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Committees & Regional Secretary’s
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors, also known as the Executive Committee, is an eight member committee appointed by the National Committee. Each member is elected to serve a three year term and is eligible for re-election. They work in a voluntary capacity and can be contacted through National Office. Chairman: Tony Ennis Vice Chairman: Kevin McGuinness Members: Dermot Brislane Thomas Daniels, Fiona Furey, Grainne Healy, Emily McDonagh & Melissa O’Connor President: Helen Mangan Vice President: Gerry Thompson
National Committee
The National Committee comprises of 24 members, three directly elected by each region annually. Midlands: Ann Bloomer Grainne Healy Caroline Lynch North East: Louise Duffy Kevin McGuinness Louise Somers South East: Dympna Gibbons Melissa O'Connor Sharon O’Connor South Leinster: Hilary McHugh Jane Power Peter Roberts 2
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South West: Jerome Foley Fiona Leahy Jane Morgan West: Thomas Daniels John McArdle Kean O'Hara West Leinster: Fiona Furey Emily McDonagh Karyn Jamieson West Midlands: Dermot Brislane Tony Ennis Doreen Egan
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Regional Secretary’s
Midlands: Grainne Healy 086 8374179 midlandsregion@airc.ie North East: Louise Somers 086 8952645 northeastregion@airc.ie South East: Helen O’Byrne 086 8128959 southeastregion@airc.ie South Leinster: Hilary MacHugh 086 8239515 southleinsterregion@airc.ie South West: Orla O’ Kelly 086 8457862 southwestregion@airc.ie West: Patricia Warren 086 3761863 westregion@airc.ie West Leinster: Anouska Rickard 086 3663824 westleinsterregion@airc.ie West Midlands: Doreen Egan 086 8164205 westmidlandsregion@airc.ie
The Association of Irish Riding Clubs is to phase out the use of riding hats with the standalone (BS) EN1384 standard from next year.
This follows the decision of the European Union to withdrawn the hat standard from the Official Journal of the European Union. A.I.R.C. will permit (BS) EN1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. All hats will be retagged in 2016.
If you are buying a new hat, please make sure that it has the PAS 015 standard mark or ASTM F1163 or Snell 2001 or AS/NZS 3838 and is kite marked, as the EN1384 standard alone will not be approved in 2016. Members should consult the revised 2015 rule book (D04/12) when it is published shortly for approved hat standards.
ISC Anti-Doping Rules apply
Members are reminded that the Association of Irish Riding Clubs antidoping rules are the Irish anti-doping rules as adopted by the Irish Sports Council, as amended from time to time. The rules contained in the said Irish anti-doping rules shall have effect and be construed as rules of
the Association of Irish Riding Clubs. Further information is available on the Irish Sports Council website, www.irishsportscouncil.ie/AntiDoping
Stay in touch
Have you registered your contact information on your membership online account?
If you haven’t, you may miss out on email or text updates on riding club activities.
Link-Up, the publication of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs, is designed and edited by David Abbott.
A.I.R.C. to phase out EN1384 standalone hat standard
News in Brief
Log onto your membership online account and update your contact information including postal address, mobile phone number and email address to stay in the loop. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, go to www.airc.ie and click on the links!
National Office
National Office is open Monday to Friday between 9:30am to 1:30pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm by calling 045 854 555 or emailing info@airc.ie. Cover Photograph: A competitor taking part in a show jumping competition at the 2005 Riding Clubs Festival at Stradbally Hall Estate, Co. Laois. (Pic: Tony Parkes/EPS)
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Dates To Remember!
You could win a €250 voucher, courtesy of Equest Pramox, just by entering this years Riding Clubs Festival on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June at Stradbally Hall Estate, Co. Laois. Equest Pramox, your complete worming dose. Offering cover against a broad spectrum of worms including encysted small redworm and tapeworm. Now licensed in breeding, lactating and pregnant mares.
To be in with a chance of winning the €250 voucher for TRI Equestrian, all you have to do is enter the Riding Clubs Festival. For each competition entry received, you will be entered into the draw which will take place at the Riding Clubs Festival in June. If, for example, you enter six classes over the two days, you will be entered into the draw six times.
A.I.R.C. reserve the right to alter, amend or cancel any of this schedule or part there of.
Enter the Riding Clubs Festival and you could win a €250 voucher!
