Thursday, March 07, 2013

#112 03-17-2013 The Ballad of The Irish Horse, with Ian Reid

Ballad of The Irish Horse 
 Over the centuries, horses have captured the hearts and minds of the Irish people. Nurtured by the mild Irish climate and rich grasses, the horses of Ireland have always flourished. From magnificant wild stallions to sturdy work ponies and the elegant racing thoroghbreds—Ireland's horses are an enduring part of the country's history, work, and play. The BALLAD OF THE IRISH HORSE is a romantic portrait of man and animal for viewers to treasure, it's a National Geographic documentary that I highly, highly recommend! A romantic and moving portrait of the Irish people, and their attachment to the horses on the Emerald Isle. The National Geographic Special takes a lavish, panoramic look at Irish horses and the people who ride them, train them, breed them, trade them, and -- most of all -- love them.  Have you seen the part where the woman rides the pony out of the front door of the house, ha.

The dog may be known as man's best friend, but for many, the horse is our true inspiration. Nowhere is this more true than Ireland, where horses can be found racing, working, and simply living as part of the wild landscape. Outstanding camera work and in-depth research create a lovely, enduring tribute to horses wild and tame and the Irish families that love and care for them. The Galway races, riding schools, fox hunts, pony club and more all fit together in a mosaic of useful beauty, the more beautiful for the interdependence, which ensures that, despite the technological advances of the 20th century, the Ballad of the Irish Horse will outlast us all.  I have always remembered the segment at the Irish Stud, where it was suggested some horses seem to LIKE music.  The research for the film alsodocumentary was done by Miriam Birch, with 7 print editions also published between 1985-1995 and held by 162 libraries worldwide. The Ballad of the Irish Horse is also an album released by the Irish musical group The Chieftains in 1986. The album serves as the soundtrack for the National Geographic documentary

Paddy Moloney of the band was commissioned to write the score of the National Geographic special on Irish horses, and began to jot down his inspiration for the score while on the US tour in 1984. There was 52 music sequences involved (Ballad of the Irish Horse: Main Theme, Horses of Ireland: Part 1, The Green Pastures (Jig) , Scéal na gCapall: The Story of the Horse , Horses of Ireland: Part 

To celebrate St. Paddy's day today, we're going to play some of those kinds of jigs and reels in the background and between conversation topics during an informal interview with an irishman i've known for a long time about some of his horsey memories. Thank you Ian Reid




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