Protective measures

GORESBRIDGE Horse Sales is encouraging all vendors to take protective measures against equine influenza ahead of their July sale. In light of the recent increase in cases, vaccination, while not compulsory, is strongly recommended to help minimise the risk of further spread. Goresbridge has further requested that vendors refrain from presenting any horses displaying ‘flu-like symptoms including high temperatures, nasal discharge, lethargy or coughs to help safeguard the health and welfare of horses attending the sale.

Huntsman remembered

THE death has occurred of the former huntsman of the Sligo Harriers and the East Galway Foxhounds, Liam McAlinden, after a long illness bravely borne. Liam was the husband of Dorothy Leahy, and father of show jumpers Daniel and Rachel. His Funeral Mass will take place tomorrow, Sunday, June 28th at St Dympna’s Church, Kilnadeema, Loughrea, County Galway at 11.00am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

The East Galway Foxhounds paid tribute to Liam and his years of service on their social media accounts: “A true gentleman, Liam hunted the East Galway Foxhounds for 16 seasons from 2006 to 2021 with his right-hand woman Dorothy always by his side. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all those he encountered on the hunting field.”

ISH Studbook on top

THE Irish Sport Horse (ISH) studbook is at the top of the latest World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) ranking list for event horses following a string of excellent results. After his runner-up finish at Kentucky CCI5* with his American rider Caroline Pamukcu, the Justin Burke-bred HSH Blake (Tolan R x Kannan) is the top-ranked event horse in the world, while Julia Krajewski’s ride Tullabeg Platinum (Dignified Van’T Zorgvliet x Cult Hero) [mentioned in the Lumuhlen report on these pages] lies in sixth position.

Newly-formed group aims to

strengthen showing standards

WITH show season in full swing, members of the equestrian community from across Ulster and Ireland recently met to discuss the future of showing and working hunter competition. Judges, stewards, competitors and experienced show representatives exchanged ideas and identified practical ways to support the long-term growth of the sport at all levels, with the aim of strengthening standards, improving consistency and ensuring that the sport remains welcoming and accessible for everyone. Some of the topics raised at the meeting included supporting greater consistency in judging and stewarding; promoting opportunities for education, mentoring and development; supporting grassroots competitors and newcomers to the sport; exploring ways to increase participation and strengthen local shows; and creating stronger links between clubs, venues, officials and organisers.

The Judges and Stewards Showing Hub group has been set up to try to encourage collaboration throughout the sector, in order to address these issues. Further meetings and consultations are planned and organisers are keen to hear from all sectors of the equestrian community - show organisers, venues, secretaries, riding clubs, pony clubs and equestrian organisations - who wish to contribute ideas and help to drive positive change. Anyone interested in becoming involved in future discussions is encouraged to make contact, either through the Judges and Stewards Showing Hub Facebook page or by contacting Lisa on +44 (0)7821 322124.

Aachen longlists announced

HORSE Sport Ireland (HSI) has announced a long list of 15 combinations eligible for selection ahead of August’s Eventing World Championships, which will be held in Aachen, Germany. Three of the riders named are listed with more than one horse and the list includes three of the combinations from the silver medal-winning team at last year’s European Championships: Aoife Clark riding Full Monty De Lacense, Ian Cassells riding Millridge Atlantis and Padraig McCarthy riding Pomp n Circumstance. McCarthy is also listed with Lady Ophelia and MGH Zabaione, while the other combinations listed are Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman; Austin O’Connor with both Colorado Blue and Sixmilewater; Joseph Murphy and Calmaro; Georgie Goss with both Feloupe and Kojak; Sarah Ennis with Dourough Ferro Class Act; Sian Coleman with Carrowgar Je T’Aime Max and Susie Berry with John The Bull. Separately, HSI has also announced the longlists for the dressage and para dressage World Championships, also due to be held in Aachen. High performance manager Anne Marie Dunphy has listed Kevin Acres with Ganesh (subject to one further MER score), Alex Baker with Top Gear, James Connor with Vanotti, Jess Dunn with Dan Its Carsten and Abi Lyle with Giraldo for the former championship. Simone Hession’s para dressage longlist includes Rosemary Gaffney and Norabel; Jessica McKenna and DCI Cerruti; Katie Reilly and Keystone Dawn Chorus and Clodagh Walsh and Chantal.