LIMERICK lady Joan Bateman found herself as the surprise recipient of an extra award during the Traditional Irish Horse Association (TIHA) annual demonstration in Ring 2 last Wednesday, compered as usual by Chris Ryan.

The Allen family from Wexford, for their support of TIHA breeding initiatives and Limerick Show championships; breeders Tom and Lucia Jones and rider Dominic Furnell for the TIH Ivanhoe’s Lühmuhlen CCI5*-L good result in June; Liam O’Meara, breeder and rider of the TIH stallion Sir Jim Jim, competing at national Grand Prix level; Sam Watson for his contribution to the Irish Sport Horse industry; and Kieran Ryan, breeder of Great Yorkshire Show prize winner IJ Countryman were the official recipients this year. Unavoidably absent from Clarecastle Show last month, this was to acknowledge Joan’s outstanding contribution to Limerick Pony Club, Limerick Show, the TIHA and hunting and rural life in her native county.

Victoria Teuton’s Shannaghmore Silver Lining (TIH), Caroline Moody’s Champagne Sparkles (TB), Abbey O’Driscoll’s Caoranbeg Comanche (CP) and JJ Bowe’s Dublin champion Patrickswell Sherry (ID) were on parade during the ceremony, attended by Horse Sport Ireland’s Denis Duggan and Dr Sonja Egan.