THE annual conference of the Irish Pony Club (IPC) was held last Saturday in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel where all were welcomed by the chairman of the executive committee, Barbara Micks.

A full report will be available to read on the IPC website so here we are just touching on the topics raised during the day with Mrs Micks first announcing that, on Saturday, a draft of the new constitution would be introduced.

In her address, she mentioned some of the highlights of the IPC year starting with the international hunting exchange which saw visitors from the British and United States Pony Clubs enjoy a 10-day stay in this country.

In the opposite direction, five mounted games teams, one Minimus team and two groups of Tetrathletes representing the IPC made successful trips to the UK. The Longford Branch won the UK show jumping championships following a very exciting jump-off while the Meaths finished eighth in the dressage championships.

Mrs Micks commented: “As the end of 2017 draws closer, so does the departure of Mary Fitzpatrick our administrator of almost 18 years. During this time Mary has worn many different hats on our behalf. A big thank you to Mary for her administration of the office, ably assisted by Melissa, Christina and Tara.”

Having presented the annual accounts for 2016, chairman of finance, Tom O’Donnell, stated: “The cost of running the organisation had increased with legal costs being a significant factor.” Delegates were advised that dealing with conflict and resultant data protection issues were the principle contributors to this cost.

Appeals were made to officials to deal with issues promptly and, if in doubt, to seek advice within the organisation as soon as possible.

Dr Kate Harvey, chairman of dressage, made a presentation on the new governance structure planned for the IPC. The new constitution, which is the result of five years’ consultation and discussion, will be more inclusive and give the power within the organisation to the District Commissioners, who represent the parents of members, and thus back to the grass-roots.

Eamonn Egan (Director IPC CLG) presented information on the various insurance policies the IPC takes out to protect members, officials and instructors. The IPC has requested a quotation for cyber liability insurance.

Victor Clarke (of Clarke Jeffers & Co Solicitors) informed delegates that the impending European legislation on data protection, which is due to come into force next May, will pose a big challenge for all organisations including the IPC.

The IPC’s administrator, Mary Fitzpatrick, spoke on the implications of the Children’s First Act 2015 for branches.

Three officials and instructors were then invited to speak on a topic of their choice for two minutes.

Cleo Murphy (Pony Club A Test Graduate) from the Beara Branch asked the IPC to consider removing the age limits on members competing at particular heights of competition; Gaile Daly, DC of The Kingdom Branch suggested that there is too much emphasis on competition and would like to see more training, particularly at local level; while Paula Harte of the Kildare Branch spoke about the benefits of hunting to members.

Lady Carew, president of the IPC, brought proceedings to a close, stating she was heartened to hear people’s views and opinions and she felt it was a very informative and constructive conference.

ANNUAL AWARDS

The Inspirational Member Award was presented to Billie-Mae Geoghegan from the Laois Hunt Branch for her courage in the face of adversity and her dedication to training and horsemanship over the last few years.

Mavis Murray was presented with a Carew Award by Lady Carew for her many years of service to the Irish Pony Club as a Branch secretary and DC and eventually as an Area Representative.

The Kildare Hunt Branch, represented by assistant DC Ann-Marie Cullen, was presented with the Lillingston Cup as the Branch which achieved the highest number of points for success in championships throughout 2017.

On behalf of the United Hunt Branch, of which she is DC, Sally Kandalaft O’Herlihy was presented with the Carroll Trophy as the Branch with less than 60 members who achieved the highest number of points for success in championships throughout 2017. The Longford Hunt Branch, represented by Ann Marie McLoughlin, DC and Teresa Sheehy, secretary, was presented with the Tommy Brennan Memorial Trophy as the Branch who achieved the highest number of points divided by the number of members, for success in championships throughout 2017.