Banks Vanilla Horse

Banks Vanilla enjoyed two different careers in the show ring. Yet she had an unusual start for one so often judged the epitome of the Connemara breed, foaled far away from Ireland in Denmark. As a grand-daughter of Oxenholme Marble, one of the most influential stallions to leave Ireland, Banks soon found a keen buyer in Sean Dunne at Garryhinch Stud, for which she won numerous in-hand Supreme Championships over the next four years. "Banks" was then acquired by Noel Noonan at Manor Connemara Ponies, who recognized her huge potential and sent Banks on her travels again, this time to the UK and the prodigious young producer of ridden natives, Samantha Roberts. Few stood a chance under saddle against the striking snow-white grey. Banks was beaten just five times in 17 outings that same year, culminating in victories at two of England's most iconic shows - the Horse of the Year and Olympia. With nothing left to prove, Banks was retired as a broodmare - in Connemara, at last.