APRIL looks like being a busy month for Irish Pony Society members, who will first see out March at the second leg of the Sports Pony Challenge, which takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at Banner Equestrian in Co Clare.

The third and final qualifying round of the Challenge is scheduled for Marlton Equestrian, Co Wicklow on Tuesday, April 15th with the final being staged a week later at Killossery Lodge Stud, north Co Dublin.

Three IPS Area shows are listed for April; Northern Area on Saturday next, April 5th, at Knockagh View Equestrian Centre; Limerick/Clare Area on Saturday, April 12th at Banner Equestrian; and Wicklow Area on Sunday, April 13th at Marlton.

Entries for the IPS Spring Show, which takes place at Mullingar Equestrian on Thursday, April 17th and includes Royal International Horse Show qualifiers, close at midday on Monday, April 14th.

Owners would do well to adhere to that deadline as, on the day, the fee for the RIHS classes will rise to €65 from €50 and for all other classes to €50 from €30 (IPS members) and €35 (non members).