HSI begin appointment-only system

HORSE Sport Ireland is moving to an appointment-only booking system for all in-person studbook/registration and FEI-related queries at the Horse Sport Ireland offices from Monday, October 14th. Drop-ins to the office without an appointment will not be facilitated, but in-person passport collections will be allowed as normal.

“Horse Sport Ireland has made the switch to its appointment system to ensure maximum efficiency in the processing of passport applications,” a spokesman said. “We understand that our customers still require in-person support for a range of reasons and have created the booking system for both studbook passporting and FEI (sport) related queries.

“This system will allow us to deal with customer queries more efficiently and effectively. By filling out the booking form, we will have customer query details in advance and may also be able to address the issue prior to the customer attending the office, saving them the trip and freeing up the necessary time to focus on processing and issuing passports to breeders. This will save breeders the effort of coming in and help us to solve customer problems and queries effectively, while affording staff the necessary time to focus on passport applications.”

Sad passing of Peter Dargan

THE equestrian community was saddened to hear of the death of Peter Dargan of Castleknock and formerly of Ballivor, Co Meath, on October 7th. Peter passed peacefully at the Beacon Hospital, surrounded by his family, after an illness borne with great courage and resilience over the last four years. Predeceased by his parents Jim and Cepta and brother James, Peter is the beloved husband of Paula and dearly loved father of Aisling and Ruth. Peter was an active member of Kilrainy Riding Club and ShowJumping Ireland. Both organisations expressed their condolences to his family, describing him as “a true gentleman, wonderful competitor, great friend and kind supporter”. Peter will be greatly missed by his family, sister Andrée, brothers Joseph and Michael, father- and mother-in-law Paddy and Lily, soon to be sons-in-law David and Eoghan, brothers-in-law Tony and David, sisters-in-law Anna, Anne and Margaret, nieces and nephews, extended family, his colleagues from The Irish Times and his many friends.

Warmblood stallions performance test

ON October 15th, nine warmblood stallions will arrive at CoilOg Equestrian Centre to participate in the Warmblood Studbook of Ireland’s Stage 3 Performance Test. The stallions are four or five years old, and all already have passed Stage 1 and the veterinary and health exams in Stage 2.

The Performance Test is conducted over three days, and the Inspection Committee is composed of two WSI inspectors and two inspectors from the KWPN.

Breeders are invited to observe the second and third days of the Performance Test on Wednesday, October 16th, when a dressage test will be run from 9am to 1pm and a course jumping test will run from 2pm to 5pm. Jumping will resume on Thursday, October 17th, from 9am to 1pm followed by photos and remarks from judges from 2pm to 4pm. The WSI Stallion Approval System is partially funded by the DAFM’s Equine Technical Support Scheme. To learn more about the Stallion Approval System, watch the video, which was fully funded by DAFM: bit.ly/WSI-SAS-Video

Childeric league runs into 2025

THE South Munster Region of Dressage Ireland has announced the popular Childeric Saddles - Ireland league will run into 2025, with two additional legs legs added in February to make five qualifiers in total. The final will be held in March 2025, with details to be confirmed. Three qualifiers must be attended to enter the final. The next show will be at Maryville Stables Riding School on November 3rd (list 1 judge). All usual classes are running and will be open to everyone.

Connemara Breeders AGM

THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society has invited all members to attend its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, January 12th, 2025, at the Athlone Springs Hotel at 2pm. Nomination forms for members interested in filling full-term or casual vacancies on the council are available on the CPBS website: cpbs.ie/cpbs-council-members. Enquiries to aine@cpbs.ie.