Nicola Wilson awarded MBE

FORMER event rider Nicola Wilson was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2025 New Years Honours list for services to sport as a coach and mentor. Since her competition career-ending fall at Badminton Horse Trials in 2022, Nicola’s journey has been inspiring, humbling and a lesson to all in overcoming adversity. Having won championship medals at Olympic, World and European level as an event rider, Nicola continues to put back into the sport with her mentoring, coaching and support of young riders, and in her role as Chair of the Riders Advisory Group on behalf of the World Class Programme.

Patricia O’Shaughnessy RIP

THE equestrian community in Co Cork was reeling following the sad passing of Patricia O’Shaughnessy of Coachford Equestrian Centre in Co Cork on December 26th, 2024. After a bravely fought illness, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in the tender and loving care of Marymount University Hospital and Hospice. Beloved wife of John and loving mother of Saoirse, John Edward, Eileen and Libby, daughter of the late Paddy. Deeply missed by her mother Nora, her loving brothers and sisters Angela, Mick, Jacqueline, Billy, Peter, Kevin, Paul, Jim, Elizabeth, Nora, Georgina, Raymond and Colm, and her extended family and a large circle of friends.

The Muskerry Pony Club paid tribute to Patricia, saying: “You were a great friend and mentor to so many kids that came through your school, you will be so sadly missed by us all.”

DAFM show jumping series

HORSE Sport Ireland is seeking applications from venues, who wish to host a leg of the DAFM Show jumping Studbook Series and/or Development Series in 2025. The deadline for applications is Thursday, January 16th, 2025. Visit https://forms.horsesportireland.ie/243432241207950.

2025 Breeding Grant Initiative

HORSE Sport Ireland is seeking applications for the 2025 Breeding Grant Initiative. This Initiative supports funding for breeding and production initiatives for young horse classes and production events. Applications must be submitted by 12pm on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025. The Breeding Grant Initiative is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine through National Breeding Services.

Pony measuring

THE FEI pony measuring session will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, January 22nd and 23rd, 2025 at Cavan Equestrian Centre. FEI Pony Owners should note that only one Irish FEI measuring session will take place in 2025 and should ensure that their ponies are presented for measuring if needed. All ponies must be FEI registered through Horse Sport Ireland for 2025 in order to apply for measuring. All ponies wishing to compete in FEI competitions in 2025 must also be FEI measured. Entries close Monday, January 13th at 12pm.

CPBS AGM

THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) AGM will be held on the Sunday, January 12th, 2025 at the Athlone Springs Hotel, commencing at 2pm. All members are invited to attend.