Connemara Pony

sales this weekend

THE first sales fixtures of the year at the Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden takes place this weekend. The sales kick off at 10am today (Saturday) with 110 geldings, 35 mares, 20 fillies, six colts and two stallions on offer. Tomorrow’s (Sunday) sale sees 40 gelding, 30 mares, 40 fillies, 28 colts and two stallions go under the hammer at the Clifden Mart. For those who can’t make it to Clifden, you can bid online at www.MartEye.ie. A full catalogue is available www.connemaraponysales.com.

Entries for IEB Awards

DON’T forget to get your entry in for the Irish Equestrian Business Awards. There are categories for lots of types of equestrian businesses including riding centres, livery yards, coaches, online retailer, tack and feed stores, services, customer services and the ‘New Equestrian Business’ award. Online entries close this coming Monday, February 14th at 8pm. A brief online interview will take place with the judges on Friday, March 11th.

Open day diary date

DIAMOND’s Equine Renvyle, Connemara, are hosting an Open Day and launch of The Connemara Pony National Stud on Sunday, March 20th next from 2-6pm. All are welcome. See also Pony Tales page 108 for more details on this event.

Lamaze chef d’equipe of Team Canada

CANADIAN Olympic champion Eric Lamaze has been named the new chef d’equipe of the Canadian show jumping team. He replaces Mark Laskin who held the role from 2012 to the end of 2021. Last November, Lamaze announced he would be taking a step back from riding due to his ongoing health issues, handing the reins on his horses to fellow Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill. “I am excited to help lead the Canadian show jumping team to future success in a new capacity,” said the 53-year-old. “It’s an honour to be named to this position and not one that I take lightly.”

Sam Griffiths takes New Zealand coaching role

AUSTRALIAN event rider Sam Griffiths has been announced as the head coach of the New Zealand eventing team and will step back from riding at the highest level. The 2014 Badminton winner will stay in the UK where he has been based for 20 years. Griffiths commented: “New Zealand has a lot of very talented riders and I know quite a few of them so feel I have a good rapport with them. In my heyday I had a lot of horses but over the last few years I have been doing more coaching. I am really excited about this. They are such talented riders and if everything comes together we should be able to get some good results. I am looking forward to the challenge.”