BALLOT papers are in the post to Region 3 shareholders for the sole Irish Horse Board election to take place this term. Three regions had vacancies this year, however a ballot will only be required for the southern region election, (counties Waterford, Kerry, Limerick and Cork) where outgoing board member Patrick McCarthy and Waterford show jumper Denis Coakley had put their names forward by the close of nominations last Friday (June 30th).

Outgoing board member and Kells veterinary surgeon David McCann, who has served two terms in Region 1, decided not to contest his seat and with just one nomination received for Edward Doyle, the seat for the Wicklow, Louth, Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Meath, Westmeath and Dublin area, automatically goes to the Naas-based show jumping rider, agent and breeder.

Another outgoing board member Neil Henry, from Ballymote, was returned unopposed as there was no other nomination received for Region 5, consisting of counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford and Roscommon.

The low level of interest amongst its electorate could be seen as surprising, given the volume of discussion in recent months by breeders and shareholders about Horse Sport Ireland, its Breeding Sub-Board and Irish Horse Board’s roles and decisions. However, the deciding pre-Indecon Report factor for prospective candidates may have been what impact they felt they could make on the Board if elected.

One recommendation contained in the recently-published Indecon Report suggests that the Irish Horse Board becomes a more visible affiliate of Horse Sport Ireland, including the possibility of maintaining the Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draught studbooks.

Future Horse Board elections may see an increased number of candidates and level of interest, however for this year’s sole Region 3 election, ballot papers should be returned by Friday, July 28th.