THE eventing fraternity gathered at Johnstown House Hotel in Co Meath last weekend for the 17th staging of the annual David Foster Injured Riders Ball and the Gain Horse Feeds Media Awards.

Revellers from every part of the equestrian world enjoyed the Fernhill Sport Horse champagne reception before partying into the early hours. The enduring popularity of this annual fixture is a tribute to the organisers and an acknowledgment of the high regard in which the David Foster fund is held. The annual ball is the main fundraiser of the trust which, since its inception has assisted 22 individuals with just under €110,000.

For the second year in succession, Sam Watson smoothly filled the role of master of ceremonies and opened the evening by inviting Lord Carew to say a few words of welcome. It was very good to see Lord Carew back at the helm at Johnstown House, having been forced to miss the previous year due to ill health.

After greeting guests, Lord Carew explained the significance and the value of the David Foster fund, before thanking his ‘golden girls’ Sneezy Foster, her daughter Jessie, Emer Hatherall, Carmel O’Shea and Linda Young for organising the event.

He thanked the sponsors for the evening, namely Gain Horse Feeds (official Team Ireland sponsors) and Horse Sport Ireland. In this Olympic year, he also wished the best of luck to those who will carry Ireland’s hopes in Rio, as well as to the varying under age squads.

Stepping up to host the award presentations, Sam Watson acknowledged the many successes of 2015.

Any one of a number of riders could have been considered for senior prize this year, but as a result of an historic victory in the Nations Cup at Boekelo, the honour went to the successful four man squad of Cathal Daniels, Jonty Evans, Padraig McCarthy and Joseph Murphy. Joined by their team manager Nick Turner, the delighted quartet stepped up to receive the 2015 award from Michael Cursley, president of Agnelli Motor Park.

Their win at Boekelo on the eve of an Olympic year was a welcome one for Turner, who revealed his early plans for the season ahead. Listed riders must attend three of four designated events this spring, culminating at Tattersalls at the beginning of June. Most have already mapped out their campaign, with all four award winners heading for Fontainebleau in a few weeks’ time.

Described by Watson as the ‘big one’ of the evening, the highly coveted 2015 lifetime achievement award went to Lewis Lowry, a man with a real love of the sport and whose influence extended parameters.

Both an achiever and a giver, Lowry is a former president of the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (1995-2001), a chef de mission at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, at the World Equestrian Games in 1990 and a senior selector for the Irish Horse Trials Society from 1987-91 and in 1998.

Involved in virtually all equestrian pursuits, Lowry was a show jumping judge for 35 years and became chairman of the international SJAI selection from 1984 to 1992.

Lowry’s Millbridge Riding Centre in Co Down was the home of the Ballystockart RDA for 35 years and was a nursery and training centre for individuals and for teams.

In addition as having an eye for a horse, Lewis possessed an equally shrewd eye for a rider. Among many to benefit from his influence and to ride horses for him were show jumper Conor Swail, former European event champion Lucy Thompson, Olympic riders Sue Shortt and Alison Kissock, as well as the late Sherelle Duke and horse trainer Stuart Crawford.

A highly respected voice in the sport, Lewis went on to serve on the advisory board to the Department of Agriculture, a committee which recommended that all equestrian sports should come under one umbrella and led to the formation of Horse Sport Ireland. Together with his wife Rosemary, Lewis continues to own event horses and is a regular supporter at both national and international fixtures.

Having received his award from HSI’s chief executive Damian McDonald, Lowry reflected: “We were very lucky and have had a good innings. The sport was very different then – a bit haphazard but very enjoyable and we had great craic.”

Earlier in the evening Watson got the presentations underway by inviting Zara Nelson to receive the junior rider award. The 14-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season with her pony Millridge Buachaill Bui, which was capped when she won the individual bronze medal at the European championships in Malmo.

Next under the spotlight was the Gain Horse Feeds young rider eventing squad, who had lifted team bronze in Strzegom under the guidance of team manager Sally Corscadden.

High performance manager Nick Turner, who travelled over from England for the occasion, presented the awards to squad members Susie Berry, Cathal Daniels, Kelley Hutchinson, Tony Kennedy, Harold Megahey and Jamie Nolan.

One of the biggest cheers of the evening went to WBFSH young horse bronze medallist Sophie Richards. On receiving her award from Brian Mangan, the Co Wexford-based rider revealed she and her smart six-year-old SRS Adventure had targeted the Le Lion d’Angers showcase all season and firmly intend to return there to challenge for the seven-year-old title this year.

Finally, Eventing Ireland’s chairman Georgia Stubington presented the best event award to Vahe Bogossian of Ballinamona in Co Waterford. The presentation was accompanied by some wonderful visual footage of the track, which clearly illustrated why this popular venue was a worthy recipient.

Now heading into its sixth year under EI rules, the event stages two fixtures annually with classes up to CNC** level. Bogossian, who runs the event with his son David, was accompanied on the night by resident show jumping judge and course builder Noel Phelan.

Concluding the formalities, Sneezy Foster received two generous contributions to the fund. The first was a donation from the Tommy Brennan Bursary, while the second had been collected at the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale last November.

Finally Alistair Pim stepped up to conduct an entertaining and well supported auction.

The array of tempting lots on offer on offer including a Berney Grand Prix jumping or dressage saddle, Punchestown and Fairyhouse race packages, a Tredstep outfit, Eventing Ireland and SJI memberships, Horseware Ice Vibe boots, child’s Jeep Go Cart, Fort Lucan adventure park party, etc

Full video coverage of the evening was filmed by Tadgh Ryan’s Bit Media on behalf of Horse Sport Ireland.