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Equestrian News NI Out of Office

News Desk — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:13:39 +0000

The Equestrian News NI office will be closed until the end of September due to staff holidays and essential website maintenance.

If you would like to get in touch with us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk and we will reply on our return.

Thank you for your continued readership as we promote and report on equestrian activities of interest to the local equestrian community.

National Equine Health Survey Needs Your Input

News Desk — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 07:47:57 +0000

Just five minutes will give horses a healthier future

When: 18 – 24 May 2015

Where: Online at www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS

What: A short, anonymous snapshot survey about your horse’s health

Why: To help safeguard the future health and welfare of our horses and ponies

The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) is an important annual survey run by leading charity Blue Cross, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association. It’s a unique opportunity for horse owners to give feedback about the health of their horses, ponies and donkeys so that the most common diseases and problems be identified, prioritised and addressed.

NEHS is supported by the UK’s leading equestrian organisations and charities and sponsored by SPILLERS and Zoetis. It has now been running for five years and is already helping our knowledge of horse heath. Participation increased threefold last year, with data collected from over 12,301 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in the UK, demonstrating the equestrian nation’s enthusiasm to do their bit. The results help to establish benchmarks for equine health and disease in the UK and define priorities for future research, training and education. Equine and veterinary colleges and universities also use the data as primary source material.

Last year we discovered more about the rise of Atypical Myopathy in the UK. Further awareness of this highly fatal disease is now being raised, incidences are being recorded and monitored by UK vets, and further research is continuing. For the second year lameness was identified as the most common syndrome and there was an apparent increase in laminitis compared with previous years. The 2014 survey also highlighted that 20% of owners are unaware of the risk of encysted small redworm and showed that the reported number of overweight horses and ponies had more than doubled since the previous year.

Gemma Taylor, Education Officer at Blue Cross said: “Over the past five years NEHS has become a crucial information resource for the equestrian industry. It is helping us to steer awareness, education and research with the sole purpose of safeguarding the future healthcare of our horses. By giving five minutes of your time to complete the survey you can help to make a lifetime of difference.”

Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register for NEHS.

Equestrian News NI Christmas Closure Dates

News Desk — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 16:25:00 +0000

The Equestrian News NI Offices will be closed from Thursday 25th December until Thurs 1st January inclusive.

We will be carrying out essential maintenance to the website during the break, however should anyone need to contact us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk we would hope to follow up with any requests as soon as we open again.

Thank you to everyone to contributed to the website in 2014 by sending in press releases, equestrian dates, advertising events, and keeping us up to date with everything equestrian so we could pass on that information to our audiences throughout the world.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to bringing you news, results, photographs and classifieds in the New Year.

Kindest Regards,

The Equestrian News Team

Greenmount Equine Hospital

News Desk — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:47:00 +0000

A new equine veterinary hospital is opening in Greenmount Park adjacent to Limerick Racecourse this Saturday. An Open Day is being held to mark the launch and showcase the premises on Saturday 27th December 2014 from 10am to 1pm. The guest of honour, Lady Harrington, who previously owned Greenmount Stud with the late Lord Harrington, will be officially cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony which will take place at 12pm.

The hospital is located within the grounds of the old Greenmount Stud and the facility has been reinvigorated to create a centre of excellence for equine care. Offering a wide range of services including neo-natal critical care, lameness/poor performance investigations, reproductive services and with a fully equipped surgical facility we will be able to cater for your horse’s every need.

Greenmount Equine Hospital is headed up by Donncha Houlihan MVB MRCVS and Paul Houlihan MVB MRCVS. Both brothers are originally from Birdhill, Co. Tipperary and look forward to offering their combined experience to owners, trainers and breeders in the surrounding areas.

Donncha Houlihan commented “We are delighted to have the opportunity to return home and set up a dedicated equine veterinary facility in a location such as Greenmount Park which is steeped in equine history and so close to Limerick Racecourse. We are looking forward to welcoming Lady Harrington to officially launch the hospital. We would also like to extend an open invitation to anybody wishing to receive a tour of our new facility on the day and afterwards to join us in a toast to the winner of the Annual Greenmount Equine Hospital Bumper”.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Greenmount Equine Hospital, Greenmount Park, Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick
Office: 061 513777 / 087 994 7682 Email: greenmountequinehospital@gmail.com
Website: www.greenmountequinehospital.ie

Edited with BlogPad Pro

Emerald International Announce Forthcoming Masters Show at Launch

News Desk — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 09:31:40 +0000

Pictured at the test day for Emerald International Equestrian Centre in Co Kildare were from left, Pippa McDonald-Clinch (show director), Michael Buckley (project manager at Emerald), Caroline Teltsch (event manager), show jumper Tholm Keane on Delano W, James Buckley (managing director), Noel Buckley (director) and Noel Boyle (event director) photo by Laurence dunne Jumpinaction.net

A group of some of Ireland’s top Show Jumping and Eventing riders visited Emerald International Equestrian Centre in Co Kildare with their horses on Tuesday 14th October to sample the fantastic facilities on offer, as Emerald International prepares for its forthcoming Irish Masters Show which runs from November 14th – 16th. 2014.

Those in attendance were incredibly impressed with the extensively refurbished centre, which boasts Ireland’s largest indoor jumping arena with seating for 3,000 people and uses the new top of the range cushion track elite surface which uses very fine white silica sand supplied by Equestrian Surfaces Ireland.

This is the first time this surface has been used in Ireland and prides itself on its consistency. Emerald International has two indoor and three outdoor arenas all with the same premium quality surface.

TOP RIDERS GIVE EMERALD THUMBS UP

Speaking after the test event, leading rider Edward Doyle gave his initial views on Emerald International saying, “This is a fantastic new facility, a beautiful ring, really bright and really good ground, it has the potential to hold any show jumping event. The surface is perfect, it rides really good. The owners have done a fantastic job and it is close to home for us which is really good”.

Edward’s brother Jack Doyle, who has jumped at top venues all over the world, was also full of praise for the Kildare venue saying. “This place is fabulous, excellent, a huge arena with a great surface and is in an excellent location, very central”.

Former national champion Paddy O Donnell made the trip up the M9 motorway from Waterford and seemed incredibly impressed commenting, “You can’t help but be blown away from the minute you walk in here, it’s like a breath of fresh air. We have some great facilities already in Ireland but anyone can see that Emerald will bring on the sport here even further. The horses I schooled around jumped phenomenal, the surface gives you a great feeling. Let’s hope there will be many days of great jumping here”.

Meath based Alexander Butler was another to share his thoughts on Emerald International and said, “After I jumped some of my younger horses here I was very interested to jump one of my older horses over a bigger course of fences and I have to say the surface was just perfect, top class and when spectators come along there will be a fantastic atmosphere here at Emerald”.

INTERNATIONAL DATES ANNOUNCED

Meanwhile in an exciting new development for Irish equestrian sports, Emerald has confirmed dates for three International jumping shows planned for 2015.

Emerald 2 Star International will run from March 24th to 29th 2015 while a 3 Star International show will take place from June 2nd to 7th 2015 to include a world ranking class.The Co Kildare venue will also run a second 2 Star International from November 10th to 15th 2015.

Preparations are continuing for the forthcoming Emerald International Irish Masters Show, which includes top class show jumping action on all three days and carries a total prize fund of €55,000.

The Irish Masters Show begins on Friday November 14th with top Eventing riders Sarah Ennis, Nicola Ennis and Katie O’Sullivan holding a Masterclass on the three disciplines of producing an Eventer

Sarah Ennis was part of the Irish Eventing team which recently secured Olympic Qualification for at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy and has over 20 years experience as a competitor, trainer and coach and she is joined in the Masterclass by her sister Nicola Ennis who also has recorded a string of impressive International results and by Katie O’Sullivan, who finished as runner-up in Ballindenisk CIC3* in 2012 and also finished highly in the CIC3* at Haras du Pin in 2013.

On Saturday November 15th multiple Grand Prix winning Show Jumping riders Tholm Keane and Derek McConnell will hold a Masterclass on producing a stallion, before the Eventing riders hold a second performance. Later that evening, Irish National Show Jumping Champion and World Champion from the 2013 WBFSH at Lanaken, Greg Broderick, along with fellow leading rider and producer Ger O‘Neill, will hold a Young Horse Masterclass.

Details of a “Special Guest Masterclass” taking place at the final day of the show on Sunday November 16th will be announced shortly, while Show Jumpers Greg Broderick and Ger O’Neill will also hold a repeat performance of their Young Horse Masterclass on the same day.

Daily tickets which include reserved seating for the November Irish Masters at Emerald International are priced at €20 for Adults and €15 for children (Under 3 yrs free) and are available on www.ticketmaster.ie

Champion Lunch New High-Tech Range

News Desk — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 07:50:07 +0000

Champion’s high-tech range of riding helmets and body protectors have been trusted to keep riders of all ages and abilities safe and protected for 35 years – from Olympians to Grand National winners to weekend hackers. Now you can enjoy the same level of performance from your clothing with the launch of the new Champion clothing collection.

The result of a rigorous design and development process, every piece in this dynamic new collection combines performance fabrics with superb fit and design features especially tailored for riders. Technical fabrics merge with streamlined silhouettes for clothing that will take you anywhere and everywhere.

The Aintree blouson jacket is fully waterproof and breathable, with taped seams to protect you from the elements whatever the weather and an anti-pill fleece lining for extra warmth. The Goodwood full zip hoodie, made from breathable anti-pill fleece, will help riders to maintain a consistent body temperature and features stylish long cuffs complemented by practical thumb loops. The striking Uttoxeter Smart and Southwell Sash polo shirts feature vibrant, heritage inspired embroideries alongside the iconic Champion laurel leaf. Other highlights of the range include a high-performance, fully breathable cross country top with reflective branding to help keep you safe at night, Champion high-performance socks and Champion baseball cap.

Expertly designed to provide maximum comfort without compromising on style, the new Champion clothing collection offers exceptional performance both on and off the horse; around the yard, at the racecourse and everywhere in between.

CAFRE Rider Development Workshop at Lusks

News Desk — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 07:05:17 +0000

CAFRE is hosting a Rider Development workshop on Friday 3^rd October at Lusk’s Equestrian Centre, Lisburn, BT27 6YB. The workshop will include demonstrations of horses and riders and talks on rider asymmetry, balance and performance analysis for the rider and how they affect the horse’s way of going. This workshop is a must for all levels of riders and instructors.

The speakers include Louise Broom, who specialises in physiotherapy, rehabilitation and performance analysis for riders of all disciplines, Clare Maria Campbell who is an Equine Physiotherapist will discuss how rider asymmetry affects the horse’s performance and International Dressage rider Yvette Truesdale will discuss exercises to improve straightness and balance of both horse and rider. Robert Patton, Master Saddle fitter, will also address how correct saddle fitting can improve the rider’s position. There will be lots of opportunity for discussion and questions with these top level speakers.

The workshop will cost £10, which can be paid on the day and will run from 11am to 4pm. For groups of 10 or more people booking places in advance there is a reduced cost of £5 per person payable at the door. This offer can only be honoured to those pre-booking their place via email. Please bring a chair to sit in the arena. Everyone Welcome!

For further information, contact Rachel Annan, rachel.annan@dardni.gov.uk or phone 02894426994.

Dubarry Announces New Sponsorship Deal for Irish WEG Eventing Squad

News Desk — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 07:16:19 +0000

DUBARRY of Ireland have just announced a new partnership with Horse Sport Ireland.

The sponsorship deal will see the Irish eventing squad wearing Dubarry of Ireland signature tweed clothing, footwear and accessories for both the European Championships and during the current World Equestrian Games (WEG) 2014. Junior, pony and young riders’ team members are also included in this sponsorship deal, with each member receiving a pair of the trademark Admirals “Dubes” deck shoes.

Michael Walsh, Marketing Director at Dubarry said: “Dubarry of Ireland is delighted to be supporting our national team this season and especially with the World Equestrian Games taking place in Europe. It is great to see our product being worn by some of Ireland’s established and rising stars on the equestrian circuit. The sponsorship of the Irish equestrian team is a great match for the Dubarry brand and we hope that this is the continuation of a long lasting relationship with Ireland’s elite eventers.”

