John Carey RIP

THE funeral took place this week of Mayo breeder and producer John Carey, Cloonkee, Crossmolina. John, who passed away after a short illness, shared his father Leo’s love of horses and they bred many show jumping horses, including MT Cruise and the stallion Numero Cruise. Seeing these horses competed at top level by John’s niece and nephews was one of his life’s highlights.

John will be sadly missed by his parents Leo and Kitty, brothers Patrick, David, Joseph and Niall, sisters Margaret, Annette Logan and Catriona O’Malley, godchild Danielle and partner Kathy, his relatives and many friends.

A full tribute will appear in a future issue.

Sad passing of breeder Thomas Conlon

THE sport horse industry was left shocked and saddened when news of the death of Thomas Conlon reached the RDS last week, following his passing last Saturday, August 17th. “Thomas had worked tirelessly with the Irish Pony Society and was instrumental in ensuring all members enjoy a sport that he truly loved,” an IPS post read.

“His enthusiasm to improve and support the IPS was infectious, as was his friendly and cheerful personality. Thomas’s contributions to our society are immeasurable and his unwavering support to his fellow council members will be sorely missed.

“Our sincere condolences go to Thomas’ family, his many friends and work colleagues, who will miss him dearly in the days and years to come. May he rest in peace.”

Thomas’ funeral mass took place on Thursday at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in his home town of Swinford. Deeply loved by his parents Bernie and Gerry, his sisters Michelle, Cathy, Amy and Gemma, his brothers Gerald and James, nieces, nephews, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, work colleagues, neighbours, and many friends, Thomas was laid to rest in Kilconduff Cemetery.

Paralympic substitution

KATE Kerr-Horan will compete at the Paralympics in Paris on reserve horse Lykkebo’s Don Akino after her original selection Serafina T was ruled out after suffering a minor injury. Team Ireland para dressage chef d’equipe Debora Pijpers said: “While we were disappointed for Kate and particularly for Serafina T and her connections, Lykkebo’s Don Akino has been in great form and is a fantastic substitute for Kate to compete with in Paris.

“Serafina T has a small injury and will be fine, but we always think of the horse’s welfare in these situations and we must do right by the horse by not rushing the recovery – thankfully for Kate, she was on the reserve list with Lykkebo’s Don Akino and she will still get to compete on the biggest stage.”

Racehorse finals

RACEHORSE to Riding Horse Ireland is now aligned to the Irish Pony Society and will be holding the final of its open championship on day two of the IPS national championships, which are taking place at Hollypark Stables in Co Limerick over the weekend of September 7th and 8th.

The final is once again being generously sponsored by Takashi Kodama through his Old Mews Stables, Kildare, and Aisling-Japan Stud and there will be first place prize money of €800. As usual, conformation will not be taken into account, but both judges will ride each horse and assess them for way of going and manners. Those placed first and second at the usual qualifying shows, can enter.

Royal Meath Show

THE Royal Meath Show takes place on Sunday next, September 1st, in Trim. The list of classes include breeding and youngstock, show ponies, show hunters, Connemaras, ridden hunters, side saddle and working hunters. There is also the Treo Eile final for former racehorses, as well as a ‘special abilities’ ring for rescues and miniature ponies. For more information, visit www.royalmeathshow.com