The science of riding

An equine scientist observing the colourful collection of horses and riders at our flatwork lesson with Jackie on Friday evening would probably have had difficulty deducing any strong theories about the optimum mechanics of the relationship between horse and rider. Unbeknownst to most of us, it seems that Jackie* has been involved in some fairly serious research into the effect of the rider on a horse’s performance and movement.

Jackie was a highly accomplished eventing rider in her earlier life. Before an accident prevented her from enjoying her sport from the saddle she won a bronze medal in the European Young Rider 3-day Event Championships at Burley, England, in 1983. A quick Google of her name threw up this highly specialised piece of research on Coordination Dynamics of the Horse-Rider System. Hopefully we’ll all be a little bit closer to the ideal combination after Jackie’s third lesson!

* Perhaps there are two eventing Jackies out there (always a risk with Google searches), but it’s unlikely. We’ll check that it’s actually her on Friday.

Back to (flat)work on a Friday evening

We’ve never experienced such a huge interest in Friday evening lessons. Martina, charged with running her first set of club activities, was inundated with members texting their bookings for Friday evening’s flatwork lesson with Jackie McPherson. Jackie wanted five on each lesson; Martina accommodated everybody who booked by the cut-off time of Wednesday evening. The compromise was six on a lesson and another six disappointed members turned away as the evening oversubscribed on Thursday. First come, first served. There are advantages and disadvantages to a burgeoning membership.

Jackie’s irrepressible mixture of humour and hard-core instruction was as well-received as ever. There was a definite air of back-to-school about the evening and some correspondingly exuberant behaviour from the Castleshanaghan contingent (for which Audrey and Tanya would like to apologise) but it all contributed to a hugely enjoyable evening and an enviable club atmosphere.

If you haven’t done so already, to avoid disappointment book immediately for next week’s installment.

Pictured below: The inimitable Jackie McPherson and her motley collection of pupils. See the Gallery for more Friday evening action.

Wexford Insurances launch new HorseGuard policy

Wexford Insurances, the AIRC’s insurers, are launching HorseGuard, a new insurance policy for both horse & rider. Many of our members are members of the British Horse Society (BHS) and avail of the insurance included in their membership benefits but it’s always worth looking at what else is on the market:

“Wexford Insurances recognised the need for an All-in-One package for horse & rider at a competitive price to compliment our other range of products available to the equine world. Having discussed this need with insurers we are delighted to now be in a position to exclusively provide equestrian enthusiasts with this complete product.” said Mr. Gary Johnston, Director, Wexford Insurances.

HorseGuard insurance is an All-in-One package insuring both the horse & rider. The policy covers the horse for all risks of mortality including the theft and straying. The owners and riders legal liabilities are covered along with limited personal accident cover for the permitted rider.

HorseGuard is suitable for ponies and horses used for Breeding, Hacking, Club Events, Gymkhanas, Showing in Hand, Heavy Horses, Unbroken Animals, Dressage, Rearing, Hunting, Showjumping, Eventing, Polo, Endurance & Long Distance Riding, Foals (30 days to 12 months).

Wexford Insurances was established in 1996 in South Main Street, Wexford as a general insurance broker. In that time they have gone from strength to strength in all departments, while specialising in Equestrian Insurance. The company has experienced continuous growth and now employs 21 members of staff.

For more information download their HorseGuard brochure, log on to their website or call 053 912 2466.

Another week, another new member

We’re happy to welcome another new member to the club. Suzanne Deeney Wylie from Rathmullan has joined us. She’ll ride at Advanced Primary level and we hope she has a lot of fun. Her riding club career looks set to kick off under Jackie’s eye this Friday evening at Harleys.

Golden ticket for the blacksmith turned wordsmith

For anyone who lives in a burrow and hasn’t yet heard of Damien and Nadine’s unbelievable good luck, here’s the official happy story from Gain:

Gain Horse Feeds, the official Irish Animal Health and Nutrition Partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, has announced the winner of their Super Prize Competition where the top prize was flights, tickets and accommodation to the Alltech Games in Kentucky. The winner, Mr. Damien Gallagher, a farrier from Co. Donegal, was one of the thousands of people who entered the competition.

Customers were invited to fill out entry forms accompanied by a “golden ticket” that was affixed to thousands of Gain Horse Feeds bags over the past number of months and with in excess of 5,000 entries, the response from equestrian enthusiasts was astounding.

With the feed producer providing hundreds of prizes to give away in the competition, many entrants did not go away empty-handed. However, after an exhaustive trawl through the thousands of tie-breaker slogans people submitted, the judges agreed that Damien’s entry best summed up the objectives and achievements that go hand in hand with Alltech and Gain Horse Feeds products. Damien wrote:

“The best thing about Gain Horse Feed is empty feeding pots, happy healthy horses and red rosettes!”

As a farrier, Damien’s appreciation for the needs of the horses he shoes goes well beyond hoof care. Likewise, the partnership of Alltech and Gain Feeds embodies a dedication to providing the very best products to meet the needs of horse enthusiasts and their animals the world over. For his winning entry, Damien will receive a pair of tickets to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games along with flights and hotel accommodation. When notified of his win, Damian commented “I am delighted to have won this great prize, it is a trip of a lifetime and I am really looking forward to going on it. Thank you very much to Gain Horse Feeds and Alltech!”

We’re all thrilled for you, Damien and Nadine. Enjoy the planning and anticipation for the next few weeks and then have the trip of a lifetime. Well deserved! For everybody else, bask in reflected glory and enjoy the Alltech FEI Games website.

Pictured below: Damien in the spotlight with Phillip Gilligan and Joanne Hurley of Gain Feeds and Fergal McAdam of Alltech.

Hunting celebration in Ballymacad country

The Ballymacads, one of the country’s most venerable old hunts, is running a hunting extravaganza in Westmeath on Sunday 12 September.

The highlight will be the Best Hunting Horse Competition, sectioned Lightweight, Middleweight and Small Horse with a very generous prizefund of €1000 per section. The horses will be judged on conformation, ability and suitability to the job at hand. Horses will be required to jump a course of hunt type fences including a blind bank, electric tape and gate. Judges to include international showjumper Alexander Butler, well known horse producer and breeder Norman Allen, Rory Gilsenan, accomplished producer of top class working hunters in the UK, and Huntsman Kevin Donohue who is the fourth generation Donohue to hunt the Ballymacad Hounds. These judges will ride horses selected in the top placings of their respective classes.

The supporting card includes a hunt chase, a cross jump, and a whole lot more.

Ballymacad Hunting Extravaganza Schedule · Download

Annual ‘End of Summer Show’ at Deanes, Sunday 22 August

The AIRC’s big event this weekend is the National Dressage Championships but, since it takes place in Tipperary, it’s hardly surprising that none of our members are competing. A more local alternative is Deane’s End of Summer Show in Bruckless where you can try your hand and hooves at dressage, show jumping and cross country.

Full details from Deane’s website.