BARBARA Micks will retire as Irish Pony Club (IPC) equestrian executive chair after six years at the end of December. She will be succeeded by Michael Essame. Barbara thanked all of the wonderful officials and volunteers who have supported her throughout her tenure. Incoming chairman Michael Essame presented Mrs. Micks with a bouquet of flowers as a token of thanks from the IPC. Barbara started her equestrian training under Col. Dudgeon in Burton Hall and helped Penny Morton and Sylvia Stanier. She moved to run a riding school in Castleknock and passed her AI. In the late 1990s, Barbara became District Commissioner (DC) of the Kildare Hunt Branch and during this time, helped Susie Cahill with Dressage and Combined Training.

Barbara took on the role of IPC eventing chair and later was elected equestrian executive chair where she steered the Irish Pony Club’s national activities until the end of 2019. She is now going to spend more time with her three grandchildren and will enjoy watching her granddaughter, who rides at Mary Kean’s Riding School. Barbara and husband David will now take a well deserved break and all in the IPC would like to wish them all the best for the future.