August Star of the Month winner

CONGRATULATIONS to the ‘Girls in Green’ who were voted The Irish Field/GAIN Equine Nutrition Star(s) of the Month for August. The Irish dressage team of Judy Reynolds, Anna Merveldt, Heike Holstein and Kate Dwyer qualified the first ever Irish dressage team for next year’s Olympic Games with a wonderful performance at the FEI European Championships in Rotterdam. Well done ladies!

Frank Ward RIP

THERE was enormous shock and sadness this week at the sudden death of Frank Ward, who passed away on Wednesday at St Vincent’s Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, following a tragic road traffic accident. Beloved and cherished by his wife Mary, his children Patrick, Conor, Tom, Ciara, Rachel and their partners and his adored grandchildren Maria, JP and Jack, Frank will be sorely missed by his brother Denis, his sisters Patricia, Joan, Eileen, Gay, Roly and Beatrice, as well as a huge circle of extended family and friends. Funeral arrangements will be posted on www.rip.ie with a possible update by Tuesday, October 29th.

International Eventing Forum

TICKETS are now available for the International Eventing Forum 2020 on Monday, February 3rd at Hartpury Equine at Glouestershire, England. The theme is “Horsemanship’’ and the day runs from 9am to 4.30pm.

Speakers include Eric Smiley FBHS, Gillian Carlisle (thoroughbreds and their importance in eventing); Nicole Aichele and Adam Kemp (from dressage to barrel racing and vice versa); Dr Michael Eames and Gary Spence (How to fall in a safer way), Andrew Nicoholson and Robbie Power (The development of “Horsemanship’’ when jumping cross-country, show jumping and in racing). Tickets are £55 each with a discount for group bookings. Booking can be made at Hartpury Equine on 0044 (0) 1452 702 127. Email jeanscottmitchell@gmail.com or dorabeacom@live.co.uk and for more information, see www.internationalforum.com

Fournier out of coma

FRENCH event rider Thibault Fournier opened his eyes after six days in a coma following a fall in France on October 13th. The 24-year-old, who made history when winning Pau last year, is showing promising signs in recovery, his mother, Isabelle Fournuer-Jouve said on her social media channels. is He is no longer under respiratory assistance or sedated.

“Thibault opened his eyes and seems to want to get out of the deep sleep in which he has been immersed for six days,” she said.

“We are back in the starting box and the course will be long and filled with obstacles. Thank you from the bottom of the heart for your incredible support and for all the strength you send to Thibault.”

Cian O’Connor honoured

IRELAND’s London Olympic bronze medallist Cian O’Connor has been honoured with a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ by the World Olympics Association (WOA) in recognition for his achievement as an Olympian. The WOA President Joël Bouzou granted O’Connor the use of the post-nominal letters ‘OLY’ to signify his ongoing role in society as an Olympian.