PONY Tales wishes journalist Louise Parkes a speedy recovery after a nasty riding accident recently left her with a badly broken femur. Louise was simply riding her lovely cob at home in the arena when he spooked and came down on top of her. Crucially, Louise was wearing her air vest, a gift from her husband Tony for Christmas, which she says undoubtedly saved her life.

Despite being on crutches and needing a wheelchair at times to battle through the crowds, Louise couldn’t be kept away from the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show, where she was conducting the press conferences and also working tirelessly on this year’s special exhibition in the RDS library.

Also on the injured list is Mayo show jumper Shane Goggins, who was spotted at the show in a neck brace after a fall at home, sadly meaning he missed out on the ride in four-year-old class after qualifying. Get well soon, Shane.

After missing out due to injury 12 months ago, Ciara Mullen is on the sidelines again this year but for a much happier reason as she will welcome her first baby with fiancé Lee Cosgrove soon. Ciara, who runs the page itsa_groomslife on Instagram, did a special collaboration with The Irish Field and Carr & Day & Martin on Dublin prep ahead of the show.