ELAINE Lait is chair of the Irish Pony Club board of directors.

“I live in Co Louth. I am a primary school principal which I thoroughly enjoy. I’ve lived abroad for many years: France, Botswana, and Russia. I have two daughters, Bronwyn and Rebecca, who were very keen eventers and Pony Clubbers. I also steward for Eventing Ireland.

“I’ve always loved horses, started riding when I was young and greatly admire what the Pony Club has to offer young people.”

1. When was the Irish Pony Club (IPC) founded?

The Irish Pony Club was founded in 1929.

2. Describe the role of the IPC?

The IPC is an equestrian organisation which provides training and competitions in many equestrian disciplines; eventing, show jumping, dressage, combined training, mounted games, tetrathlon, hunter trials, other fun activities and stable management for young people.

3. Current membership numbers?

Average membership is typically 3,000. This year is unprecedented.

4. How did you get involved, were you a ‘Pony Club Mum?’

As a past member myself, my children joined the Pony Club. I became a ‘Pony Club Mum’, then secretary and District Commissioner [DC] of the branch, then area representative, executive member and now Board member. I had many happy memories of the Pony Club in my day. I loved camp especially. When I look at my daughters, their friends and all Pony Clubbers and see the enjoyment they experienced, the expert training, and their love of ponies, that is what makes me continue to give back to the pony club. Happy days!

5. Can and how will rallies restart this year?

Yes, rallies can now start with limited numbers, following the Government guidelines.

6. Will any of the 2020 PC championships go ahead?

Our championships will not go ahead this year due to the pandemic, although there is a possibility that there will be some national competitions, such as a National Dressage Day, Hunter Trials and Tetrathlon.

7. Zoom has presumably been essential for committee meetings?

Zoom has been invaluable as a platform for our committee meetings. It has also been very successful as a tool in my work for the ‘day job’.

8. Apart from Covid-19, what other challenges lie ahead?

Guidelines for return to activities can be challenging, although we are optimistic we can have some activities in a safe and healthy environment. To date, we have had some virtual activities, dressage, etc., which has been very successful.

9. When did you take on your IPC role?

I took on the role of IPC Chair in January 2018.

10. Why did you take on this role?

I am a ‘people person’ and I have always enjoyed Pony Club. As a child, I was a proud member of the Louth Hunt Pony Club. My children joined the Louths when we returned from Russia in 1998 and now I feel honoured to give back to the Pony Club what we all enjoyed individually and as a family.

11. How do you fit your Pony Club role in around your day job and

family life?

I work full-time and deal with the IPC role in my spare time, which is usually in the evenings or weekends.

12. What sums up Pony Club spirit to you?

The joy and happiness of the Pony Club members at camps and rallies. It is always so endearing to see Pony Club friends remaining friends forever, even into adulthood.

I have also organised many Pony Club one-day events, eventing being my passion, for the Pony Club over many years, notably the Area 7, Killossery and Dromiskin one-day events.

I loved when the children, at the end of the day, popped into the office to say ‘thank you’ and what a wonderful day they had, irrespective of how they performed. To me, courtesy and sportsmanship are very much part of Pony Club spirit.

13. How did you cope with Covid-19 lockdown?

My life has taken on a completely different dimension. My profession has taken me exclusively online, which has its advantages and disadvantages. I have taken to gardening and baking during my spare time amidst the pandemic.

14. Favourite horse/pony and rider combination?

Eventer Mary King and her home-bred mare Kings Temptress.

15. Any non-horsey hobby?

Reading, entertaining and travelling.

16. Social media – yes or no?

Social media is a great tool for keeping in contact with overseas friends and family.

17. Who inspires you?

Lots of people, too many to mention, but in particular Mark Pollock, the explorer and rower. Although blind, nothing seems to deter his determination and drive to achieve his goals.

18. One must-have gadget?

Kindle. I am an avid reader and travel a lot. I could not be without my Kindle, although I do enjoy reading a physical book too.

19. Favourite corner of the world?

The Okavango in Botswana. I lived in Botswana for 12 years and thoroughly enjoyed the wilderness and unspoilt natural habitats of the Okavango Delta.

20. If you could have had a second choice of vocation, what would it have been?

I love my present job and I have always loved my role as an educator but maybe someday I might pursue a career in medicine.