Get your Irish Field Directory
The Irish Field Directory 2026 will be free with The Irish Field next Saturday, December 6th. Running to 224 pages, the Directory is your comprehensive guide to all things equine. It includes up-to-date contacts for stud farms, trainers, jockeys, racecourses, equestrian organisations, clubs and much more. The Directory retails at €10 at all other times of the year, so it’s advisable to pick up an extra copy of the paper next weekend.
Lyle wins inspiration award
IRISH Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle has won the Horse & Hound Inspiration of the Year award for 2025. More than 107,000 people cast their votes for the 2025 awards, the winners of which were announced at a ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club on Wednesday. In addition to her dressage prowess and having come back to the sport this year from a broken back, Abi has been an outspoken advocate for victims of domestic violence, having been a victim herself in the past.
“This honestly means so much to me,” Lyle said. “To be honoured in this way by my community, a community I have been so passionate about since I was little, makes me feel so whole. And to receive this gorgeous award in front of my community, in part for speaking vulnerably about an issue that has previously been avoided, whispered about, ignored and denied is a huge win for women. Not just in the horse world - but everywhere.” Congratulations Abi!
McConnon suspended over horse abuse
THE FEI Tribunal has suspended USA eventing athlete Andrew McConnon for a period of 20 months in a case of horse abuse. The suspension started on the date of the provisional suspension imposed on him on January 8th, 2025 and will end on September 8th, 2026. McConnon is banned from taking part in any competition or event, or in any related activity under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any National Federation. He is also prohibited from training any FEI/NF registered athletes and/or FEI/NF registered horses. The athlete is also fined CHF €2,500.
In its decision of November 24th, 2025, the tribunal found McConnon to have engaged in abuse of a horse, as well as in a conduct that has brought the FEI and equestrian sport into disrepute. The full reasoned decision will be published in due course. Parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the full decision.
Matthew O’Meara RIP
THE funeral will take place today (Saturday) of Matthew O’Meara, Toomervara, Co Tipperary. Vice-president of the IDHBA, Matthew was widely known within the Irish Draught, carriage driving, hunting, point-to-point and showing communities. His late father Jim stood the noted thoroughbred stallion Prefairy and the Irish Draught Milestone, also the name of the Lexington studfarm owned by Matthew’s brother John. A hugely popular character, Matthew was awarded a FBD National Hall of Fame award in May.
Deeply regretted by his loving wife Catherine, sons James and Damien, brothers and sisters, Anne, Bridget, Patricia, John, James, David and Kevin, daughter-in-law Kim, Damien’s partner Nicole, his adored grandchildren James and Grace, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Full tribute in a future issue.
Feedback sought on stud degree
AN equine consortium including Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ITBA), Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), Godolphin Flying Start (GFS), the Irish National Stud (INS), Coolmore Stud and others have worked with Teagasc to develop a three-year work-based Stud Manager Apprenticeship leading to a Level 7 Bachelor Degree. The programme is designed to address skills gaps and create strong progression routes into management roles across the TB and sport horse sectors. Before progressing to the next stage, the consortium must confirm industry need, job opportunities, and employer capacity to support and train apprentices. The survey will gather evidence on the key skills, competencies, and workplace experience required for Stud Managers. The survey takes only six minutes to complete: https://bit.ly/4p4kg2T