IPS dates for your diary

THE Irish Pony Society is inviting expressions of interest for those wishing to become an IPS judge. The assessment date is Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at Boley Equestrian Centre and the sections being assessed include in-hand and youngstock, ridden and working hunter. Each section being assessed will cost €50 and places are limited on a first come, first served basis. Other IPS Diary Dates include their Spring Show, which has been scheduled for April 17th at Mullingar Equestrian and their Summer Championship Show, which has been scheduled for July 17th at Killossery. The National Awards are on Saturday, March 1st at Killashee House Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare. Tickets on itsplainsailing.com.

Paddy Hassett RIP

RENOWNED Co Clare vet Patrick J Hassett M.V.B. M.R.C.V.S. passed away on Thursday, January 9th, peacefully at his home after a life well-lived. Beloved husband and father of the late Eileen and Donnaca, Paddy will be lovingly remembered by his children Siobhán, Paddy, Dearbhla, Daragh, Garrett, Ciara and Shiofra, his brothers and sisters, grandchildren, daughters and sons-in-law, extended family and friends. Paddy will be reposing at St John’s XXIII Church Clooney, Co Clare on Sunday, January 12th from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. His funeral mass will take place on Monday, January 13th at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in Clooney graveyard.

Paul Johnston RIP

THE equestrian community in Northern Ireland and beyond was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Paul Johnston. Paul was well-known in equine circles, as a show jumping judge and a show organiser; he was also involved in riding club over the years and much more.

Paul was able to spend Christmas at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Monica, children Philip, Andrew, Paula and Kathryn (Katie) and his mother Nora. He was father-in-law to Claire, Matthew and Jade and a devoted grandfather of Lewis, Isla, Ben, Alfie, Joel and Harry. Paul’s funeral was held on Friday, January 3rd, 2025. He will be sadly missed by his family and all those who knew him.

Winter Webinar series continues

EVENTING Ireland’s Winter Webinar series continues in January, with two leading experts in their fields on the roster. On Wednesday, January 15th, List 1 dressage judge and HSI Level 3 eventing coach, Joanne Jarden, will lead a ‘Maximise Your Marks’ webinar. Aimed at improving your dressage scores, Joanne will discuss a variety of topics covering all levels of eventing. To sign up, visit bit.ly/maximiseyourmarks.

On Friday, January 24th, a webinar with world-renowned Biomechanics expert, Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire is on offer. Russell has extensively researched the effect that tack and the rider has on equine health and performance and sits on the Society of Master Saddlers Scientific Advisory Group. Russell is also a pilates instructor and a BHSI equestrian coach. To purchase tickets for this webinar, visit bit.ly/centaurwebinar. Both webinars are eligible for CPD points for HSI Coaches.

Free safeguarding courses

SHOWJUMPING Ireland is running safeguarding online courses on January 15th and 20th, which are free of charge to all members registered in the current year. Entries via sjilive.ie/seminars

Big line-up at Sandstorm event

SANDSTORM Equestrian is offering AIRC members an exclusive discount on group bookings for their upcoming event at Emerald Equestrian on January 25th. This discount applies to group bookings of more than six people, and the larger the group, the bigger the discount. With headliners like Geoff Billington, Oliver Townend and Sorrell Klatzko, it’s sure to be a great equestrian night with demonstrations, shopping, food and entertainment, all while raising funds for My Lovely Horse Rescue. For AIRC members interested in attending, contact your club secretary to arrange tickets, for others, visit www.sandstormequestrian.com.

Virtual event dates announced

BHS Ireland has announced a variety of virtual events designed to inspire, educate and engage you from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking to boost your veterinary knowledge, learn about horses in history, or explore career opportunities, there’s something for everyone. On January 15th/22nd/29th the topic will be Stable Strength - online rider fitness. On January 13th, it will be a talk on ridden horse performance indicators with Dr Anne Bondi. On January 16th, a virtual safeguarding course for equestrians is on offer. On January 22nd, an information evening on BHS assessments in Ireland will be held. On January 22nd, a winter wellness veterinary talk will be on offer with Dr Shaun A McKane. Visit the BHS Ireland Facebook page for details on how to book.