OBOS Quality nominations
FIVE nominations to the popular stallion OBOS Quality are to be offered at a reduced price and all proceeds from the nominations will go towards the Alex Ott Appeal.
The well-known horseman suffered a catastrophic injury to his C5 vertebrae following a fall from his horse near his home at Gooseberry Hill, Newmarket, Co Cork in November. He was airlifted to Cork University Hospital, where he remains today.
The five OBOS Quality nominations are being offered for sale at €800, a discounted rate from the usual €1,000 stud fee for the sire. For more information, contact Kieran Kennedy on 086-2518020 or kkennedystallions@gmail.com
Cahill retires
ANNE Cahill has retired as the chairperson of Dressage Ireland and Joan Keogh has taken over the position in the interim. The new chairperson will be elected at the first Dressage Ireland board meeting after the annual general meeting, which is set to take place in mid to late March. Cahill retired in order to concentrate on family (see Pony Tales, page A64)
TIHA auction
THE Traditional Irish Horse Association is organising their annual stallion auction with a range of thoroughbred, sporthorse and Irish Draughts on offer. Bids close at the end of February. See www.traditionalirishhorse.com for more details.
Connemara sale
DUE to the high number of entries received for the one day sale of Connemara ponies on Saturday, February 21st, an extra day has been added. The sale will now take place on Saturday, February 21st and Sunday, February 22nd. Over 300 ponies have been catalogued so far and the catalogue will be available online at connemaraponysales.com
Clancy correction
IN last week’s Pony Show Jumping Awards photo gallery, it was incorrectly stated that Jason Foley won the 148cms Pony Spring Tour 2014, when in fact that honour went to Robbie Clancy. Foley won the 138cms Pony Premier.
Foaling feature
THE Irish Field will publish a 10-page feature on foaling, packed full of expert advice from industry leaders, in next week’s issue, February 7th. To advertise in this special feature, contact the advertising feature on 01-4051187 or email adverts@theirishfield.ie
Stallion parade
THE Laois Branch of the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association will hold a stallion parade in Portlaoise Equestrian Centre on Sunday, March 1st. The parade, held in association with the Registered Stallion Owners Society, is open to horse and pony stallions. Further details from 057-8756790 or 085-1565188.
The Apprentice
THE Irish Masters of Foxhound Association is inviting applications for the apprenticeship scheme for the season 2015/2016, aimed at those who are interested in pursuing a career in hunt service.
The successful candidate will have a genuine passion for hunting and a desire to learn all aspects of employment within a hunt, by working with an experienced huntsman in a well run kennel. The apprenticeship will begin on May 1st, 2015.
Applicants must be over 18 and committed to spending a year with a carefully selected hunt.
Applicants should forward their CV and covering letter detailing experience and references to office@imfha.com before tomorrow, February 1st.