Belfrey Promotes the Irish Draught at Lamplight 2007 IDHSNA National Show                    

The 2007 IDHSNA National Show was held at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Chicago, IL. Belfrey’s kind temperament was on display as he was eager to perform for both international handlers, Bruce and Staci Griffin. To demonstrate Belfrey’s supreme athleticism, Bruce asked Belfrey for a collected canter in hand; his incredible suspension reached 1 foot off the ground!  Bruce commented that this level of athleticism is rare even in dressage-bred Warmbloods.

Before the Irish Draught National Show, Bruce and Staci had never seen an Irish Draught.  They both were so impressed with Belfrey’s kind temperament, willingness, athleticism and breath-taking beauty that they are now fans of our wonderful breed.  They are looking forward to working with the IDHSNA in the future.

Surrounded by hundreds of horses participating IDHSNA Show and Regional Hunter Show, Belfrey, always the gentleman, planted his feet and posed with kids who wanted their picture taken with the “Black Stallion!”

Most importantly, the National Show exposed many people participating in the nearby Hunter/Jumper Show to the Irish Draught and Irish Draught Sport Horse.  In the warm up arena, we were approached by a lady to whom our breed was unknown.  Her comment to me will be remembered for a lifetime.  “Your stallion brings tears to my eyes; he’s so beautiful.”  This woman was so touched by Belfrey  that she is now including Irish Draught Sport Horses to her Hunter/Jumper string!