Pony eventing team lie fourth

THE Irish eventing pony team were in fourth place after dressage at the FEI European Championships in Le Mans, France on Friday, less than four penalties behind third-placed France.

Sophie Swain’s fantastic 27.8 from day one leaves her in sixth place individually heading into cross-country. Anna Radford and Essenar Double Dutch, competing as individuals, posted a personal best (29.5) at the level to leave them just outside the top 10 after the first phase. Full coverage in next week’s paper.

Young Rider eventing squad

THE Horse Sport Ireland eventing Young Rider squad has been selected for the FEI Eventing European Championships in Strzegom, Poland next month. Team manager Dag Albert has chosen a typically strong squad for the championships as Ireland bid for a return to the podium, having last won medals in 2023.

The squad is Ben Connors with OLS King Aragon (ISH), Oleana Cowan and RCA Royal Mist, Godfrey Gibbons with Kilroe Lego Land (ISH), Amelia McCarthy with Finsceal Endeavour, Tom Nestor with Cooley Diamond Dancer (ISH), and Momo Sheehy. The reserves (non-travelling) are Keeva Johnson with Cornasaus Lad (ISH), Keelin McCarthy with Romans Mr Kane and Jack O’Haire with Jamaica Rose. Albert said: “There is great talent across the squad this season, which makes it all the more exciting. I’m confident the team chosen is well-equipped for the challenges that lie ahead at the championships.”

Normandy stabling

DAWN Hardy is offering an overnight stabling service one hour from the docks at Cherbourg in France for horses coming off the boat from Ireland, among others. She is located just 10 minutes from the N13 at Isigny Sur Mer (famous for its cheese and butter). “I realised that there was a need for stables in this location for the welfare of all the horses coming off the boats from Ireland,” she said.

“I have many loyal Irish transporters who stable here - alongside the show jumpers and eventers. The stables are on shavings with ad lib hay. There is parking for the biggest of lorries/electric hook up/shower and toilet facilities with an Irish roulette as a bedroom if required.” ‘Overnight Stabling in Normandy’ can be found on Facebook or you can contact Dawn on 0044(0)7771 926547.

Weirs integral to Aga Khan

AS Rolex rolls into town as the title sponsors of the Dublin Grand Prix for the second year next week, Weir & Sons has prepared all the prestigious trophies for the show. The iconic shop of Grafton Street has long been the custodians for the famous cups and trophies including the Aga Khan, which it played an integral part in making in 1926. Weirs is also the official supplier of Rolex in Ireland. From show-stopping jewels and gems to luxury watches, fashion brands and gifts, Weir & Sons bring you the very best Irish and international brands. It is one of Ireland’s best-loved jewellers for 156 years, even older than the Horse Show itself!