Renowned breeder laid to rest

THE funeral takes place today (Saturday) of renowned breeder and owner Annette O’Callaghan. A founder of Yeomanstown Stud alongside her husband Gay, Annette also served as Governor on the Irish EBF board. She was involved in the Kildare Hunt Branch of the Irish Pony Club and in the highest level of eventing through her ownership of Electric Cruise and Calmaro, the latter who jumped clear cross-country at Burghley CCI5*-L recently when ridden by Joseph Murphy. She is survived by her husband Gay and her four sons Peter, David, Guy and Robert. Nessa Joyce of the Irish EBF said: “We are all devastated at the untimely passing of our dear colleague Annette.

“Annette was passionate and dedicated to her role as governor on the Irish EBF board for the last ten years. She represented her family’s stud farm Yeomanstown Stud with pride and integrity while championing the Irish EBF at all times. Annette’s good humour, energy and insight will be sadly missed by us all in the boardroom, at the sales and at the races. Our deepest condolences to Gay, Peter, David, Guy, Robert, her extended family, and her many friends from everyone on the Irish EBF board.”

Thoracolumbar pain survey

Survey on thoracolumbar pain in horses

ANNA Juan, an equine academic clinician in the School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin, is undertaking a research project investigating the prevalence of thoracolumbar pain in horses in Ireland. Thoracolumbar (back) pain is frequently associated with performance issues in horses. Despite being a common equine problem, there is currently limited data available regarding diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and treatment protocols across Ireland. Juan is conducting a survey to gather information on current practices in Ireland regarding the diagnosis and treatment of equine back pain, with specific focus on sport horses.

The survey is aimed at veterinary practitioners, farriers, and horse owners, with the objectives of documenting the prevalence of equine thoracolumbar pain in Irish sport horses; exploring current diagnostic methodologies; identifying the causes of equine back pain; and examining treatment techniques, including alternative interventions.Any horse owners who are able to assist with this research can access the survey using the attached QR code, or by typing the following into their search engine - https://forms.gle/DSVQ3MxYdUdNHsPt7 - where the survey can be found. For further information contact Anna at anna.juandepedro@ucd.ie.

Equestrian world mourns Julian White

TRIBUTES have been paid to respected horseman and Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB(GB)) judge Julian White, who died recently. White, who officiated at the Dublin Horse Show, was also the chairman of the Ebony Horse Club, a charity which runs a community riding centre in the heart of Brixton, South London, and which gives young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access to horses and riding. In a statement, SHBGB said: “Julian was a hugely respected and valued member of the SHB(GB) Judges’ Panel whose knowledge, experience and professionalism earned him the respect of fellow judges, exhibitors and competitors alike. Beyond his contribution to the showing world, Julian will be remembered with great affection as a friend to many.”