Double Champion, KEC Double Diamond - Empire Desert Classic & Palm Classic
March, 2004

Jutta Heinsohn thanks Will Simpson and Carlos Massenzi for their stellar performances with KEC Double Diamond (RID), "Oisin" at both the Empire Desert Classic during the week of March 17 and the Palm Classic this week. Oisin jumped his way to Division Champion [Training II] at the Empire Desert Classic, and repeated the performance the following week [Modified 1] for the Palm Classic, regardless of a full coat and blistering heat for these March Shows! "The temperatures reached the early hundreds nearly every day. The horses remained well-hydrated and all had fans, but regardless - for March that is excessive heat, and we all hoped for a cooler second week," said Heinsohn. "El Campeon Farms have been generous to permit Will to work with our horse and we are honored that they are willing to share their barn with us."

Empire Desert Classic: KEC Double Diamond earned 22 points to earn Division Champion, with El Campeon's Maxine, placing Reserve with 14.5. The Training II Division is 3'9" height with up to a 4'3" spread. To review full division results, click HERE. Will bumed Oisin up a division for "Palms" to Modified.

Palms Classic: KEC Double Diamond earned 12 points to earn Division Champion, tied with Sandstone Montecristo. Modified 1 is 4' height with up to 4'6" spread. To review full division results, click HERE.

Jutta decided at the end of last year that she would give Oisin a mini break from his dressage training to get out and have some fun in the jumping arena this year. "Oisin wil continue his dressage training between shows and when Will is away. I'll continue his 4th level and PSG work through this year and hope to debut him in FEI in 2005 at Prix St. Georges. The two disciplines are reasonably complimentary to one another, but taking time out for jumping this year may set Oisin back a little in his upper-level work. However, I am confident that the mental break will more than make up for lost time overall," said Heinsohn... "we all need a break now and then!"

Congratulations to Oisin and Adsagsona Farm for their success.

El Campeon Farms always has outstanding jumping prospects for sale. If you would like to learn more about the horses they are offering for sale or would like to schedule an appointment, click here.

Photo's courtesy Paula Chmura
Click on photo to view larger size

Kevin Babington & Carling King win $100,000 Cosequin Grand Prix
March 14, 2004

Kevin Babington, 35, of Tipperary, Ireland, rode Carling King owned by Kindle Hill Farm to victory in the $100,000 Cosequin US Open Jumper Championship today at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL. Babington was the only rider to win two Grand Prix classes during the seven-week Wellington WEF. He and Carling King won the $75,000 PDP Capital Masters Cup, CSI*** two weeks ago.

Babington, who has been partnered with the 13-year-old chestnut, Irish Sport Horse gelding by Clover Hill, for five years and has been on the Irish team with him for four. They are currently in place to represent Ireland at the Athens Olympics. He snatched the lead with his clear trip in a blazing 42.70. "I saw Ian's round and I thought if I gave it a shot I could beat him. McLain was coming behind me so I knew if I went for a slow clear, I was definitely going to end up third, so I might as well give it a shot and it paid off. That's the fastest I've ever gone on him," said Babington. He explained where he shaved time off Millar's pace, "I knew I could roll on down to the vertical and the oxer a little faster ? he's quite scopey. I thought I could take a little chance back on the double, but I went so quick to the oxer that I was quite wide back to the double, so I took a risky shot across to the Kilkenny jump."

The $75,000 Capital Wellington Masters was held February 25-29 at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida where Ireland's Babington, 35, who now resides in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, topped a class of 50 entries aboard Carling King for owner Kindle Hill Farm. In a two-horse jump-off that pitted Babington and Carling King against Kim Frey, 38, of Virginia and Marlou owned by Windmill Ranch LLC, no one went clean, but Babington managed to log fewer faults in a faster time to take the win. Carling King's win in the $75,000 PDP Capital Master's Cup followed by his win today should show rider Kevin Babington that he's well on the way to the Olympics in Athens. Babington said, "He's been jumping five years in Grand Prix. I've had him all over Europe and he's been to the World Championships and two European Championships, so he has quite a bit of mileage."