Only competition entries are valid for the draw. Stable bookings are not valid. So get entering and you could win, with thanks to Equest Pramox.
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Team Show Jumping Championship
Horseware Team Show Jumping Championship
Last year over 140 teams sought qualification for the final of the Horseware sponsored Team Show Jumping Championship at the Dublin Horse Show. This makes it undoubtedly the most sought after title of the Association’s six national championships.
Teams of 3 or four members (and at least two nominated reserves), made up of two riders who will jump a 0.90m course (these could be made up of two Intermediate or one Intermediate and one Advanced Intermediate) and two riders who will jump a course not exceeding 1.00m (these could be made up of any of the following grades:
3rd May 10th May 10th May 17th May 17th May 17th May 24th May 24th May
Greenhills Riding Club, 2014 Team Champions
Advanced Intermediate, Open or Advanced Open with a maximum of one Advanced Open. There must always be one Intermediate rider on the team.
The winning team at each regional qualifier goes forward to the final while the runners-up from each qualifier goes through to the Wild Card Qualifier at the Riding Club Festival. The winner of this goes forward to the final on Sunday 9th August at the Dublin Horse Show. For further information, visit www.airc.ie
Championship Qualifiers 2015
Midlands Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Co. Westmeath West Leinster Coilog Equestrian Centre, Co. Kildare West Midlands Roscrea Equestrian Centre, Co. Tipperary North East Kernan's Equestrian Centre, Co. Down South East Barnadown Stud, Co. Wexford West Tubberbride Stables, Co. Sligo South Leinster Boswell Equestrian, Co. Wicklow South West Hitchmoughs Riding School, Co. Cork
Visit www.airc.ie for up-to-date information on these qualifiers
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Riding Clubs Festival
Reduced entry and stable fees for 25th Anniversary
A.I.R.C. Ltd reserves the right to amend, alter, or cancel any of this schedule should the need
The competition and stabling fees have been reduced for this years Riding Clubs Festival to mark its 25th anniversary. The two-day event takes place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2015 at Stradbally Hall Estate, Co. Laois.
In response to feedback received from members, we’ve also provided a more detailed description for each showing classes. Stabling is available from Friday 5th June at 2pm until Sunday at 6pm at the reduced rate of €80 per stable.
From its beginnings at Punchestown Racecourse in 1990, it has steadily grown to become one of Ireland’s biggest amateur equestrian events.
Entries have also been reduced to €15 for individuals, pairs cost €30 while team entries are €60.
Every level, from Primary right up to Advanced Open, is catered for with a range of competitions each day.
For further information, visit www.airc.ie and go to Events and then National Competitions.
Last year over 700 horses competed in over 70 competitions in dressage, showing and show jumping.
There are a number of changes to the schedule this year.
The age for veteran horses in dressage and showing has been increased to 18, up from 17 last year.. In showing, the Intermediate Performance Hunter has been replaced with a Working Hunter class 8
instead while a new section has also been included for Cobs and Small Hunters. In working hunter classes, only those who jump a clear round will go forward to phase two.
Postal entries close on Wednesday 22nd April while online entries open on Monday 20th April until 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May.
The Association would like to acknowledge the following sponsors for their continued support:
Riding Clubs Festival
Primary Individual Advanced Primary Individual Intermediate Individual Advanced Intermediate Long Arena Open Individual Musical Ride Novice / Expert Pairs Young Horse Show Jumping Primary Teams Advanced Primary Teams Intermediate Individual Advanced Intermediate Individual Open / Advanced Open Individual Adv. Intermediate Power & Speed Open / Adv. Open Power & Speed Veteran Riders Clear Round Jumping
Showing Lightweight Hunter Mediumweight Hunter Heavyweight Hunter Side Saddle / 4 Year Old* / Mares* The Carl Geisler Memorial C’ship* Small Hunters Riding Horse (Up to 158cms) Riding Horse (Over 158cms) Cobs (Lightweight / Heavyweight / Maxi) Primary Performance Hunter Adv. Primary Performance Hunter Working Hunter (Intermediate) Coloured Horse (Up to 158cms / Over 158cms) Veteran Horse
This list is provided for guideline purposes only and must be read in conjunction with the event schedule on www.airc.ie.
