Breeding talks

THE Kilkenny branch of the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association is to host two talks on horse breeding on Tuesday, November 11th at 8.30pm in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny.

The first talk will feature Shane Ryan MRCVS from Kilcash Equine Clinic in Co Tipperary, who will discuss the use of Ovuplant to increase fertility in breeding, particularly when using frozen semen.

The second talk will be by Jim Bolger (racehorse breeder and trainer) of Coolcullen, Co Carlow, who will be talking about the attributes he looks for in a broodmare. The talks are free of charge and all are welcome.

Demonstration

TARA Hill Riding Club is to host a natural horsemanship demonstration by Brian Byrne of Four Oaks Natural Horsemanship Centre next Monday, November 10th at 7pm.

The demonstration will take place at Kells Equestrian Centre and all are welcome. Contact Janet on 086-8641401.

BHSAI course

THE Regional Skills & Training Centre (formally FAS Training Centre) in Dundalk is to run an equestrian instructor BHSAI course at Castle Leslie EC, Glaslough, Co Monaghan. The full time course will run for 48 weeks, starting on Monday, November 24th, and is open to unemployed people who are seeking a career in the equestrian industry.

Contact the Regional Skills & Training Centre in Dundalk on 042-9355700 to organise an interview, which will include a riding assessment.

SJI appointments

SHOWJUMPING Ireland has filled the roles of both office manager and marketing and public relations executive for the association. Liam Pakenham from Kill, Co Kildare will take over as office manager, a role which has been occupied on a temporary basis by Philip Purcell.

Pakenham comes from an accountancy and managerial background and has already taken up his position under the guidance of Purcell, who will remain in office until the end of the month to ensure a smooth handover.

Meanwhile Robert Wallace is to take up the role of marketing and public relations executive. Wallace is a familiar face in the industry, having worked for many years for TRI, one of the major show jumping sponsors. Wallace will commence work with SJI in January 2015.

Leinster SJI

THE Leinster region of Showjumping Ireland will host its annual general meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, November 26th in Lawlors Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare at 8pm.