Farriers AGM weekend

THE Irish Master Farriers Association are hosting an annual general meeting of the European Federation of Farriers in Hotel Keadeen, Co Kildare, this weekend (November 17th to 20th).

The Association was founded in December 1997. To date, its main achievements have been three-fold.

Chairman of the IMFA John Dooley outlined that the Association had brought farriers from a wide range of backgrounds, traditions and training to share their experience and problems.

In addition, a program was developed of common standards for basic training to which all member nations aspire. Thirdly, it aims to modify the standards and implement a system of national accreditation leading to the award of certified Euro-Farrier.

In addition, visiting farriers will be brought to local sights and events throughout the weekend with the help of sponsors Kildare Tourism, Newbridge Silverware, Darley Stud and the Irish Masters Farriers Association.

Correction sales preview

IN last week’s Goresbridge Go For Gold preview, Lot 43 MD Sandyhill Zorro was described as being the youngstock champion at Galway County and Tullamore. This was incorrect as Queen B was the youngstock champion at Galway County. Apologies to the connections of the Galway winner.

Wilberry Wonder charity race

MEMBERS of the equestrian public are invited to join show jumping and eventing stars in a one-off Cheltenham Charity Race in aid of Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity and the Bob Champion Cancer Trust

Before she died, Hannah Francis, who captured so many people’s hearts at Tattersalls International last year, expressed a wish to have a charity race run to raise funds for the Willberry Wonder Pony Charity she established.

This event is to come to fruition in conjunction with one of racing’s most famous cancer survivors, Bob Champion and the Bob Champion Cancer Trust. The Bob Champion Cancer Trust was established by Bob Champion in 1983 and has so far raised over £14 million. Cheltenham Racecourse has kindly agreed to stage this one-off flat race, to be called the Champions Willberry Charity Race, at the Home of Jump Racing on Thursday, April 20th, 2017 during the April meeting.

Six celebrities will ride in the event including Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton, Olympic silver medallist Tina Cook and top eventer Ben Hobday, who himself battled cancer at the same time as Hannah. Either William or Alice Fox-Pitt will also take part.

The celebrities will be joined by six riders from the wider equestrian community. Applications are invited from riders from now with a closing date of Monday, December 5th next. Forms and application guidelines can be found and downloaded www.championswillberry.org.uk