An initiative of Horse Sport Ireland

Erin Go Bragh : Ireland Forever RIP

General March 23, 2014

“I’ve ridden horses with more talent, but none that tried harder. He came into my world at a perfect time and the incredible adventures that he took me on were life-changing. “I’m just grateful that I had the good fortune to be his partner, and I so appreciate everything the Harrises did for him when he was competing and in his golden years of retirement. Knowing he had such wonderful care and left us peacefully was such a comfort when it came to say good bye to him.” Carol Kozlowski on Erin Go Bragh.

Erin Go Bragh and Carol Kozlowski: Photo credit unknown

Erin Go Bragh and Carol Kozlowski: Photo credit unknown

The great eventing stallion Erin Go Bragh passed away in November 2013 is now rightfully taking his place amongst many of the great horses in the Irish Horse Gateway Hall of Fame. Erin Go Bragh was one of the most well known Connemaras in Eventing. He died peacefully at the age of 30. During his career he became known fondly as the “The Little Horse” due to his size.  As a Connemara he brought to the fore all the wonderful breed characteristics of the “Irish Sporting Pony”. The breed is infamous for its great stamina and versatility. Connemara’s are capable of carrying an adult in the hunt field or in the dressage arena, yet gentle enough for a young child, fearless as a showjumper, yet suitable and steady as a driving pony as well as making super  eventers. Today there are approximately 2,000 foals born per year in Ireland and the breed is now recognised throughout the world as a top class performance pony.

Erin Go Bragh was partnered with rider Carol Kozlowski. Go Bragh starting point in his career saw him used for driving before his true potential was unlocked when partnered with Carol in 1998. From there they became a huge hit and a favourite on the circuit and Go Bragh proved he was a world class eventer.  He stood at 15.1 hh and his heart and ability was staggering. He took on the larger horses in the world of Three-Day Eventing with bravery and ability and style.

Their wins include top events such as Southern Pines, Movern Park, Groton House and Ledyard Three-Day Event.   This famous Connemara Stallion features amongst Chronicle of the Horse top 100 Horses of the 20th century. He sired more than 225 offspring during his breeding career and many of his progeny have also gone on to compete at the highest level in eventing. Erin Go Bragh was bred and owned by the late Edward and Jacqueline Harris.  Jacqueline Harris, Swiss by birth began the breeding programme of Connemara’s at Hideaway Farm and she was responsible for the breeding and training programs of Erin Go Bragh, his sire and his grandsire. Their successful breeding program of Connemara ponies in the 1960’s have contributed to a long line of champion event horses as Erin’s Shamrock and of course Erin Go Bragh, a breeding program that continues today.

Read the moving tribute from Carol who writes in Eventing Nation in Memory of Erin Go Bragh

 

 

 

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