Luibanta (ISH) retired

THE 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Luibanta BH has been retired from the sport. By Luidam, she was bred in Galway by Justin Burke out of Mibanta (Abantos) and ridden to 1.60m level by Britain’s Amanda Derbyshire. The pair represented Britain at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA, and helped the nation qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games when winning team bronze at the 2019 FEI European Championships.

Derbyshire said: “Today we waved goodbye to Luibanta BH as she heads back across the pond to retire and breed. Lulu gave me everything for the last five years, she was a little mare with the biggest of hearts. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for all she has given me, from jumping my first five-star Grand Prix to winning my first Nations Cup. You made so many of this little girl’s dreams come true Lulu, and for that I owe you everything!”

Ann McShane RIP

THE horse world were saddened this week following the passing of Ann McShane from Cornalough, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 1st in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, surrounded by her loving family.

Predeceased by her husband Thomas, daughter Grainne, brother Pat, sisters Gertie, Bridie and Carmel, she is deeply regretted and sadly missed by her heartbroken family, sons Martin and Steven, daughter Mary (McCabe), grandchildren, Stephanie, Eric, Lauren, Fionn, TJ and James, great-grandson Myles, sons-in-law David and Wayne, daughter-in-law Joanne, sister Sheila, sister-in-law Anne, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Sidney P. Flynn RIP

THE equestrian community mourned the sad passing of Sidney P. Flynn this week. From Claregalway, Co Galway, where he ran his popular business Sid’s Garlic Seaweed, he passed away peacefully on Monday, January 31st, surrounded by his loving family. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Deirdre and family Niamh, Robert and Aoife, sons-in-law Henry and Colm, daughter-in-law Jess, grandchildren Dylan and Emily, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Sharon Quigley home after accident

IRISH show jumper Dave Quigley shared the positive news this week that his wife, Sharon (Shaz), has returned home after seven months in hospital following an accident at a horse show last summer. She was placed in an induced coma after a kick to the head by a horse on July 3rd.

On his social media, Dave wrote: “Today is the day we have been waiting for, to have Shaz home after seven months in Royal Stoke Hospital, where they did an unbelievable job. We will continue with her rehab at home and thank you all for your tremendous support.”

HSI Affiliate Training

HORSE Sport Ireland are encouraging affiliated riders to enter the HSI Affiliate Combined Training Challenge, run by Eventing Ireland. The challenge aims to encourage members of all HSI affiliates to compete at levels to suit their abilities, and to encourage the use of correct training on the flat and jumping. Qualifiers are open to all HSI affiliate members including Eventing Ireland, Dressage Ireland, Showjumping Ireland, Irish Pony Club, Irish Pony Society and Riding Clubs (see full list at www.horsesportireland.ie/about/affiliates).

All athletes must be a member of one affiliate at the time of entry. Horses/ponies may compete on a day registration. The second leg takes place next Sunday, February 13th, at Milchem Equestrian Centre in Co Galway.

Diamond’s Equine open day next month

AN open day and launch of the Connemara Pony National Stud will take place on Sunday, March from 2-6pm at Diamond’s Equine Renvyle, in Connemara (H91 K8Y9).

A stallion parade, show jumping demo, talks with guest speakers, a super giveaway on the day and much more will be held. All are welcome. More details to follow.

Tullamore Show

THE Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show is set to return on Sunday, August 14th 2022 at the Butterfield Estate Blueball. A press release this week said: “Given the recent changes in Covid-19 regulations, plans are fully underway to ensure that the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show goes ahead as near to normal as possible this August.”