RDS entries closing

A REMINDER that the entries for the RDS National Equestrian Championships 2021 close at 5pm on Monday, July 19th.

All entries must be inputted online via www.rds.ie/nationalchampionships.

AIMS equine database

DEPUTY Michael Fitzmaurice (Ind) highlighted the need for an equine AIMS database (animal identity movement system) to be established so that the number of horses in the country, where they are kept and their movements, can be properly tracked. The Agricultural Committee heard this week that, while cattle and sheep movements are fully traceable, the same cannot be said of the equine population in Ireland. Members of the IHRB broadly welcomed such a system.

DAFM probe continues

KILDARE North TD Catherine Murphy (SD) raised in the Dail this week the proposed relocation of Horse Sport Ireland to Greenogue Equestrian asking if governance, oversight and due diligence had been met.

In reply, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said: “The Deputy will appreciate that the decision to choose a site and venue for its Headquarters and Centre of Excellence is clearly one for the Board of HSI. The Department is examining the matter at present to ensure that HSI has satisfied itself that the transaction proposed is consistent with public procurement rules.”

Pony dressage team

THE Irish team who will represent Ireland at the FEI Dressage European Championships for Ponies, which will take place at Strzegom, Poland, from August 11th to 15th, has been named as Rachel Carr with Calelvador May Blossom, Cillian Curran with Blokland’s Hoeve’s Amor, Louise Hooijen with Valhallas Zorro and Oscar O’Connor with Top Hero 2. Anne Marie Dunphy is the team manager.

Julia Hession RIP

THERE was much sadness at the recent death of noted horsewoman and breeder, Mrs Julia Hession of Woodland Equestrian, Co Sligo, a stalwart of the Midland & Western Region and a Dressage Ireland board member.

Throughout her life, Julia was an advocate and supporter of the traditionally bred Irish horse. A skilled horsewoman, Julia always willingly shared her wide knowledge with young and aspiring riders and breeders. She is survived by her her husband Tony, children Simone and Ivor, extended family and many friends.

Tokyo withdrawals

DUTCH rider Harrie Smolders’ intended Tokyo Olympic Games mount Dolinn NOP “is not 100% fit and will not travel” said a statement from the Dutch Equestrian Federation. Smolders will be replaced by the original travelling reserve, Willem Greve with Zypria S NOP, and he will now become travelling reserve with his second mount, Bingo du Parc.

Brazil’s Luiz Francisco de Azevedo will also miss Tokyo due to his horse, Comic, sustaining an injury. He will be replaced by Pedro Veniss and Quabri de L’Isle.

In eventing, the Australian team have been dealt a blow following the withdrawl of Chris Burton’s Quality Purdey. The 15-year-old mare has sustained a minor injury, which was discovered during pre-Olympic veterinary inspections.

Tragedy claims USA event rider

AMERICAN event rider Annie Goodwin (32) tragically passed away during a cross-country schooling accident at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina. A statement on the USAE website said: “The tragic accident happened on Wednesday afternoon while schooling over a Training level obstacle. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injury shortly thereafter at Aiken Regional Medical Centre.”

Take on Tokyo doc

DON’T miss Horse Sport Ireland’s Take on Tokyo documentary now available to watch on the Virgin Media Player. Produced by Bit-Media the series focuses on the build-up to the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, with presenter Robert Hall meeting some of the equestrian athletes that will be representing Ireland including Bertram Allen, Cathal Daniels, Sarah Ennis, Shane Sweetnam, Cian O’ Connor, Sam Watson, Rosemary Gaffney and Darragh Kenny.