last four years making the sport horse world, not just the Irish Draught community, aware of how special O'Leary's Irish Diamond was.Irish's legacy is not only as the 2010 RID Breyer Horse Model, but his pure and partbred progeny as well. Irish and Melissa were to perform demonstrations in conjunction with the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games. We are so sorry the world did not get to see them on this stage.Rest In Peace Irish, "May you be running free in Heaven"
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