NEWS IN BRIEF
The riding clubs exams have been reviewed and are undergoing a change in structure. The exams encourage members to improve on their riding and horse care skills and will be available later this summer on www.airc.ie.
Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show Following on from the success of its Young Event Horse classes introduced in 2006 and more recently the Connemara Performance Hunter classes, the RDS is introducing a class for the many small horses with eventing potential in the country. This new class is open to horses bred in Ireland and it will provide a showcase for breeders and producers to display their quality stock. The new competition will require that the horses presented, i.e. those that make it through the qualifier system are very rideable and produced to a level suitable for competitive youths and lightweight adults. Horses must be between 148cm (14.2hh) and 160cm (15.3hh) in height and riders must be aged 15 by the 1 January 2011 to be eligible to compete. Riders who have compet-
ed in a CIC**, CCI** or CSI** competition or higher, will not eligible to compete in this class. A total prize fund of €3,000 is on offer for this new class.
Problem logging into your account? If you experience any difficulty logging into your membership online account, try a password reset. If this doesn’t work, send an email to support@airc.ie to include your membership number, name, club and date of birth and your query will be dealt with as soon as possible.
Link-Up, the publication of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs, is designed and edited by David Abbott.
New exams for equitation, knowledge and care
If you forget your login details for your club mail account (club secretary’s only) send an email to support@airc.ie for a password reset. This service is only available during office hours.
Need to contact Head Office? Head Office is open Monday to Friday between 09:30 to 13:30 and 14:00 to 17:00 by calling 045 854 555 or emailing info@airc.ie. Cover Photograph: Caroline Mc Guirk captained the Gap of the North team on Lisbane Callitera in the final of the Horseware Team Show Jumping Championship at the Dublin Horse Show. last year. (Pic: David Abbott)
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A.I.R.C. Ltd reserves the A.I.R.C. Ltd reserves the right to amend, alter, rightortocancel amend, alter, any of this schedule should the need arise. or cancel any of this schedule should the need
SHOWING TIPS
Showing Explained As the summer season gets into full swing, many riding club shows include showing classes on their programme but do you know how to show your horse? Margie McLoone, a racing and equestrian journalist and a lifelong member of Cheval Riding Club, has compiled this ar cle on how to show your horse.
Turn out of rider and horse A p for nailing good turn-out is to go and watch the top show riders compete and take note of how they present their horses and themselves in the ring. For the rider For most classes, one should wear a well-fi ed tweed jacket with a cream or blue shirt and a bright (but not too bright) well-kno ed e; breeches should be beige or canary and gloves should be muted. Boots ideally should be plain black with garter straps and correctly-fi ed spurs (if allowed) in place. Primary and Advanced Primary riders are not permi ed to wear spurs. Riding hats should of course be clean and well-fi ed and of an approved standard for riding club ac vi es.
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If wearing a skull-cap, use a black or navy velvet cover and ideally try to have a neatly-fi ed, flesh-coloured chin strap. For ladies, the rider's hair should be ed in a bun and neatly-fastened in a hairnet with no earrings or visible piercings. If you wish to carry a whip, it should be a show cane. For the horse A well-groomed, clean horse with well-fi ed shoes, hoof oil and no stains is the first essen al. Cut the length of the tail to approximately four inches below the hock while in carriage; long tails drag horses down and can unbalance a judges’ overview of your horse. Do not plait the length of the tail to create waves; showing is not a hairdressing compe on. One should take care bandaging the tail for travelling so that rubbing is prevented and the tail hair lies flat. If disaster strikes and your horse sits on its tail in the trailer or lorry, remove the bandage as soon as you arrive at a show, dampen the tail and re-bandage. Remove whiskers, trim ears inside and out and remove any chin hairs;
SHOWING TIPS
Prac ce plai ng at home to perfect your skills; try to have approximately 11-12 plaits down the mane, using bands which match your horse’s mane colour, and always plait the forelock. Generally, slightly larger and so er plaits are more complementary to show horses. If you feel really adventurous you could try s tching in the plaits like all top show producers do but this is not essen al. Cobs should have their manes hogged with their heels and tails trimmed. Registered Irish Draughts should be turned out like show hunters. Connemaras and Arabs are shown in a natural state with their manes unplaited and discreetly
A champion Connemara
thinned. Tails should look natural and not be pulled but may be squared off at the bo om. Ears can be trimmed flat but there should be no trimming inside the ear. While light trimming of long hairs in jawline is acceptable, whiskers should not be trimmed. There should be no trimming of feathers on the legs or heels of Connemaras.
