THE Irish Pony Club held its national instructors’ training day on Sunday, February 9th, when over 120 coaches from across the country converged on Emerald Equestrian.

The day was the culmination of weeks of work by the IPC’s Training Committee, which comprises Kay Nolan, Helen Nolan, Susan Patterson, Gillian Atkinson, Anne O’Connor, Gemma Ferrer, Caroline Neville, Laura Whyte, Ciaran McGrath and Fiona Cloke.

The last-named provided the Irish Horse World with information on the day, which started with a ‘Talking Tests’ session, where attendees were split into small groups to discuss all IPC Tests. Coaches felt this was a very positive experience, as there was an opportunity to ask questions and receive information in every Test category.

Later in the morning, renowned French FEI cross-country course designer Alain Ponsot demonstrated what can be achieved using poles and blocks to build simulated cross-country fences in an indoor setting; his enthusiasm and knowledge were fantastic. Ponsot first became involved with the IPC in 2022, when the Training Committee collaborated with Jane Hancock and Tiggy’s Trust and both he and Jane had been generous with their time since then.

The Ward Union Branch brought their Jump 4 Joy fences to Emerald and these were discussed following the pole and block exercises.

Second Rider Picture: Amber Geraghty, Lauren Reynolds and Emma Jo Carolan with Alain Ponsot and Ciaran Glynn at the coaches training day

In the afternoon, when two groups of Meath Branch members acted as demonstration riders, Ciaran Glynn of Killossery Lodge Stud presented a session for under 12s’ followed by one for Juniors, who both jumped the fences Ponsot had discussed in the morning. Glynn was very interactive with the attendees and encouraged questions throughout the afternoon, inviting all coaches into the arena for the final exercise.

Despite the cold, the day was considered a resounding success with over 90 coaches still on site asking questions after 4pm. Emerald’s hospitality was second to none with a lovely lunch provided, plus many hundreds of cups of tea and coffee.