Sires @ Kennedy Equine Center have 2 Olympic Hopefuls!
March 1, 2004

It was announced at the weekend the Ovidius ( by Aldatus Z) ridden by Jeroen Dubbledam has been short listed for the Dutch Olympic Showjumping Team. Ovidius (KWPN app) is an 8 yr old stallion by Aldatus Z out of an Ahorn mare. He has been prominent in the Netherlands since a 4 yr old, with Peter Gerrink, winning the Dutch National Championships as a 4 & 5 yr old, he has also won his classes at Zwolle International Stallion Show as a 5 & 6 yr old.

Olympic Champion Jeroen Dubbledam took over the ride of this handsome bay stallion as a 6 yr old to continue his winning streak and last week was the winner of the 'Promising Stallion' title beating many of the top young international stallions. The horse has been slowly produced with the Olympics in mind but may be inexperienced as last season he was sidelined from competition with infection caused by a tooth abscess.

Bill spoke to Jeroen Dubbledam this morning and he was delighted to be congratulated on the win & could not say enough for the horse, 'easy', 'great horse', 'massive ability' were just a few of his comments. He hopes to step the horse up into International Level this Spring in a bid to be picked for the Team for Athens.

Kennedy Equestrian Center have received many phone calls this weekend of congratulation; including one from Mr. Trevor Badger, Bridge House Stud, who was at the show to see his stallion OJasper jump.

Coolcorran Cool Diamond [by Glidawn Diamond], ridden by Robert Splaine, has been short listed for the Irish Olympic Team [one of only 2 Irish Bred Horses picked for selection]. 'Bobby' was resident at Kennedy Equine Centre as a yearling & again before going to to Robert Splaine. His record over the last 2 seasons speaks for itself.

Irish Sporthorses Competing Well Around The World
June 29, 2003

Spruce Meadows, Canada
CSI B (June 20-22) Hilton Flight (1993 ISH gelding by Errigal Flight (ISH), out of Occasion VII (WNTR)) ridden by Richard Spooner (USA) won the Nexen 1m45 class on Saturday, June 21. Ado Annie (1993 ISH mare by Errigal Flight (ISH), out of Coolrain Princess (ISH), by Blue Henry (RID)) ridden by Will Simpson placed 4th in the Calgary Grand Prix on Sunday, June 22.

CSI 3* (June 27-29) Ado Annie (ISH) and Will Simpson (USA) placed third in the June 28 Calgary RBC Cup (1m60), while Hilton flight (ISH) and Richard Spooner (USA) won the June 29 Calgary Esso Challenge (1m60).

Aachen (GER) CSIO 5*
The Irish Nations Cup team won their third Nations Cup class at last week's Samsung Nations Cup Superleague event. Two Irish sport horses were on the team representign Ireland at Aachen: Coolcorron Cool Diamond (1989 Approved ISH stallion by Glidawn Diamond (RID), out of Bonmahon Belle (ISH), bby Bronti (ISH)) ridden by Robert Splaine (IRL) and Carling King (1991 ISH gelding by Clover hILl (RID), out of Gortnagger Star (ISH), by Chirlift (TB)) ridden by Kevin Babington (IRL). This win places Ireland in second position, just 0.5 points behind France in the Samsung Superleague table after round 4.

El Campeon's Ado Annie and Hilton Flight go back to the same great lines as KEC Double Diamond on their father's side - King of Diamonds by way of Errigal Flight. Coolcorron Cool Diamond is 1/2 brother to KEC Double Diamond, sharing the same father, Glidawn Diamond (by King of Diamonds). The lineage says it all. [Back to News - click here.]

KEC Double Diamond enjoys Will Simpson
June 9, 2003

KEC Double Diamond (RID), Registered Irish Draught (performance tested and approved in Ireland), has been enjoying the priviledge of lessons and being ridden by Will Simspon at El Campeon Farms before Will and El Campeon's Ado Annie (I[D]SH), Irish [Draught] Sport Horse, leave for Spruce Meadows for 3 weeks. On their return from Canada, KEC Double Diamond will recommence his lessons.

