Reports By Ruth Loney

The Ulster-bred eventing stallion Ringfort Tinkatoo has been exported to the USA where he is competing with Floridian rider Ruthie Harbison of Suwannee Farms.

Bred and owned by Diane Harron Eakin from Ringfort Stud near Killyleagh Co Down, Tinkatoo is sired by the international showjumper Tinka's Boy and campaigned in showjumping and eventing in Ireland with both Paul Dillon and Steven Smith.

Ruthie Harbison has competed the stallion four times since he came out of quarantine in September and has won or placed in every single event both in Florida and Georgia.

She told Equestrian Life: "Tinkatoo will begin the Spring 05 season in January at intermediate and is then heading to the Red Hill Gold Cup CIC two star and the Foxhall Cup CCI two star Spring championship in April.

"I imported Tinkatoo specifically to be my CCI four star prospect. He was purchased for me to compete with by Bob Jordan and Scott Berglund and they are very excited to own such a gorgeous and impressive stallion."

Ruthie added: "Tinkatoo is the most amazing horse I have ever had and I feel so lucky to be able to ride him every day. I have never had a horse so talented in all three phases and so uncomplicated to ride.

"He is not only a gentleman but completely forgiving in every way - he is my eventing partner and my best friend."

In a tribute to Tinkatoo's former rider Steven Smith, Ruthie pointed out: "It is obvious that Tinkatoo has been very well produced by Steven Smith and it is a testament to both the horse's training and his outstanding temperament that he has been able to go to a new rider on a new continent and be immediately so successful."

Equally complimentary to Tinkatoo's breeder Diane Harron Eakin, Ruthie stressed: "If he is an example of what Ringfort Stud is producing with their breeding programme, I will be looking for my future competition horses there."

Already Tinkatoo has breeding coverings booked for next season in the USA and will continue to compete during the breeding season.

Diane Harron Eakin bred the 16.3 chestnut stallion from the mare Sheepcote Solitude whose sire was by the Olympic dressage horse Son of Charm and she out of a Rulageela mare. Diane bought the mare from David Pincus in Hereford as a three months old foal and bred Tinkatoo from her when she was three.

"I covered her, using frozen semen from the world champion and Olympic showjumper Tinka's Boy with Marcus Fuchs in Switzerland. When the mare foaled, I kept the colt who became Ringfort Tinkatoo before selling Sheepcote Solitide to Gina Johnson who campaigned her to two star level with Steven Smith. Gina is now breeding more wonderful foals from her."

Diane Harron admits that Tinkatoo was "rather a precocious two year old". He covered four thoroughbred mares for Raymund Martin including a point to point mare. "We have just purchased that now four year old Ringfort Tinkabella who will campaign with Steven Smith in the Spring 2005."

Ringfort Tinkatoo spent his four and five year old year career with Paul Dillon of Loughgilly on the showjumping circuit before going to Steven Smith in Gilford as a six year old to begin a new career in horse trials.

In his first year he won at Kirkenny, Ballynagarrick and Tyrella II. He was placed at Glenarm and Tyrella Two Day completing his first one star at the international three day at Blair Castle in Scotland before concluding the year by winning the CNC one star Larfarge novice final at Loughanmore.

Tinkatoo gleaned for Harron Eakin Farms the coveted owner breeder award and the novice points goblet.

This year 2004, before being sold, he did enough in the Spring season only to retain the owner/breeder award and the points goblet for the intermediate/ advanced horse with the most points.

Diane and her husband John are delighted to have retained two foals at home by Tinkatoo and several in utero.

With many mares in foal, and four eventers competing next season with Joseph Murphy and Steven Smith - Diane and John will be burning the midnight oil.

However Tinkatoo's career in the USA will be another string to the bow of Harron Eakin Farms and another boost to the Irish sporthorse industry.

Ruthie concluded: "I had the best ride on Tinkatoo today doing trot sets in the Florida fields - I was thinking while I was riding, how much I enjoy every day with him. Tinkatoo is my dream horse come true !"