CPBS suspends holding of AGM to allow for review

THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) has temporarily suspended the convening of its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Following an enquiry from The Irish Field, a press release confirmed the suspension ‘has been taken on a temporary and limited basis, following legal and governance advice, and is intended solely to facilitate a necessary revision of the society’s constitution, ahead of its next AGM’.

“The Board has taken this decision to allow the chief financial officer and office management to progress a focused review of the constitution, ensuring that it reflects current best-practice standards in governance and fully aligns with the Charities Regulator’s Governance Code. The review is intended to strengthen governance arrangements while maintaining the Society’s established democratic framework.

“CPBS wishes to emphasise that this decision does not represent a permanent change to the society’s governance arrangements. No amendments to the constitution will be made without prior consultation with members and formal approval by the membership through the appropriate constitutional process.”

As part of the consultation process, CPBS will hold a series of member roadshow meetings in the coming weeks. Throughout this period, the society confirms that day-to-day services and operational activities will continue as normal. Further detail on this matter has been sought and will appear in an upcoming issue.

RIP Brian Lusk

BRIAN Lusk died peacefully on January 11th in Silver Birch Lodge Nursing Home near Saintfield in Northern Ireland. He was the much-loved brother of Harold and Sheila, and father of Catherine and the late Margaret and James. A celebration of Brian’s life will be held today at 2pm at his home, 48 Knockany Road, Carr, Lisburn, BT27 6YB, after a private cremation. No flowers, donations in lieu, if desired, to QUB Foundation (Cancer Research).

Lusk sourced the majority of horses competing under the Brookfield prefix, and Brookfield Equestrian posted that: “Brian wasn’t just a brilliant horseman, he was also a kind, generous and deeply respected friend. We feel incredibly lucky to have known him and to have shared so many years, laughs and milestones together.”

RIP John Joe Richardson

JOHN Joe Richardson of Kilcolman, Birr, Co Offaly, died peacefully at his home on January 3rd. He will be sadly missed by his partner Gillian, sons and nine grandchildren. Richardson was a supporter of the East Galway Hunt, and they posted that: “John Joe’s energy and humour was infectious, his immaculate turn out of horses always raised the bar, he worked tirelessly for our auctions and saying no to his great smile was almost impossible. He had a great enthusiasm for hunting and was always planning the next event. He will be greatly missed.”

Rotterdam drops dressage Nations Cup

CHIO Rotterdam will not host a CDIO FEI Dressage Nations Cup in 2026, and will instead run a CDI4*. The FEI is currently without a sponsor for its FEI Nations Cup series, and this influenced the show’s decision not to organise a CDIO5* this year. “CHIO Rotterdam is currently facing considerable financial challenges,” confirmed its dressage sport director Patrick van der Meer, “and the costs associated with organising a CDIO5* are considerable.”

Rotterdam, which was the venue at which ‘the girls in green’ achieved a historic Irish team qualification for the Tokyo Olympics in 2019, is confident that their CDI4* can “continue to offer a highly prestigious, top-level competition, where both riders and spectators can enjoy an event of exceptional quality”.

The removal of Rotterdam CDIO5* leaves the FEI with five shows in their Nations Cup dressage series. They are Wellington (USA) in March, Fontainebleau (FRA) in April, Lier (BEL) in May and both Hagen (GER) and Falsterbo (SWE) in July.

Olympic ticket draw open

THE registration for the LA28 Olympic ticket draw is now open, and HSI has posted the link to it on its social media accounts. They said “this is a unique opportunity for equestrian fans around the world to take the first step towards securing tickets to a once-in-a-lifetime Olympic experience, witnessing the best jumping, dressage and eventing athletes and horses compete on the world’s biggest stage.”