Gold for the young rider team

AS we went to press, the Irish young rider show jumping team won the team gold medal at the FEI European Championships in Kronenberg. James Kernan’s team of Niamh McEvoy (Jasmim Da Hermida), Tom Wachman (Cathalina S), Francis Derwin (Flexi K) and Max Wachman (Kilkenny) made it back-to-back European wins, ahead of France in silver and Belgium in bronze. Tom Wachman is fifth individually, just ahead of Derwin in sixth. On Thursday evening, the junior team finished just off the podium in fourth. Full report in next week’s paper.

Sadness over passing of Brian Reid

THERE was sadness around the RDS this week following the passing of Brian Reid, a former equestrian and IT manager at the organisation for 40 years. From Shankill, Dublin 18, Brian passed away on July 16th, in the care of Blackrock Hospice, following an illness bravely borne. He will be lovingly missed by his wife Vivien, family, friends and former RDS colleagues.

Irish Equine Centre notice

THE virology unit at the Irish Equine Centre is offering free testing of sport horse foal diarrhoea samples for rotavirus A and B, coronavirus and adenovirus from April to October this year. The scheme is funded by the DAFM as part of the Equine Technical Support Scheme 2024. Sample submission forms are available on irishequinecentre.ie.

AIRC show jumping championships

THE AIRC National Show jumping Championships take place this Sunday, July 21st, in Mullingar Equestrian Centre. Kindly sponsored by long-standing supporter Connolly’s Red Mills, a full day of competition is expected with five championship classes taking place, as well as young horse, derby and accumulator classes. Entries are similar to 2023 with a total of 273 entries and will see members from 49 clubs competing for prizes.

A webinar with Connolly’s Red Mills is also planned for the evening of July 25th, so members should check social media for more details on this.