DUE to insufficient entries, the Leitrim Branch of the Irish Pony Club had to cancel the arena one-day event due to take place today at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre.

This was a disappointing double blow for the organisers, who had already been forced to re-schedule the fixture from the end of October due to bad weather.

When re-advertising at that stage, the Branch stated on its Facebook page: “This event is a fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society, but it’s also part of a bigger plan: bringing more eventing opportunities to the Northwest.

“Right now, Pony Club members in our region often have to travel long distances to take part in the eventing league or hunter trials. That distance is a big hurdle, and it’s one of the reasons we see so few Northwest riders getting involved in cross-country. We want to help change that.”

Let’s hope this latest setback hasn’t dented the organisers’ enthusiasm for the project.

Meanwhile, in Area 17 of The Pony Club (Northern Ireland), qualifying continues for next year’s Barrier Spring Festival at Castle Irvine, Necarne (April 25th and 26th).

The Co Fermanagh demesne was the venue for last Sunday’s arena eventing qualifier run by the Seskinore Branch who are holding a dressage qualifier there next Saturday, December 6th. On the same day, the East Down is also staging a dressage qualifier at Ardnacashel. The following Saturday, December 13th, Danescroft will be the venue for an arena eventing qualifier hosted by the Mid Antrim Branch.