A.I.R.C. reserve the right to alter, amend or cancel any of this schedule or part there of.
use disposable razors and a sharp curved scissors or a mini trimmer if you’re lucky enough to own one. Trim heels; it’s advisable to get an expert to help you do this for the first me as visible scissor cuts do not look well.
A couple of ps ... for those with white bits on their horses, keep these clean with shampoo and water while blue bag may also be helpful. Most tack shops stock white chalk which helps whiten heels, legs, etc. Scars and blemishes, etc can be covered with a li le boot polish in the appropriate colour.
Tack Clean, well-fi ed and appropriate tack is essen al. Depending on the class, one should use a double bridle or pelham (with double reins) with a suitable cavesson noseband (a wider noseband will make a plainer head look more a rac ve) and plain leather reins. Primary and Advanced Primary riders are not permi ed to use double bridles. If your horse objects to the bi ng of a double bridle or pelham and is not 5
A.I.R.C. Ltd reserves the right to amend, alter, or cancel any of this schedule should the need arise.
SHOWING TIPS riding well, it would be best to have him going forward in a simple snaffle which is quite acceptable in working hunter classes. Your saddle should be well-fi ed, comfortable with a neutral coloured girth. If using a numnah, it should be saddle shaped and of a neutral colour; riser pads and such like should not be used. At all mes, make sure all keepers, etc are closed. Generally, the less obtrusive and neutral your tack is the be er; remember it’s your horse you are showing.
In the class How you present your horse in the ring can win or lose you a class. Warm-up As you would when a ending any show to compete, ensure your horse is going well forward, quietly and calmly. Do not overwork but ensure that your horse is se led. Riding in a class Most classes follow a similar pa ern. On entering the ring – usually on the right rein – on direc on from the steward the class will collec vely walk, trot and canter as directed. There may then be a change of rein followed by a request for a gallop, a er which the class is asked to walk 6
and the judge will direct the steward to call in compe tors in the order required to line-up. As judges take a risk riding animals they don’t know, horses must be mannerly and well-behaved. If a horse starts napping badly or playing up in the ring, do the right thing and excuse yourself from the class. It’s not fair to upset all the other horses or to expect the judge to ride a horse that is being difficult. Let the steward know you are doing this and, if you can catch the eye of the judge, from afar salute them before leaving. Leg-up Depending on the class, the judge may choose to ride your horse a er the line-up. At most shows, the organisers will delegate someone to leg-up the judge but one shouldn’t take this for granted. Therefore, it’s a good idea to prac ce legging lots of different people onto your horse at home so that when it comes to helping the judge up at a show, you can do it quickly and expertly without upse ng your horse. If you are concerned about your ability to leg someone up, then have an assistant to help you. Standing your horse up A er the judge has ridden your horse, or if you have completed an
SHOWING TIPS
How you stand your horse up for the judge is very important. When the judge is looking at your horse from the side, they want to see all four legs; never allow your horse to rest a leg when standing up for the judge. Be aware at all mes of where the judge is and posi on your horse accordingly. Trot up You will usually be asked to walk and trot your horse up so remember to stay by their shoulder and make them move ac vely beside you (prac ce at home!). Walk about 20 metres away from the judge, turn your horse away from you and walk two steps back before asking your horse to trot. As you get near the judge, try to show more length to your horse's stride. Keep going past the judge and around the back of the line-up, returning to your posi on. The result When all horses have been inspected in hand and have been remounted, riders will be asked to walk out of the line-up on the right rein but keeping in order. The judge will then inform the steward of the order they want the horses called in for his or her
final line-up and riders will be beckoned into posi on. The championship If you are placed first or second in your class you may be required to return for a championship later in the day. It is considered polite to appear for the championship but if, for some reason, you are unable to do so, let the show secretary know and apologise that you cannot stay.
