Star of the Month

CONGRATULATIONS to Emily Moloney who was voted The Irish Field/Gain Equine Nutrition Star of the Month for February. Emily was nominated for the award following her Spring Tour Grand Prix win at Cavan on February 16th with Temple Alice.

Connemara Pony Spring Festival

THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society’s Spring festival weekend takes place today and tomorrow, March 29th and 30th, at the Clifden Showgrounds. Saturday sees the All-Ireland Farriery Competition kick off at 8am. On Sunday, the events will begin with a breeding talk from Bridget Lee, followed by an in-hand demonstration with Cathy Snow and the presentation of the 2024 Clifden Supreme Champion, Cabra Jane, owned and presented by Bryan and Niamh O’Halloran. Class 1 Connemara Pony Stallion Avalon Outkast and rider Michelle Kavanagh Gilligan will then perform a dressage demonstration before the annual stallion parade at 1pm.

Stepping Stones league kicks off

THE first leg of Wexford Equestrian’s Stepping Stones to Success league begins on Wednesday, April 2nd. The total prize fund for the league is €18,000. It was recently confirmed by HSI as a recipient of funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine through the 2025 Breeding Grant Scheme. A grant of €4,000 will see the prize fund for the two young event horse classes sponsored by Childeric Saddles (who are putting up €6,000 in total) hitting €5,000 apiece, while there will be an additional €1,000 on offer in the Doagh Equestrian event pony class. Treo Eile will once again sponsor the thoroughbred class. The league continues on Wednesday, April 9th, Wednesday, April 16th and Tuesday, April 22nd (viewing day). The final will be held on April 30th.