Burghley 2016 preview – a strong Irish contingent has its eyes on the prize
The arrival of the month of September means many things to many people. For some, it means gearing up for the winter – National Hunt trainers are welcoming the winter jumpers back in and hunters are busy pounding the tarmac. For others, it means it&...
Individual Olympic Gold for Nick Skelton and Big Star
The 1984 film ‘Champions’ tells the story of jockey Bob Champion and the racehorse Aldaniti. Champion was diagnosed with cancer and not expected to survive. Aldaniti suffered a catastrophic tendon breakdown and was not predicted to return to r...
Ireland’s Olympic equestrian performance… is criticism justified?
Irish equestrianism at the Rio Olympics has been a rather roller coaster ride from start to end. From the ‘controversial’ selection of Greg Broderick for the individual showjumping place available through to the unexpected eventing team result...
Alan Ward – Master Saddler
Alan Ward is a remarkable man. When he was just ten years old, his teacher asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up. His reply was simple-“to make saddles”. His life path was set,and today he continues to fulfil his destiny from his base...
ISPCA appeals for information about a neglected donkey
The ISPCA is appealing for information regarding an abandoned donkey found in Feenagh, Co. Limerick. The donkey was rescued by ISPCA Inspector David Walsh with severe overgrown hooves. Inspector Walsh responded to a call made to the ISPCA National Animal ...
Tildren – the ‘answer’ to lameness’?
On the back of our ‘Ask The Vet’ series, we had a question in from John in Co. Westmeath, for our equine Veterinary expert – Nikki Walshe. I was just wondering if you could tell me a little more about Tildren? What are its uses? How does it...
When bright lights are extinguished…
I generally write with one of two intentions-to make people laugh, or to tell them something that they perhaps didn’t know. This piece serves neither purpose. The equestrian world is a vast and far reaching community of people, primarily united in t...
Simpson is superb in the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup
Ireland’s David Simpson claimed the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup today at Hickstead. Saturday’s feature class at the Longines Royal International Horse Show, the Queen’s Cup is only open to the highest-ranked national riders. Previousl...
Billy Twomey wins the Longines King George V Gold Cup
Ireland’s Billy Twomey crowned a fantastic week at the Longines Royal International Horse Show, claiming first prize in the €200,000 Longines King George V Gold Cup. It was an enthralling renewal of the historic class, with 48 of the world’s top rid...
Elizabeth powers to victory in the Amlin Plus Eventers’ Challenge
Ireland’s Elizabeth Power enjoyed a well-deserved win in the Amlin Plus Eventers’ Challenge today at the Longines Royal International Horse Show. Riding Doonaveeragh O One, Esib produced the fastest of only two clear rounds to take the £3,000 first p...