Millstreet to host qualifier

EXCITING news to emerge from Millstreet this week, is that next month’s international horse trials will host the sole Irish qualifier of the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse championship. Now in its fourth decade, this prestigious series is the most coveted of Britain’s young horse championships and those successful at Millstreet will be eligible to compete in the final at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Friday, September 6th. In recent years, the showcase class has been staged at the Tattersalls summer show, having previously run at Blarney Castle, and subsequently Millstreet some 20 years ago. “Martyn Johnson from Burghley approached us to ask if we were interested in hosting the qualifier this year, and we accepted straight away,” commented Millstreet’s Emma Hickey. “We worked closely with Martyn when we ran the ERM series, and are looking forward to seeing the qualifier return to Millstreet on Thursday, May 30th.”

This class will replace Millstreet’s own and very popular Eventing Discovery showcase, which will now be added to the schedule of the Millstreet Horse Show from July 29th – August 4th.

Dressage stallion available in Ireland

KASTEL’S Nintendo, owned by Charlotte Jorst, is now being represented in Ireland and the UK by Brass Stables Ireland Stud and AI Services (Andrena Laverty). Kastel’s Nintendo has been given elite status across the breeding books of KWPN, Belgian Warmblood BWP and has recently been deemed by KWPN as the most accomplished dressage horse alive in North America.

Nintendo comes from a successful sport lineage. His mother Rodieni R competed at Z2 level and, in combination with Nintendo’s sire Negro, also produced the mare Top’s Zoë, with whom Theo Hanzon competed in international Grand Prix. Top’s Zoë also produced three international Grand Prix horses, including Eddieni, which scored well above 70 percent with multiple riders.

Nintendo was trained by Gertjan and Anne van Olst and subsequently competed at Grand Prix level for a remarkable 10 years. With Charlotte Jorst, the stallion participated in over 120 competitions, winning 25 tests, including the World Cup final in Gothenburg (2016). The other seven Brass Stables Ireland has available this year are McKenzy JHL, Neil, Freedom, Frank Sinatra, Urianto VD Dries, Vince VH Hulsterhof and Magic Mackie G. Visit www.brassstablesireland.com

New appointment at Plusvital

PLUSVITAL has announced Rebecca Watson as their new Chief Technical Officer. With an extensive background in equine care, Rebecca brings a wealth of experience to the Plusvital team. A registered RCVS veterinary nurse since 1996, she has dedicated over 15 years to equine practise in Ireland, including a role as a Veterinary Technician at the 2012 London Olympics. Rebecca’s proficiency spans across international borders, having worked in many countries, including the USA, UK, Germany, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia. Her academic achievements include a master’s degree in Equine Science from the University of Edinburgh. Plusvital is confident that Rebecca’s expertise will greatly enhance their offering to all equine customers.