Damian McDonald, CEO of Horse Sport Ireland said: “We are pleased that such an iconic Irish brand as Dubarry of Ireland has come on board as official supplier to Team Ireland Equestrian.”

The Irish senior eventing squad consists of six riders from across the island. This sponsorship deal will see Team Ireland completing their trot up wearing signature Dubarry tweeds, deck shoes and accessories at the World Equestrian Games which are currently being held in Normandy, France until September 7th.

Team Members;

· Sam Watson – Carlow
· Aoife Clark – Kildare
· Sarah Ennis – Meath
· Austin O’Connor – Cork
· Clare Abbott – Down
· Joseph Murphy – Westmeath

Established in 1937, Dubarry of Ireland is a luxury Irish footwear and performance lifestyle clothing company. Founded in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Dubarry of Ireland is a well-known brand within equestrian circles internationally.

Sophie Wells joins Toggi as a new Brand Ambassador

News Desk — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 19:45:45 +0000

Sophie Wells is an outstanding young athlete who combines a successful Para Dressage career with competing at Grand Prix in able-bodied dressage competitions. At the age of just 23, Sophie is not only the reigning World and European Champion with eleven championship gold medals between her two top horses, she was also part of the Team GB Paralympics Team from the London 2012 Games, who historically smashed all previous records to deliver gold. In addition to the team gold, Sophie and Pinocchio were rewarded with outstanding scores in the individual and freestyle performances to add two silver medals to their tally.

With Paralympic, European and World Gold medals to their name Sophie is now facing fresh challenges with Pinocchio as he retires from Para Dressage and pursues a career in able-bodied competitions. During 2013 Sophie and Pinocchio made their debut at Inter 1 and on several occasions Grand Prix. Watch this space as their story continues.

With Pinocchio retiring from International Para Competitions, it has been Valerius’ (Reece) time to step into the spotlight. Equally talented but with a lot less experience, Valerius made his mark on the international circuit as part of Team GB competing at the 2013 European Championships in Denmark. As well as team and individual Gold medals Valerius and Sophie scooped a third gold medal for their freestyle performance posting a tremendous 80.25%.

Sophie is very much aware that her success in the arena is only possible with the help and support from her sponsors and is very pleased to welcome Toggi to the team.

“I am absolutely thrilled to become a Toggi sponsored rider. I have grown up wearing this iconic British brand and more recently enjoyed wearing the Team GBR clothing, which is also made by Toggi. The clothing is perfect for riding and competing – it’s hardwearing, stylish and fits brilliantly, I love it!”

Lexvet Sponsor MD Equestrian

News Desk — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:23:57 +0000

Matthew Dickenson riding Wilsons Imp in the lightweight hunter class at Dublin

Breaking and sales preparation specialist Matthew Dickenson has secured sponsorship from Lexvet Horse Supplements as part of his business expansion into producing show horses and ponies. MD Equestrian, the Wicklow based business owned by Matthew Dickenson has cemented a year’s sponsorship deal with LexveT Horse supplements. The deal which represents a potential value of €20,000 in LexveT product turnover will greatly assist in producing his client’s animals to their optimum condition. “This is the first year I am seriously producing show animals for the ring aimed at Dublin and possibly further afield. After much research and experimentation I’ve found the LexveT products produce incredible results for the conditioning and overall wellbeing of show horses as well as keeping them calm and focussed so for this reason I am very excited to cement our sponsorship contract” says Matthew Dickenson, owner of MD Equestrian.

Lexvet Ireland’s exclusive distributor, Mary Dooner of All Equestrian Tack, says “Our products were developed by an Australian vet Dr. Lex Wills after 10 years of research and development and have a proven track record in 11 countries, so we are excited to distribute to the Irish market. The formulation of LexveT was not developed for the market – it was developed for the horse. We are delighted to finalise a contract with up and coming show producer Matthew Dickenson who has a very exciting string of ponies and horses that he is producing this season whom are already benefiting from our Mineral Supplement and particularly our B1 Cool Mix product which works wonders on excitable or nervous animals”.

