Clifden sales this weekend

THE three-day May sale at the Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden kicked off yesterday (Friday) and runs until Sunday. Over 600 lots will pass through the sales ring throughout the weekend. Live bidding for the sale is available on MartEye, while Western Veterinary Clinic is available to inspect any pony that does not have a valid vet certificate onsite.

IHB hiring PR and marketing staff

THE Irish Horse Board is hiring for a ‘press and public relations officer’ and a ‘marketing executive’ role. The press relations officer will be required to develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to promote the Irish sport horse and equestrian sector to maximise the economic return for Irish breeders and producers, and to manage all aspects of the organisation’s media relations, including drafting press releases, developing newsletters, responding to media enquiries, and arranging interviews. Meanwhile the marketing executive will be required to assist in the ongoing development and implementation of a marketing plan for the sport horse sector, among many other responsibilities. The closing date for both roles is 5pm on Friday, May 26th. See www.ihb.ie/vacancies for information and Classifieds (pages 110-111).

Irish team in action

AS we went to press, the Irish show jumping team were in action at the three-star Nations Cup in Peelbergen, The Netherlands, in a bid to secure a semi-final spot in the Longines EEF Nations Cup semi-finals in Deauville next month. Team manager Michael Blake selected his team as Alexander Butler (Ti Amo B Z), Max Wachman (Kilkenny (ISH)), Tom Wachman (Rock of Cashel) and Cian O’Connor with new mount Tipperary, the horse formerly named Empoli De Champloue who was ridden to a five-star Grand Prix win by Bertram Allen. Eighteen-year-old Tom Wachman will be making his senior Nations Cup debut. A full report will appear in next week’s paper.

IQHA clinic

THE Irish Quarter Horse Association is hosting a two-day Western-inspired horsemanship clinic with Marilyn Randall from Montana this weekend at Drumcoura EC in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. Taking place today (Saturday) and tomorrow, the clinic will focus on both in-hand work (lunging and showmanship) and ridden work (trail and patterns). Marilyn Randall is a highly regarded professional clinician and international judge in the world of American Quarter Horses. Her extensive experience and expertise in horsemanship has made her a sought-after figure in the equine community. She is known for her exceptional ability to work with horses and riders of all levels, helping them improve their horsemanship skills and develop a deeper understanding of the horse-human relationship. Participants will have the chance to learn from her expertise and gain valuable knowledge that can be applied to their own horsemanship practices. The clinic is open to riders of all ages, abilities and disciplines. See www.iqha.ie for more information.

Vote for your ‘star’

DON’t forget to vote for The Irish Field/Gain Equine Nutrition Star of the Month for April. The nominees are Jessica Burke, the Irish junior show jumping team, Darragh Kenny, and Richard Howley. Voting closes on May 25th at midnight. To vote. visit www.theirishfield.ie/star.

Luhmühlen Horse Trials entries

THERE are three Irish riders on the nominated entries list for the CCI5* at Luhmühlen Horse Trials next month. They are Susie Berry with her world championship mount Monbeg by Design, Declan Cullen with Seavaghan ASH and Felicity Ward with Regal Bounty. Cathal Daniels is among the four-star entries with Rioghan Rua. The entries boast multiple five-star winners and British riders account for almost half the 55-strong CCI5* field. Leading the charge is 2022 Badminton winner Laura Collett with London 52 who did not compete at Badminton due to a setback. Other British riders include world champion Yasmin Ingham, Pippa Funnell, Tom Jackson, Emily King, David Doel, last year’s runner-up Kirsty Chabert, Harry Meade, Oliver Townend, Kitty King and Izzy Taylor.