Of KEC Double Diamond, Will said, "This horse has plenty of scope. He is so 'adjustable' in his stride, and has a great mind… He is the seeing-eye dog of jumpers, and I mean that as a big compliment." Of horse and rider combination he says, "This horse has the talent to do the big stuff and so does the rider - now it's about the rider's confidence."

Rider and owner of KEC Double Diamond, Jutta Heinsohn, (Dressage trainer and Bereiter, FN) looks forward to when Will returns. "I have a lot of work to do, but I am encouraged by my horse and with the opportunity working with Will provides me. I am presented with challenges and push myself to new heights..., Will is a warm person, a terrific professional, and he understands the Irish Horse well! I wish him and Ado Annie the very best at Spruce Meadows!!"

It was great to learn that El Campeon's Ado Annie goes back to the same great lines as KEC Double Diamond on her father's side - King of Diamonds by way of Errigal Flight. The lineage says it all. [Back to News - click here.]

Kennedy Equine Center [home of Glidawn Diamond] purchases Coolcorron Cool Diamond's Dam
June 9, 2003

The rumour that Kennedy Equine Center and Caherwisheen Stud (IRE) have purchased Coorcorron Cool Diamond's Dam, Bonmahon Belle (ISH), is true! The Kennedy's are excited to have this quality mare added to their program... Bonmahon Belle (ISH) is by Bronti (ISH)... And, since they already own his father, Glidawn Diamond [the stud's original cornerstone RID stallion], the stage is set to produce more of this winning combination. Congratulations Bill & Anna!

If you are interested in contacting the Kennedy's, they may be reached in Ireland by e-mail at: kennedyequine@eircom.net, or by telephoning: 011.353.66.7126453. Glidawn Diamond is father to many outstanding RID and I[D]SH performance stallions, including: Coolcorron Cool Diamond; KEC Double Diamond; KEC Bluejay Diamond; O'Leary's Irish Diamond, and more...

Coolcorron Cool Diamond Wins Grand Prix of Switzerland
June 6, 2003

Coolcorron Cool Diamond [14] reinforced his world class reputation last week in St. Gallen by winning the Grand Prix at the Samsung Nations Cup Superleague fixture. A massive track, designed by Germany's Paul Weir, demanded scope, carefulness and precision. Coolcorron Cool Diamond demonstrated his incredible talent to give an outstanding performance, jumping a double clear to take the Grand Prix of Switzerland.

Nine Nations lined up for the third round of the Samsung Nations Cup Superleague last Sunday (1st June 2003) in St. Gallen. After a fierce battle Switzerland and Ireland emerged on equal score after the second round. Under new Superleague rules, one rider from each Nation must nominate one rider to go into an instant 'head to head' jump-off.

Switzerland put forward World Cup Champion, Marcus Fuchs and Tinkas Boy while Ireland selected Robert Splaine with his St. Gallen Grand Prix winner Coolcorron Cool Diamond. Fuchs started first to take on Paul Weir's massive seven fence jump-off course. 8 faults on the scoreboard set the target for Splaine. What followed, was an outstanding faultless display by Coolcorron Cool Diamond, which lifted the Cup for Ireland for the first time in sixty four years!

Coolcorron Cool Diamond was born in 1989. He is an Irish [Draught] Sport Horse by Glidawn Diamond (RID) out of Bonmahon Belle (ISH). KEC Double Diamond (1996 RID) shares the same father. They both are Grandson's of the famous King of Diamonds.

KEC Double Diamond has an excellent 2 weeks at Indio!
Dressage Trainer's Stallion continues to compete in jumping...
February 9, 2003

"What a great couple of weeks at Indio..." said owner, Jutta Heinsohn. It's apparent 'Cowboy' is enjoying himself jumping - and after two weeks at the desert circuit he's home for the 'by' week and a look in the pocket book to see if he can go back for another two weeks... [and we thought dressage was expensive!!!]

