More showjumping horses, ponies are registered

THE rise of showjumping in Ireland has been reflected in the increase to 7,500 horses and ponies registered for competitive showjumping by members of the Showjumping Association of Ireland, which has grown to nearly 7,000 registered members this year.

With almost 800 showjumping days on the Irish circuit, the sport is now active over a 12 months cycle and its strength at the grass roots level has paid off internationally, with Ireland recently producing a world champion in Dermott Lennon, European individual and team awards and pony gold medallists.

Northern Ireland has made a huge contribution; the Six Counties can now claim to have the highest concentration of talented young riders in Europe.

Ireland’s sport horse success can be attributed in part at least to the steady temperament of our native Irish horses, which is now being well advertised in the high profile activities of the Garda mounted unit.

Sources at the AGM of the Irish Draught Horse Society, which took place recently, revealed that the Bulgarian police have recently enquired about the possibility of using Irish horses.

At the AGM, there was little change in the IDHS officers, with Martin Collins unanimously re-elected as chairman, but there is a new vice chairperson, Anne Loughnane from Co Cork.

She is also one of the editors, with Elizabeth Deane, of a history of the Society which will shortly be launched.