MAJOR show jumping and eventing initiatives were announced this week in a timely boost to the Irish equestrian circuit.

On Tuesday, Cian and Ruth O’Connor’s truly stunning Karlswood venue fittingly hosted the launch of the country’s flagship show jumping leagues. Coolmore is generously sponsoring the Premier Grand Prix League for the first time this year while Gain Equine Nutrition and Alltech Ireland have teamed up again to support the National Grand Prix League. Their combined support of the SJI’s key show jumping leagues is very warmly welcomed and crucially, secures a top performance showcase for owners, riders, producers and breeders alike nationwide (see our adjoining news article).

A sincere ‘thank you’ to our sport’s very generous sponsors on behalf of our entire industry and also to the O’Connor family and their Karlswood team for hosting the launch.

Home is where the heart is

There was also good news for the eventing community with the Duggan family announcing the return of their International Horse Trials at Millstreet this summer.

Always a busy hive of activity, the Duggans have kindly offered the Government the use of Millstreet’s indoor arena to temporarily house Ukrainians fleeing the savagery of Putin’s repulsive war.

There never was a shortage of heart-warming and uplifting stories at Green Glens and this kind gesture will make an enormous difference to the lives of the displaced families in their dark hour.

Easter is a time of rebirth and new beginnings - the timing could not be more apt.