The Coloured Horses always attract a big crowd and this year was no exception - perhaps it is the romanticism of their origins that intrigue people or the beauty of their markings but whatever it is you always seem to hear around the ring "oh my best pony was a coloured pony" or "I have always wanted a coloured pony"!

When you check the catalogue you see that very few have breeding listed for these gorgeous horses and nobody cares, because these noble steeds can do just about anything from the show ring to the huntfield and showjumping and dressage - there is little if anything they can't do - and generally their temperaments are brilliant as well.

The first class was the Coloured Horses - mares or geldings. Four year old or over, from 148cms to 153cm and to be ridden by riders 14 years old or over on 1st January,2005

We hope you enjoy our pictorial coverage of this class.
The coloured horses showed such variation in markings that this has to be one of the most interesting showing classes to watch. Picture Puzzle - pictured above right and below left - is a 9 year old piebald mare.

Derek Lawlor's Fairyhouse Rain Dancer - pictured far right - didn't place today but this handsome 10 year old skewbald gelding looked superb.

Andrew Byrne's Hallo Malibu - pictured above centre - was in the Coloured Horse, mare or gelding four years and over, exceeding 153cms.
The all important conformation check - pictured above left and right - the showing classes take a long time but each horse is judged so thoroughly with the rider showing the horse, the conformation and trot up and then each of the two judges ride every horse.
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