With a very respectable outing, and 7 classes over the two weeks, K.E.C. Double Diamond earned ribbons/placings in all but one of his classes over the two week period, ranging from blue to pink in the standings. "You should be very proud of him!" said jump rider, Kandi Stewart, when we picked him up today to bring him home for a break. "He is jumping well and consistently and is showing good speed."

Next steps? Rusty and Kandi would like to see Jutta compete on 'Cowboy' at upcoming shows; something she'd love to do with him as he has given her so much more confidence to get back into the jumper ring... stay tuned...

Adsagsona Farm, home of K.E.C. Double Diamond (RID Stallion) & exclusive US contact for international grand-prix jumper (retired) Aldatus Z (OLD / ISH). Contact Jutta Heinsohn at (805) 529-9065 or jutta@adsagsona.com for more information, breeding or dressage training inquiries.

Dressage Stallion Jumping at Indio
Wednesday, January 30, 2003

After a year of dressage training with owner, Jutta Heinsohn, and a couple of months of jumper training with Rusty Stewart and Grey Fox Farms; K.E.C. Double Diamond (Oisin), dubbed 'Cowboy' by his jump rider, showed yet again the infinite versatility of this young Irish Draught stallion who now resides in Southern California.

On his second day at Indio and after a clear warm-up class, 'Cowboy' [affectionately named by jump rider, Kandi Stewart], went double clear in his jumper division with a time fast enough to place him second! With a power and speed format this class of 120 horses was broken out into 3 sections of 40 horses each.

Kandi was apologetic as she came out of the ring that she hadn't, "pushed him for more speed to win". Jutta Heinsohn (Adsagsona Farm) said, "How could I not be thrilled with second place at Indio and a horse gaining confidence and trust! I couldn't be happier! A good experience is much more important to me than him being pushed to win!" "The hard part," said Heinsohn, "is that it's going to become increasingly difficult to decide what discipline Oisin will 'major' in. He has such talent (and breeding) for jumping, and yet he has shown great promise and has excellent scores in his dressage work as well... what to do... what to do..."

K.E.C. Double Diamond will be competing at Indio Week 2 & 3, home for a week or two and back for week 5 & 6. Stay tuned for more news!

Adsagsona Farm, home of K.E.C. Double Diamond (RID Stallion) & exclusive US contact for international grand-prix jumper (retired) Aldatus Z (OLD / ISH). Contact Jutta Heinsohn at (805) 529-9065 or jutta@adsagsona.com for more information, breeding or dressage training inquiries.

Gymnastics for Dressage
Oisin (Ush-een) Believe in Gymnastics for Dressage
June 10, 2001

Oisin has been home for six weeks and is settling in well. His disposition is second to none. Although a young breeding stallion, he has learned early to respect people and is naturally gentle. In Ireland it was not an uncommon occurrence for him to be ridden out on the trails by youngsters between the ages of 12 and 16. Even though he has been breeding since his arrival, his disposition has not suffered. As he proceeds through his reeducation process - jumping to dressage, he is encouraged to keep his jumping skills honed and will compete as a jumper in his own right. "The dressage work will only improve his jumping", said owner/trainer Jutta Heinsohn.

Pictured right, Oisin is ridden over fences for the first time since being in America by amateur rider, Diane Grant-Schott of Calabasas, California. "This stallion is unbelievable," said Grant. "I have bred for athleticism all my life and you can frequently sacrifice disposition for talent... Not so here," Grant continued. "Oisin has all the attributes of a champion; conformation, athleticism, talent, and brains. I hadn't ridden him before today, and yet I got such a fantastic feel -- he is so under himself and light in front -- I look forward to every opporunity I can get to work with him."

International Grand Prix Rider, Edward Doyle, who rode Oisin through his Stallion Approval remembers him well. "Ahh yes, the big chestnut stallion. Nice horse, that. Very good form...clean and careful jumper; very altheltic... He'll go a long way!" Edward holds that while most Irish Draughts are better known for passing their great traits on to outcross offspring, a few have the potential to be great competitors themselves and that K.E.C. Double Diamond (Oisin) has that potential.