Woods Rosbotham RIP
THE sport horse world was mourning the passing of owner and breeder JW (Woods) Rosbotham this week following his death on June 27th. From Tullyraine Road in Donaghcloney, Co Down, Woods was the owner of great horses including Liscalgot, Garronturton Lady, Ginger Watt, Hallmark Elite and Valent. In more recent years, he bred the great CCI5* winner Rosalent, ridden by Oliver Townend, another top-rated event horse in Jewelent and Miss Valent among others. Pre-deceased by his wife Janice, Woods will be lovingly missed by his children Jim, Philip, Barbra, Joann, Mandy and Lisa.
David Prentice RIP
A BIG supporter of show jumping in Ireland, the equestrian industry was sorry to hear of the passing of David Prentice from Dromore, Co Down on July 1st. Among his home-bred show jumpers to excel in recent times is My Clementine who won a five-star class in Florida in February. Beloved husband of Valerie, loving father of Lynda, Joanne and the late Alison, he will be lovingly missed by his family and friends.
Team manager for Le Lion
HORSE Sport Ireland announced the appointment of Debbie Byrne as eventing team manager for the FEI World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) Eventing World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d’Angers (FRA). Byrne brings a wealth of eventing knowledge and experience to the position, having previously served as chef d’equipe for Ireland’s Junior and Young Rider eventing teams. As a former international competitor, Byrne evented up to 4* level. She holds Horse Sport Ireland Level 3 coaching accreditation and brings a deep understanding of High Performance sport, underpinned through her background as an Associate Lecturer in Sport Studies.
“In this role, I want to build a clear pathway for our young horses to progress from the WBFSH championships for six and seven-year-olds, fostering strong relationships with riders, owners and breeders,” Byrne said.
Youth dressage Europeans
IRELAND will be represented by two individual combinations at the FEI Dressage European Championships this summer, Millie Cosgrave (Let’s Dance) in the Children’s competition and Kate Murphy (Top Hero 2) in ponies. The championships take place in Le Mans from July 28th and both Irish combinations will travel to the French venue in excellent form, having produced podium results so far this season.
Lyle wins Hartpury Grand Prix
IRISH Olympian Abigail Lyle placed first and second in the Le Mieux National Grand Prix at the NAF Five Star Festival of Dressage in Hartpury, Gloucestershire, England on Thursday. Abi scored 69.391% with 14-year-old KWPN Giraldo for the win. On a good day for the Paris Olympian, she completed a one-two with Fenella Quinn’s 14-year-old Fabregas gelding Farrell on a 68.369% total. There were 31 on the Grand Prix start list.
CPBS EGM
AN Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) went ahead on June 28th last with 220 members present. A statement from the Breeders’ Support Group said two ordinary resolutions were presented and passed unanimously, with no counter proposals or questions raised. The statement said, in accordance with Company Law, and following the removal of three directors, the floor nominated and elected three interim council members.
The Irish Field asked the CPBS if the council accepts or rejects the motions, and the next steps the society will take. In response, the CPBS said: “Our position remains unchanged as outlined in our previous correspondence to members. As previously noted, the Council proposed a meeting with representatives of those seeking the EGM; however, no response has been received to date. That offer remains open. As this remains an ongoing matter, the Society will not make any further comments at this time.”