Millstreet and SJI settle row

THE long-standing fallout between Millstreet’s Green Glens Arena and Showjumping Ireland (SJI) has been settled. Thomas Duggan confirmed the news to The Irish Field just at the time of deadline on Friday. A statement said: “Millstreet and Showjumping Ireland are pleased to confirm that they have resolved their dispute and look forward to cooperating in equestrian events in the future.” More to follow in future editions.

ESI Rocky makes debut

SEAMUS Hughes Kennedy’s former championship mount ESI Rocky (Stakkato Gold x For Pleasure) made his debut under Monaco’s Anastasia Nielsen on Thursday when jumping clear in the 4* 1.40m at Vejer de la Frontera in Spain. The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, bred by Ennisnag Stud, who finished fifth at the senior FEI European Championships in July and jumped double clear in the Aga Khan with Seamus Hughes Kennedy was sold to Nielsen at the beginning of September.

Olympic medallist retires

THREE-time Olympic show jumper Philippe Rozier is retiring after 40 years competing at the top level. The 62-year-old Frenchman, who was part of the gold medal-winning team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016, is contesting his final five-star competition this week on home soil at CSI5*-W Longines Equita Lyon. “This is a well-considered decision, and I’m very happy it’s happening in front of a French audience, where it all began and where I’ve experienced so many powerful moments. I want to make way for the younger generation, while continuing to ride, share my knowledge, and fully live this passion that has always driven me,” he said. Rozier’s CV includes three Olympics, five European Championships, five World Cup Finals and a silver team medal at the 1994 World Equestrian Games.

Mexico win for O’Connor

CO Meath’s Cian O’Connor won the opening CSI5* class in Monterrey, Mexico on Wednesday. Riding the eight-year-old gelding Pegasus, he stopped the clock in 66.42 seconds to best the field of 40 horse and rider combinations in the 1.45m class.

BEVA introduce seller’s declaration

THE British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has introduced a pre-purchase examination (PPE) seller’s declaration as part of its new online toolkit for vets. Previously, the seller’s declaration was part of BEVA’s pre-purchase worksheet, containing questions for the vet to ask the seller. This new declaration, revised with the support of British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Horse Society (BHS), is a more extensive, stand-alone document. Prospective buyers are recommended to ask for a completed copy from the seller directly before the formal PPE starts and it is hoped the toolkit will help cut out the vet as the “middleman”.

Connemara Pony Heritage Centre

FRIDAY marked the opening of the Connemara Pony Heritage Centre at the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack, Co Galway. The Centre is the brainchild of Cathy Snow and the opening was the realisation of a dream she has held for 30 years. International and national pony breeders and enthusiasts attended the official opening where John Connolly T.D, Daragh O’Tuairisg, President of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, and Stephen Strang, President of the International Committee of Connemara Pony Societies, praised the opening of the Centre to showcase and promote the native breed. Further details will appear in next week’s paper.