A.I.R.C. reserve the right to alter, amend or cancel any of this schedule or part there of.
individual show, you may then be asked to ‘strip’ your horse, removing the saddle so that the judge can better assess the horse’s conforma on.
A ridden championship is usually conducted in a similar fashion to the group riding phase of a ridden class. You will be asked to walk, trot, canter, possibly change rein and gallop as in a class with the judge(s) then calling their champion and reserve. One of the fascina ons about showing is that so much depends on personal opinion. A given judge, at a given me, may differ totally from another one somewhere else making it quite unlike racing or other equestrian compe ons. Showing will be all the more enjoyable an experience if you, the compe tor, accept from the outset that opinions may differ and that the result is only that judge’s opinion at that me. Accept the decision with a smile and live to fight another day.
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MASTERS SERIES
Connolly’s Red Mills have renewed their involvement with this years revised Masters Series which is already underway. The years series is open intermediate, advanced intermediate, open and advanced open riders with three divisions. Each round of the league will be run as a separate competition in its own right with the exception of competitions held at national events whereby points will be awarded to riders in their designated competition. Entries close for each regional round of the series at midnight on each Wednesday before the competition. You must declare your entry by log-
ging into your membership online account and then enter a competition. The closing date for the series at the Show Jumping Championships will be earlier than this. The start list for each round will be published on the A.I.R.C. website in advance of the competition. Points will be awarded to 6 best placed rider & horse combinations in each division at each round. Points will also be awarded for those jumping a double clear round but not placed and also for attendance.
A.I.R.C. Ltd reserves the right to amend, alter, or cancel any of this schedule should the need arise.
Connolloy’s Red Mills Masters Series
In the event of a tie for the top six positions, Rider horse combinations will be awarded the points as stated in the rules. These will not be split. Competitors must have competed at two rounds of the league in order to qualify for the league final. Log onto www.airc.ie for further information.
League Dates 2011 15th May - Hitchmoughs Riding School, Co. Cork 22nd May - Ballinasloe Showgrounds, Co. Galway 29th May - Kildare International Equestrian Centre, Co. Kildare 5th June - Barrettstown Stud, Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny 19th June - Boswell Equestrian, Co. Wicklow 26th June - Ross House Equestrian Centre, Co. Cavan 10th July - Gurteen College, Co. Tipperary 17th July - Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Co. Westmeath (NSJC) 24th July - Cheval Showgrounds, Co. Dublin 21st August - Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Co. Westmeath (Final)
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EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION Farming Independent on Tuesday, June 7 or from the Farming Independent stand at the AIRC Festival at Stradbally on June 11 &12,
Win a week’s training with Cian O’Connor worth €1,000, courtesy of the Farming Independent
2. Answer a simple question on the entry form, 3. Collect two tokens from the Farming Independent on Tuesday, June 14, 21 or 28. 4. Post your completed entry form to A.I.R.C. Competition, Farming Independent, 27-32 Talbot St, Dublin 1 by the closing date of July 9, 2011.
The Farming Independent has teamed up with top Irish international show jumper Cian O’Connor to offer A.I.R.C. members the chance to win a week’s training with the Nation’s Cup winning rider at his Co. Meath base. The prize includes: One week’s flatwork or jumping training with Cian O’Connor; accommodation at Karlswood Stables for the winning rider; stabling at Karlswood Stables for the winning rider’s horse; and a two-page feature on the winner’s training session in the Farming Independent. How to enter: 1. Pick up an entry form in the 10
Cian O’Connor and Larkhill Cruiser
HORSE TRIALS QUALIFIERS
TRI Equestrian Horse Trials Championships TRI Equestrian, Ireland’s leading equestrian superstore, is continuing its sponsoring the Association of Irish Riding Clubs National Horse Trials Championships. Managing Director of TRI Equestrian, Philip Masterson, is very happy that TRI Equestrian will be associated with this series. “We received great feedback on last year’s series. TRI Equestrian is very happy to support the Association again for this event and is looking forward to another exciting horse trials series this year."
A number of qualifiers have already taken place but riders can still qualify for the Championships final in September. Up to 4 rider and horse combinations will qualify per grade at each regional qualifier. If a rider and horse combination has already qualified, the next highest placed rider will go forward. Horses must be registered with the Association before entering a championship qualifier. An updated list of qualified riders is published on www.airc.ie after each qualifier.
Remaining Championship Qualifier Dates: 19th June Ballinclough, Co. Waterford Cloncaw Equestrian, Co. Monaghan 10th July 24th July Marguerite Lodge Stud, Co. Kildare 31st July Corbeagh House, Co. Longford 21st August Skevanish Equestrian Centre, Co. Cork 28th August Dalysgrove, Co. Galway Final: 11th September
Annaharvey Farm, Co. Offaly (Final)
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EQUINE WELFARE Barbara Bent is chairperson of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She has this advice for horse owners. Due to the dreadful winter we have all experienced, horses need to build up their reserves over the coming months. A strong worm and lice control programme is essential, worm infested horses are at a disadvantage immediately. Essential hoof care reduces the likelihood of more serious issues ongoing. Be sure to remember the vulnerability of ponies during the summer months, Laminitis is a most painful disease and with foresight is preventable. Another problem at this time of the year is Sweet itch, think ahead, if you had a problem last year you will have the same this year. There are numerous treatments available now plus the use of a good fly rug can make a huge difference to the comfort of your horse or pony. Castration of one's young colts has never been more important than now, numerous mares and fillies are coming to our attention either pregnant or having just lost foals. By leaving so many colts undone we are 12
impairing their future and also that of the pregnant filly. In order to reduce the number of serious equine welfare cases we must reduce the amount of indiscriminate breeding that has been common practise over the last few years in Ireland.
“A strong worm and lice control programme is essential� We all can ensure that breeding is carefully planned and only when there is a demand and market for what is being bred. Horses are far less likely to go down the value chain and end up in difficulties if we are more selective with what we are producing and take greater care of them. The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) works locally and nationally rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals. Visit their website: www.ispca.ie
PEOPLE IN PROFILE
A familiar face of the South East Helen O’Byrne is secretary of the South East Region, a position she’s held since its formation. Helen was born and reared just outside Dublin where she was educated. She then volunteered for a number of years in the Gilbert and Ellice islands in the south pacific (now called Kiribati and Tuvalu). This was followed by a year as a postman (on a bicycle) in New Zealand. I was never so fit, before or since.
Helen O’ Byrne & Charleville Lad
Where did your interest in horses begin? My father was a keen and competent horseman and always told stories about his exploits however a pony was not an option as he knew how much work was involved. I was always told I’d have to wait until I could afford to have one myself. When I came to Waterford I started riding in Joan O’Mahony’s. This was mainly to meet people but I kept it up and my only regret is that I didn’t buy my own horse earlier in life.
Describe your day job? Secondary teacher of French and Spanish (my career is now nearing it’s end ) although some say I spent more time organising the riding clubs in the South East. How long are you a member? Since 1978, and I have been secretary of the South east region since it’s inception, in fact since before the A.I.R.C. divided the country into regions. A group of us got together from the Waterford Kilkenny / Wexford area and decided to branch out a bit as we were fed up competing within our own clubs and against the same people all the time. What do you like best about the Association? Primarily the camaraderie and also that fact that the riding clubs allow a mediocre rider to take part in all the different things that horse riding involves, just at an appropriate level. Have you any horses and what are they called? I have two horses. Kiri te Kanawa, a 26 year old mare who is now enjoying a well earned rest and Charleville Lad, a 15.3 bay cob who can do everything at my level. Do you still ride and compete? I ride most days. I think that dressage is the best part of riding. It can be terribly frustrating and is very hard work but so satisfying when things go well. My favourite competition is Eventing. 13
SAFETY NEWS
Body Protectors Are you buying a new or replacing an old body protector? Here are a few helpful tips to remember when making the purchase. A body protector provides protection all over your core. It will also reduce bruising and stiffness as well as soft tissue injuries and rib fractures. They’re designed to absorb impact from a fall or kick from a horse. At riding club events body protectors are mandatory for all cross country competitions and are also recommended for other events. There are currently three different standards including BETA class 1 (black), BETA class 2 (Brown) and BETA class 3 (purple) however only BETA class 3 (purple) is permitted for cross country competitions. There is a separate BETA standard for shoulder protectors. Fitting A Body Protector A good fit is the key to comfort and safety. Take waist, chest and waist to waist measurements (taking the tape measure from the front of the waist over the shoulder and down the back to the waist). Use the size chart in the user instructions (attached to all new 14
