THE Irish Pony Society annual general meeting took place last Saturday at Killashee House Hotel, one member describing it the turnout as “a sizable attendance who engaged in a healthy debate.”

Along with such matters as finance and elections of those to serve on the council, rule changes were top of the agenda with members voicing their opinions on amendments.

Up for discussion was the daily membership, which allows non-members of the Society pay a daily rate to take part at a show on a given day without being a full member. Those in favour of getting rid of this suggested that daily membership means that people get to take part in the IPS shows and face no consequences for breaking rules. Others in favour of keeping it said that it brought revenue to the Society and may encourage people to take up full membership.

Following much discussion, the daily membership remains in place. The Sport Pony Challenge was also debated. This new series allows non-members to take part in the qualifiers, but once qualified they must register with the IPS for the final. It was felt that some may only go to the qualifiers for experience and not register to go to the final.

Sent back to the Council for further consideration was the rule on bits for novice working hunter classes. It is now being proposed that a simple snaffle should be allowed, but some members felt that there was no clear definition of what a simple snaffle constituted and that it was a health and safety concern. Some of the snaffles that were proposed as being suitable includes a Kimblewick, a two-ring snaffle and a Pelham with rounds. It was also proposed that from 2017 riders could only compete in the starter stakes for a period of two years and then they would have to move up to the next level.

Some members took umbrage at this as they felt that children were being pushed up to the next level that they may not be able for. For others, this constituted a health and safety concern. This new rule was left in place for the present time with a view of addressing it before the rule expires.

In elections to serve on the Council, four places were available and there was six nominations. Those elected were John Dineen, Liam Ruttle, Gladys Graham and Clive Johnson.