50...the ‘big 50’...always a significant milestone and one which just shouts to be duly recognised and celebrated.

The Irish Field’s coveted equestrian awards took place on Tuesday at The K Club before a packed industry house, attended by guest speaker Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD (FG).

Many congratulations to all The Irish Field award winners for 2022 on their equestrian achievements - Abigail Lyle (dressage), Susie Berry (Senior event rider), Ben Connors (Junior event rider), James Derwin (Junior show jumper) and Aga Khan hero Conor Swail (Senior show jumper) and to our 12 monthly winners of the Gain Equine Nutrition/The Irish Field Star of the Month Awards (see Judith Faherty’s report pages 86-89).

We were thrilled to celebrate the special occasion with input from all the past editors of Irish Horse World - Averil Douglas, Grania Willis, Siobhán English, Sascha Freyne (neé Geraghty) and Caitriona Morrissey (neé Murphy). What a wonderful legacy they left for the current team to build on.

MC Brendan McArdle made sure the good-humoured Minister brought back his message to Government of supporting the upcoming special 100th anniversary of the Aga Khan Trophy at Dublin Horse Show, first introduced at the show in 1926. With the first Dublin Horse Show being held on the grounds of Leinster House in 1868, a special connection certainly exists between the seat of government and the RDS.

The positive uplifting day that was Tuesday will live long in the collective memory.

Here’s to the next 50....