Young Breeder Training date and venue

TRAINING for 15-25 year olds will take place at the farm of Tiernan Gill in Ballina, Co Mayo from 10.30am -3.30pm on March 12th next. Topics include conformation and athleticism assessment with tips also on in-hand presentation. For more information and booking, see https://bit.ly/YoungBreederEvents or contact wendy.conlon@teagasc.i.e

Open day at

Coolballyshan Stud

THERE will be an Open Day at the Kennedy’s Coolballyshan Stud on Sunday, March 13th next starting at 1pm where all their stallions will be on show and all are welcome to attend.

(See also page 88).

Equine Expo at Cavan

CAVAN Equestrian Centre is hosting its Stallion Show and Equine Expo event on Sunday, March 27th next starting at 11am. Book online at www.cavanequestrian.com for stallion parade and trade stand space.

Equine strategy under way in Northern Ireland

AGRICULTURE Minister Edwin Poots, MLA, visited Gortilea Social Farm in Claudy to view hippotherapy, a form of equine assisted therapy and learning in action. Gortilea Social Farm is run by Clare McMonagle and her family.

Minister Poots remarked: “Using the horse as a support tool under the umbrella of equine assisted therapy and learning has proved an exciting new initiative in the equine world, offering much needed therapy and counselling to vulnerable members of our society.

“My Department is currently working to progress a Strategy for the Equine Sector in Northern Ireland. The development and promotion of Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning will be a key component of that Strategy.”

Shanaghan Farm

shortlisted for award

DOWN’s Shanaghan Farm were delighted to be shortlisted as finalists in the recent Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Business Awards, held in partnership with Power NI, and hosted by Sarah Travers in the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown.

Shanaghan Farm, shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Best Family Business Award’, is home to a group of small businesses including Shanaghan Veterinary Services, SVS Equine, and Shanaghan Photography, based on the busy farm in Katesbridge, Co Down.