Sunday 8th June 2015
Dressage Primary / Adv. Primary Prix Caprilli Intermediate Prix Caprilli Intermediate Long Arena Advanced Intermediate Individual Open Long Arena Advanced Open Advanced Open Long Arena Team Dressage Dressage to Music (AI/O/AO) Dressage to Music (P/AP/I) Fancy Dress Pairs Veteran Rider / Veteran Horse
A.I.R.C. reserve the right to alter, amend or cancel any of this schedule or part there of.
Saturday 6th June 2015 Dressage
Show Jumping Primary Individual Advanced Primary Individual Intermediate Power & Speed Intermediate Teams Advanced Intermediate Accumulator Open / Advanced Open Accumulator Team Show Jumping Challenge Clear Round Jumping
Showing Irish Draught Irish Draught Performance Hunter Connemara Connemara Performance Hunter Ex Racehorse / Thoroughbred Ex Racehorse (Performance) Traditional Irish Cob / Arabs The Eddie Fowler Memorial C’ship* Introduction to Showing Primary Showing / Novice Showing The Frank Mangan Memorial C’ship* Working Hunter (Cobs & Small Hunters) / (4 & 5 Year Olds) / (AI/O/AO) / C’ship Riding Club Horse Primary / Adv. Primary * Qualification required.
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Dressage Championships
Connolly’s Red Mills Dressage Championships
Almost 70 teams sought qualification for the Team Dressage Championship last year. This is an increase of 30 teams taking part annually since the format was changed in 2013. To qualify, clubs are permitted to enter teams of three or four riders. These must contain no more than two riders from any one grade representing no less than two grades. Reserves must also be nominated in advance of the qualifier. The number of teams qualifying at each regional qualifier will depend on the number of teams which start
17th May 24th May 14th June 14th June 21st June 21st June 28th June 19th July
on the day of the qualifier. One team for every four teams, or part thereof, will go forward to the championships. Teams, however, may only qualify at their respective regional qualifier.
In the individual classes, the top four rider and horse combinations from the Advanced Primary, Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate classes at each qualifier will go forward to the championships. Individuals, however, may qualify at any of the qualifiers around the country. If an individual rider and horse combination has already qualified at a previous qualifier, the next best placed rider will go forward. For further information, visit www.airc.ie and go to Events and National Competitions.
Championship Qualifiers 2015 Midlands West Leinster North East South East Kerry West West Midlands South Leinster
Kilrainey Equestrian Centre, Co. Kildare Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare Killossery Lodge Stud, Co. Dublin Barnadown Stud, Co. Wexford Faugh, Killarney, Co. Kerry Carey’s Equestrian Centre, Co. Galway Clonlara Equestrian Centre, Co. Limerick Spruce Lodge, Co. Wicklow
Visit www.airc.ie for up-to-date information on these qualifiers 11
Events Calendar
Make sure to visit the Events Calendar on www.airc.ie for an up-to-date list of activities happening in your area. This list is updated daily with new event listings. 12
Around the Regions
Your photos from around the regions
We would like to thank everyone who sent in photos from around the country. Don’t forget to send in yours by email to yourphotos@airc.ie throughout the year. Above: Chevals Teresa Ward on Yore Diamond at Kilronan Riding Clubs Derby Show. (Pic: ironia-art.com) Left: Friarys John Joe Grace and Jane Grace who won the Fancy Dress Pairs at the Riding Clubs Festival last year.
Above: Thornton’s Ali Curtis and Haribo enjoying a relaxing morning. Left: Benbulbens Alayne Wells won the advanced primary dressage on Churchmeadow Mystery II at Benbulbens spring show in 2014.
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25th Anniversary
Riding Clubs Festival reaches silver anniversary!
by Helen Mangan, A.I.R.C. President
As this is the 25th Anniversary of the Riding Clubs Festival it might be of interest to know how it all started.
