DOWN UNDER IN DUBLIN – JAMES BALFE
Amongst the throngs of overseas visitors to the Dublin Horse Show this week, you may spot this gentleman all the way from New South Wales. He’s James Balfe, originally from Claremorris and based Down Under since 1996 when the Mayo farrier moved to a job with Coolmore Australia. His father Seán, an architect, worked on such projects as the Knock Basilica and Ireland West Airport (Knock) and how many youngsters can say they learnt to drive on an airport runway!
Since his move to Australia, James has trained racehorses, competed on the rodeo circuit and has been a tireless ambassador for the Scone Horse Festival …spot the jacket.
James is also a great fan of the Connemara pony. Castle Baron (Abbeyleix Owen – Castle Dame, by Mervyn Kingsmill) was imported to Australia by Sue Clarke of Glenormiston Stud and later stood at James and Sarah Wills at Killenafarma Stud, in partnership with Lisa Randle.
A full-brother to Dublin, the Horse of the Year Show and Olympia winner Castle Comet and Clifden supreme champions Castle Countess and Castle Urchin, Baron was bred by Henry O’Toole in Clifden, which is James next port of call next week for the annual Pony Show.
What’s the Connemara world like in Australia? “There’s approximately 300 Connemaras and they’re very popular with ladies and as mother-daughter ponies because of their temperament. There’s no pony jumping competitions as such in Australia – not like we have in Ireland – but Connemara ponies are very popular in eventing.”
Another market is crossing Connemara stallions with thoroughbred mares to produce eventers and leisure types. One major pitfall for any Australian considering importing a Connemara, or any equine, are the prohibitive costs. How much does it cost to ship a pony there? “About $30,000! Its the transport but also the quarantine, quarantine costs are really expensive.”
Get a glimpse of the Australian Connemara scene on his Killeenafarma Connemara Ponies Facebook page and if you’d like to learn more about the Mayoman, read his feature in The Irish Field: