PARENTS are actively lobbying for the return of pony competition, citing serious welfare concerns for children and animals alike as the prolonged level 5 lockdown continues.

Representations are being made to Dail Deputies and Senators nationwide from concerned parents highlighting the situation facing the Irish pony sector. They are lobbying for the green light to be given to the resumption of pony competition on April 26th amid general expectation that some restrictions will be eased.

While all underage sports competitive action is currently suspended under lockdown, youth show jumping is the only one involving the care and production of animals.

The pony sector issue has been directly brought to Government attention by the Ministers of State, Deputy Robert Troy (FF) and Deputy Peter Burke (FG) this week.

Signals so far from Government are that non-contact ‘training’ will be allowed resume for this age category on April 26th next.

Robert Fagan of Mullingar Equestrian Centre said: “Equestrian is non-contact whether in training or competition, there is no difference. We are petitioning for the return of ponies to competitive action.

“There is real welfare issues, for the ponies and their young riders, at this stage. This pandemic has caused an 80% increase in mental health referrals involving children and teenagers. I share the concerns of many parents who are really worried about their children.

“This pandemic is affecting children’s confidence and their development. I have had many parents tell me how worried they are over their children at this stage of this prolonged lockdown.

“In equestrianism, there is no pods, no sharing of equipment, or travel to pony competitions. Everyone has their own tack, equipment, ponies, and transport as well. Adult show jumping has a proven 100% track record of being Covid-free and Covid compliant. There is timed slots, you go in, jump your round, and go home. You can’t just train on and on with no competition to aim for. There is 0.001% of catching Covid outdoors,” said Robert Fagan.

Fighting the corner

“Many parents hoped that under-18 sport would be allowed back on April 6th which did not happen. We are now actively lobbying to have our voices heard ahead of April 26th when the next announcement will be made. Nobody was speaking up for the pony sector which is a vital component of the Irish equestrian scene. We are fighting the corner ourselves and making our feelings known.

“There is the welfare of the ponies too here which is a huge issue. You can’t just let them off indefinitely into fields. Ponies must be cared for, ridden and produced. The situation in the pony sector is now quite critical.

“I personally emailed and talked directly to my two local politicans, Junior Ministers Robert Troy (FF) and Peter Burke (FG). Both are hard working and active. Minister Troy raised the issue with Minister Jack Chambers and with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.”

Minister for State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, Longford-Westmeath TD Robert Troy (FF) told The Irish Field: “I’m fully supportive of calls to reopen – children need to be able to return to their sport.” Minister Troy was informed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine yesterday, ‘if agreed by Government, the inclusion of youth activity and pony competitions in the forthcoming ease of restrictions timeline, will be dealt with by way of issuance of revised regulations in due course.”

Advocating

Longford-Westmeath TD and Minister for State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke (FG) told The Irish Field there was a recognition in Government circles of the special needs of the equine industry, evident with the resumption of point-to-points.

“I’ll be making the case to Government and to the public health authorities that the pony sector is non-contact that proved in the pandemic that it is able to go about its business in a safe, compliant manner.

“I’m advocating that the Irish pony sector is allowed proceed with competitions. Horse and ponies need 24/7 care. Competition events are needed to give hope and keep industries moving. The roadmap is evolving. I have written to the Tanaiste (Leo Varadkar TD) on this and will be following up with my parlimentary party on this,” Deputy Burke said yesterday.

Pony sector trade

The Irish pony sector is a very significant contributor to the equestrian scene here accounting for approximately 50% of the competitions held nationwide. Trade for Irish ponies held up strongly last year in private sales and auction house sales and it’s hoped that this year’s trends will be similar.