The Riding Club movement in Ireland began in 1973 when 15 clubs joined together to form the Association. We never envisaged the extent to which the movement would grow but grow it did, and spread countrywide. As the movement grew regional competitions were held in all disci-
plines, and the Association was able to get slots for finals at both the RDS Spring Show, which used to be held in May and the Horse Show in August. The RDS were good supporters of the Riding clubs and we were very fortunate to be allowed to hold our Equitation Jumping and Dressage Championships in the Main Arena. You might be wondering what all this has to do with the Festival? Well, as all the aforementioned events had to be qualified for it was felt that we needed a national event which would be available for all members, and so in 1990 the Riding Clubs Festival was born. It was to cover all disciplines and the one stipulation was that it was open to all
American visitors at the 1998 Riding Clubs Festival at Tattersalls 14
25th Anniversary members – no qualification. We sent out the entry forms not sure really what reaction we would get. We were amazed, the entries poured in, my own club Foxborough had a hundred entries. The first Festival was held at Punchestown Racecourse, so there was plenty of room. Maire Quinlan-Pluck organised the dressage (and guess who still runs it), Maureen Goodbody ran the showing and I covered the show jumping. The movement had great support within the horse world and people like Sgt. Major Steve Hickey, International Course builder, and Tommy Condron who was one of the top starters in the country weighed in behind the show jumping. The facilities in Punchestown were great with the stables on site. The weighroom and jockeys changing room became the office, and the committee moved in with their sleeping bags and stayed on site.
The committee were lucky enough to have a fabulous chef, Bob Thompson, on the Committee and he kept us well fed. There was a Flying Club based at Punchestown, and they entertained us with parachute jumps during the day.
Tug of war at the 1991 Riding Clubs Festival
When competitions were over everyone collected at the parade ring and we had a Tug O’ War competition, which meant that people who were not riding got to enter in something. This was really hotly contested and was great fun. Evenings were rounded off with barbeques and a disco, and of course, copious amounts of drink! The committee were blown away by the success of the first Festival and we realised that this had to become a permanent fixture in the calendar, and although the logistical problems by having it open to everyone were enormous, we knew as we staggered out of Punchestown in 1990 that this was an event that would have to continue.
Over the years the Festival has moved to a number of venues including Tattersalls, Goffs and Stradbally, where it currently takes place. 15
25th Anniversary We had such great fun with celebrity team show Jumping with people like Ronnie Drew and Alan Dukes taking part, musical rides where one club did a Scottish theme and brought their own piper, Sumo wrestling which nearly did away with at least one committee member, some riotous barbecues, sing songs and discos.
One year we had an international flavour brought to the Festival by an American Army Captain, Richard Dyke who competed in the Show Jumping in full dress uniform. In the American group that visited, there was a New York Mounted Policeman and he came in his full New York police uniform complete with nightstick, handcuffs, gun holster (no gun) and we borrowed a horse for him and he rode round looking absolutely spectacular. The only thing was the horses they ride in New York are only about 15 hands high and the horse we borrowed for him was over 16 hands and he admitted that he was quite nervous as he had never ridden anything so big! In recent years, riding clubs from the UK competed at the Festival and this year current senior open show jumping champions, Darlington and District are expected to attend.
It is wonderful to see the Festival still 16
going strong with members coming from all over the country, and great to see everyone getting together, renewing friendships, sharing barbecues, and partying the night away – as well as competing, of course. Long may it last and here’s to the next 25 year! Visit our youtube channel to view highlights from the early years of the Riding Clubs Festival!
Greenhills members all set for the Fancy Dress Pairs at the 2002 Riding Clubs Festival at Goffs
Club Excellence Award Scheme
The Club Excellence Award scheme was introduced in 2014 to recognise the vital contribution affiliated clubs make in the development of the sport while providing outlets for participation and promoting equestrian sports at grass roots level.
Each applicant is assessed under 35 different criteria in areas such as club management, club development, education and training, volunteer management, competition participation, community development and health and safety. Clubs which attain the club excellence standard will receive a grant towards the development of their club in recognition of their efforts of best practice. There are three levels of award - gold €750; silver €500; bronze €250. Where clubs fail to meet the required standard, no award is given. In its first year, four clubs achieved the highest possible standard under the Association of Irish Riding Clubs newly introduced award scheme.
Seven clubs into total applied to the scheme when the first round of submissions were sought late last year.
This means that over half of the applicants achieved the highest standard while two other clubs achieved silver with one club attaining the bronze standard.
Over €4,000 was awarded to the clubs last year and we hope to increase this in 2015. So make sure your club gets involved when submissions open later this year. Visit www.airc.ie for further information about the scheme including required criteria and an application form.
Club Excellence Award Results 2014:
Gold Award Calliaghstown, Carne, Castle Hill, Waterford. Silver Award Boyneside, Castle Carraig Bronze Award Tynagh
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Dressage Tests
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