Producer Matthew Dickenson, well known for his breaking and sales preparation expertise (which were honed working as a ride groom for Olympic Eventer Mark Kyle’s yard in the UK) has expanded into the world of show horse and pony production this year with a number of exciting prospects including a Golden Grove 133cm Show Hunter Pony originating from the well known Tipperary stud and a 158cm and four year old by Cross Town Dancer owned by S&T Woolmington who is being campaigned towards the small riding horse class at Dublin this year.

For more information on the Lexvet Supplements or Breaking and Producing ponies and horses please contact Matthew Dickenson at 087 960 3682, Email: dickenson.matthew@gmail.com or visit the Lexvvet website www.lexvetsupplements.com

Equestrian News Receives New Look for New Year

News Desk — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 22:30:05 +0000

Welcome to our new website for 2013!

We would like to introduce you firstly to our new look home page featuring our latest news articles in headlines and photographs so you get to read the freshest stories and articles without even having to look for them.

You can still select your favourite discipline from our news drop down menu to read a streamlined view of news and results from NI & Ireland equestrian disciplines.

To view and purchase photographs from our photograph shop, you can now simply select ‘Photographs’ from our main navigation bar, where featured photographers have their galleries on display. To join the network of freelance photographers who supply our galleries, please contact us

To view all of our featured businesses and articles from 2012, you simply click our ‘features’ button and you can read the great content from local businesses and get lots of great hints and tips for the season ahead.

New online classifieds! We have just launched a new online classifieds section, that is easy to use and for the months of January and February, it is also completely FREE to list your horse, pony, dog or tack for sale! Add your listing now!

Business directory – Our online business directory has also received a new look with integrated content for each business listing, including photographs, extensive business profiles and lots of helpful information.

Our diary dates section has also received a fantastic new layout! You can choose which disciplines you would like to view from the drop down menu, you can also view our listed competitions and events by month, week, day or agenda view to make it as easy as possible to plan for the seasons ahead!

Lastly, our website address – you may have noticed that when you typed in Equestrian News NI.co.uk, you were re-directed to Equestrian News Ireland.com, this is to allow us to change over our details on the Equestrian News NI page and we hope to have this page up and running again as soon as possible.

If you have any feedback on the content, or changes we have been making, please feel free to get in touch by emailing info@equestriannewsireland.com or info@equestriannewsni.co.uk, we would be delighted to hear from you and look forward to entertaining the growing Equestrian News NI & Ireland audience for another successful year.

Air-Tech is New Addition to 'Champion' Stable

News Desk — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:30:05 +0000

A new addition to the Champion stable, the striking Air-Tech helmet combines a stylish modern design with a high tech ventilation system and innovative adjustable head sizing ring, not to mention the confidence and peace of mind that comes as standard with the Champion brand.
This highly ventilated and lightweight helmet is BSI Kite marked, meeting BS EN 1384 2012 and CE marked through British Standards Notified Body ID No. 0086.
The outer shell of the Champion Air-Tech is injection moulded in high impact thermoplastic ABS and finished with a high tech soft feel paint coating. The ventilation is afforded by two large perforated steel grills to the front/sides and a further grill at the rear to allow a large flow of air through the helmet to help keep the riders’ head cool in all conditions.
The inner liner is moulded in high density polystyrene to absorb energy on impact in the event of a fall and features many ventilation slots to allow for excellent ventilation. The Air-Tech also features a removable head lining which is made from high tech moisture wicking material, for exceptional comfort.
To ensure a comfortable and secure fit, the Air-Tech is fitted with an adjustable head sizing ring which allows the helmet to accommodate a comprehensive range of head sizes and shapes in just three models:
• Small – 6 1/4 – 6 5/8 or 51cm – 54cm*
• Medium – 6 3/4 – 7 or 55cm – 57cm
• Large – 7 1/8 – 7 1/2 or 58cm-61cm
* VAT exempt

Champion contact details
For more information, contact Champion on Tel: 0113 270 7000, or check out www.championhats.co.uk