New ridden ponies classes

THE Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) announced the addition of new mini ridden ponies classes within the equine section for this year’s Balmoral Show.

The new classes are in Lead Rein and First Ridden Show Pony and Show Hunter and Lead Rein and First Ridden M&M.

Full details can be found in the Prize Schedule which is available at www.balmoralshow.co.uk.

The Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, will return to Balmoral Park from Wednesday, May 10th to Saturday, May 13th.

Kathleen O’Hagan RIP

KATHLEEN O’Hagan from Omagh passed away this week after a short illness. Kathleen loyally served the SJI over many years as a judge, pony representative and past chair of the Ulster Region among many other aspects of show jumping.

May she rest in peace.

H&M All In retired

PEDER Fredricson has announced the retirement of his multi medal-winning show jumper H&M All In at the age of 17. The Swede won six championship medals with the Kashmir van Schuttershof gelding including individual silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and team gold and individual silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. They won individual gold and team silver at the 2017 Europeans and team gold at the 2022 World Championships, as well as multiple five-star Grands Prix.

Fredricson commented: “A horse like H&M All In, who has given us all so much, should end his career on top. Words cannot describe how much he has meant to me and to the equestrian sport. It is not an easy decision to make, but it’s the right decision.”

Lynch part of top GCL team

NEW York Empire team owner Georgina Bloomberg announced the team of six riders ready to take on the 2023 Global Champions League (GCL) season during the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT). Returning to the roster with Bloomberg will be Scott Brash (GBR), Denis Lynch (IRL), Spencer Smith (USA), and Jodie Hall McAteer (GBR). The five 2022 New York Empire riders will be joined by newcomer to the team Frank Schuttert (NED) for 2023.