Strangles cases alert

HORSE and pony owners should be on high alert for strangles with some cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection appearing at various equestrian premises in Louth and north Dublin.

Manager Brian Smith of Piperstown Equestrian Centre in Drogheda posted on social media that their riding school remains open for lessons as usual but due to a suspected case of strangles, they are undertaking ‘essential precautionary measures’ until June 30th. No visiting horses or ponies are allowed in for hacks or arena hire while no equines will leave the yard for competition purposes until June 30th.

Meanwhile, in response to several cases of suspected strangles in the general area of north Dublin, the committee of Cheval Riding Club announced the closure of its Oldtown grounds for the next one to two weeks in a bid to limit any possible spread. Organisers posted that a horse that competed at Cheval’s bank holiday Monday show was subsequently diagnosed with strangles on Wednesday.

Strangles is spread by close contact between horses and equipment. Characteristic signs include abscess swelling under the jaw, an elevated temperature and dullness. Veterinary advice and attention should be sought immediately and all equine movements to an affected premises ceased.

EBN insurance meeting

THE Equestrian Business Network will host an evening on equestrian insurance on Monday, June 14th at 7.30pm via Zoom. Keith Young from LHK Insurance Group, which offer insurance for all things equestrian, is going to join and explain what’s going on with the insurance market at present and things to bear in mind or ask your insurance provider when completing your renewal.

To book, go to ebni.eventbrite.com?s=131545163 or facebook.com/ebnire

Mullingar Sale next week

MULLINGAR Equestrian Sales is hosting a Performance Horse and Pony Sale next Saturday, June 19th. The sale of approximately 100 lots will feature online bidding and all Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to on site. See mullingarequestrian.com

Red Mills sponsorship

CONNOLLY’s Red Mills will continue its long-term sponsorship of the Irish Pony Club eventing series, with the two-day national championships scheduled for Tattersalls at the end of August. Dates and venues for the IPC Area qualifiers in combined training, dressage and show jumping have also been confirmed, as have those for mounted games competitions, while regional Tetrathlon training has already begun. The national dressage day has a new date of Sunday, September 5th. All details can be found on the IPC website.

Inter-branch activities are also opening up in Area 17 of The Pony Club (Northern Ireland) and here they have selected their team for the DAKS Pony Club mounted games competition at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (July 1st to 4th). The quintet comprises Iveagh members Molly Davidson and Harry McMillan plus Laura Loughlin, Lucy McKetchnie, Hannah Staats and Sam Staats who are all members of the Route Branch.

Rich Fellers case

AMERICAN show jumping rider Rich Fellers was arrested on June 7th after an indictment by a Grand Jury for four counts of second degree sexual abuse of a former student who was 17 at the time of the alleged offences.