Off to Britain

LARGE numbers of Irish Pony Club members are competing in Britain this weekend, the majority taking part in the Junior International Tetrathlon Championships at Moreton Morrell in Warwickshire, where two Area 17 members will also start.

A team of five IPC mounted games players is in action at the Royal Bath and West Show in Somerset, while three teams (one Under 10) and a pair have travelled to Scotland, where they are contesting a games competition hosted by the Eglinton Branch in Auchengate.

Competing under the banner of the Carlow Branch, a team of IPC members finished fourth in the ‘B’ final of a friendly Branch competition held recently at the Three Counties Showgrounds in Malvern, Worcestershire. The squad comprised Kildare members Charlotte Weld and Eve Whelan, Wexford Branch member Emily Simmons plus Lucy Kelly and Cillian Tobin, who are well used to competing in the Carlow colours.

League of Nations leg cancelled

THE third leg of the Longines League of Nations™, due to take place at St. Gallen (SUI) yesterday afternoon (May 31st), was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

A prolonged period of heavy rain in Europe over the preceding days, including on-site in St. Gallen, led to the decision being taken yesterday morning, after discussions involving the FEI, Ground Jury, Organising committee, Chefs d’Equipe and athletes.

Todd Hinde, FEI Jumping Director, said: “Despite extensive planning, the weather conditions made the situation extremely difficult and we very much appreciate the efforts of riders, chefs, grooms, officials and the organiser in trying to find solutions in the challenging circumstances. While this is regrettable, we believe under the circumstances, this was the right decision to make.”

The league will continue with the next leg in Rotterdam on June 21st, and the standings for Barcelona (ESP) would be calculated based on the three Qualifiers of Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ocala (USA) and Rotterdam (NED), instead of four.

Nick MacDermott – A Lifetime in Hunting

KILDARE Hunt Club stalwart, Nick MacDermott has sadly passed away. Nick had hunted hounds, served as Hunt Chairman and even accommodated the hounds at Thornton when new kennels were being built at Punchestown. He served as Honorary Secretary of the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association from 1993 to 2002.

Even in his latter years, Nick’s enthusiasm for foxhunting never faltered and it was always a delight to see him at the annual IMFHA Hound Show.

Tactful and discreet, Nick had a wonderful sense of humour. At the time of his passing, he was a Life Member of the IMFHA, in recognition of his enormous contribution to foxhunting over 70 years.

A full obituary will be published at a later date. Deepest sympathies are extended to his beloved wife Anne and his family.

A tribute to Elliot Patterson

AUSTRALIAN dressage rider Elliot Patterson passed away in hospital on May 26th, following a fall from a horse at his property, the Pines Performance Centre in Queensland, Australia. He was cooling the horse off after a routine session, on a long rein at walk, when the horse spooked sideways.

Despite wearing a helmet, Elliott sustained a head injury that cost his life. He was in intensive care for nearly three weeks, with his family, best friends and his fiancé Alexis Hellyer by his side. Elliott was just 32 years old

RIP Capt Pat Griffin

CAPTAIN Pat (KP) Griffin of Glanmire, Cork, has sadly passed away. He had been a member of the Army Equitation School in his youth and, until his ill-health in recent times, had remained involved with the Munster Agricultural Society (Cork Summer Show), Midleton Show and Steward in the Main Arena at the Dublin Horse Show.

Ballivor Horse Show approaches

WHILE Paris may be hosting the Olympics this summer, Meath will host Ballivor Horse Show on Saturday and Sunday, June 8th and 9th, another chance to witness equestrian sports at their very best.

Taking place on an immaculate green field site in the beautiful Meath countryside, there will be show jumping and showing classes from 10am each day, including Meath Hunt Pony Club’s annual Inter-club Show Jumping Summer Show on Saturday and the prestigious Grand Prix on Sunday.

Each day there will be a wide selection of trade stands and food vendors for visitors to browse, there’s nothing like taking a minute for a coffee or creamy ice cream in the beautiful fresh country air.

For further information and directions, please see www.ballivorhorseshow.com or the facebook page: BallivorHorseShow2024