BETA Standard garments) to find the correct size. If the measurements are at the top or bottom of a size range, try to find the two closest sizes to establish which is more comfortable. Try on over light clothing or the clothing normally worn under the body protector. Heavier garments (ie rainwear) are best worn over the body protector. Adjust the garment by its fastenings at the shoulders and waist to fit snugly. If one cannot be found that fits comfortably some manufacturers offer a made to measure service. If you should have a heavy fall, your body protector should be checked immediately for dents. The foam will expand back to its original shape within 30 minutes; but if a dent is showing on examination, then it’s likely that this part of the garment has lost its impact absorption properties and should be replaced. Body protectors should also be replaced at least every three to five years as it may start to decline. Other considerations to bear in mind include the position of the purple label as this has to be visible during a tack inspection.
HORSE REGISTRATIONS
Horse Registrations Members are reminded to register their horse in advance of entering any national competition or qualifier for a national championship. Under rules introduced last year, all horses must be registered with the Association before entering a championship qualifier or national event. This service is provided free of charge but it can take up to ten days to process an application so members are asked to register their horse as early as possible. Members are no longer permitted to add horses to the database and must instead complete the horse registration form, which is available to download on www.airc.ie, and forward it along with the relevant documentation to Head Office.
Change of ownerships will only be recorded once the animals passport has been changed with the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) to reflect the change. Members can check to see if their horse is registered by accessing their membership online account and clicking on “Your Horses.� Please remember that you do not have to register your horse on an annual basis. You will not be able to enter a national competition if your horse is not already registered with the Association as it will not appear on the system when entering. The Association of Irish Riding Clubs is not a PIO and therefore can only record information that has been recorded with a PIO.
CLUB IN PROFILE
Pride of the Kingdom Kerry Riding Club is celebrating its 20th year being the first and one of the largest and most active clubs in the Kingdom, providing a variety of competitions, training and social shenanigans to the equine and rural community. Founded in 1991 by Mary Bradley and based at Eagle Lodge Equestrian Centre, the club has gone from strength to strength. Recently to accommodate ever expanding numbers the club has developed a second base at Dromin Hill Equestrian Centre in North Kerry. Being located within such close proximity to the Slieve Mish Mountains, Killarney National Park and the endless sandy beaches around our coastline members rarely need an excuse to meet up and blow out a few cobwebs!
As well as the social side of the riding club there is a highly competitive underbelly running throughout, showing up across all the disciplines. The club has qualified for the Dublin Horse Show three times, other successful outings include at the National Dressage Championships, inparticular in 2005 and 2010. Kerry was also one of the first clubs within the Association to embrace Trec, hosting a national qualifier, and representing the region at first national championships in 2001. To feed this drive and passion the club provides regular training opportunities through in-house instructors and visiting trainers such as Fergal Nesbitt, Robert Spillane, Mary O’Connor and Cian O’Connor. The club has also supported and encouraged many members through their Riding Club exams and other equine qualifications. With a special mention to Jester, who has accompanied many of those members through exams/competitions and definitely has accumulated the most rosettes in the club!
Club members at the Dressage Championships
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This year is shaping up to be another busy one for the club.
DRESSAGE TESTS
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EVENTS CALENDAR
Compiled by Kerry Creaven
This is a list of upcoming events published on www.airc.ie. The website is updated almost daily with new events. Visit www.airc.ie for more information on these events. (Compiled by Elaine Hynes)
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EVENTS CALENDAR
Ensure to have any regional event (any activity open to other clubs in your area) listed on the events calendar page on www.airc.ie.
These must be submited, using the event notification form, by the 10th of the month before it is due to take place. 19