June 2006

Trip to Marlton Stud, Ireland

I've just returned from the Summer Dressage Festival at Marlton Stud in Wicklow, Ireland. This 2-day show on 3rd-4th June featured both able-bodied and para dressage tests. The selectors from Para Equestrian Ireland were in attendance as it was being used as a final trial for Irish riders for the Para Dressage Championships at Hartpury on 5th- 7th July.

Luckily, Indi was on form so I will definitely be riding for Ireland at Hartpury along with one or two other Irish riders.

Indi at Marlton Stud

Donie & Ka

The facilities at Marlton are as amazing as the surrounding countryside views. There are three large outdoor arenas plus a lovely indoor with viewing gallery - not that we spent much time inside as the weather was perfect, if anything a little too hot.

Thanks to Donie MacNamara for helping to work me in for 3 of the 4 tests. I came home with two 1sts, and a 5th and a 7th, so I was very happy.

I hope to return to Marlton in August when the selectors will be picking the Irish team for the para international in Belgium in September.

Many thanks to Stena Line for providing a discount on our ferry crossings, and looking after us exceptionally well on our journey - especially the staff in the 'Truckers Lounge' who made us very welcome.

Para Dressage Rider Seeks Horse

Breda Bernie

Irish Grade I para dressage rider, Breda Bernie, who has ridden at both the Sydney and Athens Paralympics is looking for a horse to enable her to continue competing internationally. As a Grade I rider, Breda's tests consist of movements in walk and trot only, so it is essential that she finds a horse with an exceptional walk and an elevated trot.

This special horse must be 15-16hh and must not be too wide. Ideally, it will be an experienced, obedient dressage horse looking for a quieter life, but a well schooled ex-eventer or show horse could also be suitable. An excellent temperament is a must and this horse has to be used to travelling as it will definitely be expected to compete internationally, as Breda has her sights set on the Beijing Paralympics in 2008. Qualifying rounds for the next Paralympics start in September 2006 so Breda needs to find her new horse as soon as possible.

If you would like to see your horse competing internationally for Ireland, please contact Breda Bernie or ring Jan Wheelock on 01756 700802 (day) or 01535 636008 (eve) to discuss.

Carl Hester to Support World Para Dressage Championships 2007

Carl Hester, one of the leading GB dressage riders, has accepted the invitation to become ambassador to the 2007 World Para Dressage Championships (WPDC) which will be held at Hartpury College, 16-22 July 2007.

A key element of his role is the launch and promotion of the WPDC Supporters’ sponsorship package. This is a great way of raising the profile of the sport of para dressage and I'm sure Carl will prove to be an excellent ambassador for the Championships and will help attract plenty of sponsorship.

Broughton Game Show, 25th June

After last year's successful dressage display at Broughton Game Show I was pleased to be asked to perform again this year. Indi behaved perfectly again, despite the large crowds and the fact that the dressage arena was on grass and on the side of a hill!

Game Show 06

Other attractions at the show include heavy horses and miniature horses, terrier racing, vintage cars, birds of prey, dog agility, and lots of stalls including our Yorkshire & Cleveland RDA stall which helps promote RDA in the region and raises money for RDA activities.