THE golden era for Irish equestrianism continues this weekend with Ireland’s pony riders off to a blistering start yesterday afternoon in the FEI Jumping European Championships and went on to claim Team Gold! Hot on the heels of the team gold won by Ireland’s Young Riders and Juniors show jumping teams, all under the command of James Kernan at Gorla Minore, all eyes were on the Irish pony team riders who proved dominant from the outset yesterday (Friday). Many congratulations to one and all!

There were wonderful celebratory scenes last week at the Irish Horse Board special reception at the Hughes House Stud (see pages 92-93 and 96-97) and Showjumping Ireland is also planning a celebration at Mullingar Equestrian Centre and have issued an open invitation to all (see details page 85).

At Hickstead, there was early joy for Ireland on Thursday as Carlow’s Fred Scala, based in Derbyshire, rode Corriebeg Supernova to triumph in the Hickstead Eventers’ Challenge in fine style before the Nations Cup took centre stage yesterday afternoon (see Judith Faherty’s report).

Well done again to our super underage teams in particular as we count down the days to Dublin Horse Show in two weeks’ time.

Last call

Next Saturday, August 5th, we will publish our FREE 40-page comprehensive guide to this year’s Dublin Horse Show containing all the show previews, interviews, features and adverts. The deadline clock is steadily ticking so please contact adverts@theirishfield.ie as soon as possible early next week if you wish your company/product to be included.