Sincere thanks from Team Ireland

Madam,

Through The Irish Field, we would like to thank everyone who helped make our recent trip to the European Championships in Vale Sabroso, Portugal, such a success.

We are delighted that we managed to bring home team gold and individual bronze but know we couldn’t have done it without the help of so many people.

Team manager Sally Corscadden, dressage coach Heike Holstein, show jumping coach Ian Fearon and team vet Will Lalor all worked tirelessly with us and supported us throughout the year, for which we are extremely grateful.

Our parents and families also played a huge part in our success. They have been with us for all the ups and downs of eventing and we thank them for their enduring patience.

Our sponsors were again very generous this year and we very much appreciate their support. Thank you to Gain Horse Feeds, Horseware Ireland, Tredstep Ireland, TRM, Charles Owen, Comfybed, Dubarry and Berneys saddlery.

Ken Mahon, Katriona Dennison, Jessie Foster, Frazer Kirby and Jack Hutchinson were amazing for the whole trip and made sure our horses travelled safely and always left the stables looking immaculate and our thanks goes to them.

Finally we wish to thank all our supporters who travelled out to Portugal with us. They cheered us on all week and were fantastic!

Yours etc,

Jennifer Diamond, Elizabeth Hayden, Tony Kennedy, Harold Megahey, Jodie O’Keeffe andJoshua Pim,

Team Ireland European Championships young rider eventing squad.

Kedrah Castle event deserves applause

Madam,

As a multiple event horse/pony owner I would like to congratulate Pat Meagher and his team at Kedrah Castle for running his one-day event last Saturday.

As I could not send ponies the last two times to this venue, I was quite impressed and positively surprised by the changes they had made in the meantime to bring up the standard. This includes organisation, as well as the quality of the show jumping arenas and cross-country courses.

There is always room for improvement but Pat takes all comments into account and likes feedback from owners, riders and spectators to improve.

We are all grateful to event organisers for running such events and all of them usually try very hard to fulfill the expected standard within their budget.

Again, I would like to thank Pat Meagher and his family for running this event and encourage him to realise his ideas for the future with the support of all of us.

Yours etc,

Hans Kuehnle,

Tullibards Stud,

Coolrain,

Co Laois.