Sarah Slattery retires Paralympic mount Savona

PARA dressage rider Sarah Slattery has announced the retirement of Savona, the horse she rode at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Slattery and Savona contributed to Ireland’s 10th place in the team competition at those Paralympics before they finished 7th in the Freestyle final on a personal best score. Their performance at the Games also resulted in Slattery being named as The Irish Field Dressage Rider of the Year for 2024.

“Some decisions are incredibly difficult,” said Slattery when she made the announcement, “and retiring Savona has been one of the hardest and most emotional I’ve ever had to make. But at 18, after giving me everything she possibly could over our three years together, I knew it was time to put her first and give her the retirement she deserves.” Slattery confirmed that Savona is in foal to Sebastino PS.

Lisgarvan cancelled

LISGARVAN House International Horse Trials, scheduled to run from August 20th to 23rd, have been cancelled due to the ongoing drought conditions and national water restrictions. The organisers felt that it would be inappropriate to proceed given the volumes of water that would be necessary to prepare safe ground conditions and maintain horse welfare during the event. A statement posted on the Eventing Ireland website read: “We have come to this very difficult decision prioritising the welfare of horses, riders and the long-term impact on the course. With no significant rainfall forecast for the next 14 days the team at Lisgarvan feel it is only fair that we make this call now to allow riders, owners and support teams to adequately adjust their calendars for the remainder of the season.” The organisers intend to run an international event at the venue in 2027.

National event added

FOLLOWING the cancellation of their international fixture, Lisgarvan House has added a second national event to the calendar on Sunday, September 20th. Classes will run from EI80 to EI115 and will use the same FEI tests as Ballindenisk International where applicable. The event will form part of the Leinster League, and will offer an EI105 class if a minimum of 10 entries are received. Entries open at 9am on Monday August 31st and close at 12pm on Monday September 14th. More information can be found on the Eventing Ireland website.

Visit us at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show

VISIT The Irish Field at next week’s Gallagher Dublin Horse Show, located in the RDS Main Hall at stand B2. We will be running a special show offer: €49 for six months digital subscription plus an The Irish Field tote bag, bottle and cap and don’t miss your chance to enter our daily competition giveaway for The Irish Field x Car & Day & Martin Show bucket.

Eventing Ireland amateur awards night

EVENTING Ireland’s amateur committee has announced an end of season awards night, supported by Nutriscience Equine, which will be held on October 10th and 11th at Knightfield Stud in conjunction with a show jumping clinic. British five-star event rider Alex Bragg, who recently added a sixth place in the Hickstead Derby to his impressive list of achievements, will be the coach and will also host a demo on the Saturday evening. Catering will be provided by The Hungry Ginger, and the awards night will follow the conclusion of the demo. More information will be available soon on Eventing Ireland’s website and social media channels.

Connemara Search for a Star

THE HorseQuest Novice Search for a Star ridden championships for four and five-year-old Connemara ponies will return to Barnadown for third time on Sunday September 6th. The show is specifically designed to find and nurture future stars, as evidenced by how last year’s winner Glenville Glic has already qualified for the 2026 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

The ride judge this year will be former HOYS champion Taylor Harrison, who brings a wealth of experience to the role, and Horse Sport Ireland is supporting the €1,000 prize fund for the class. More information will be available soon on Connemara Pony World social media channels.