Following on from the success of the dressage sponsorship last year, we are delighted to announce that we have stepped it up this year to become the title sponsors of the Ashbrook Derby Day at Killoserry Lodge Stud on May 1^st.

It is set to be an exciting day for competitors and spectators alike with competitors entering at the level that is most suited to their capabilities, from Primary to Advanced Open. However, it is the taking part and having fun that counts and with game faces set, we have even better prizes to give away than last year!

Taking part in this fab competition could not be easier and you could win yourself some of our fantastic gear. Call Lisa McLaughlin on 0876087873, Helen Clarke 0863656548 or email: ashbrookridingclub@gmail.com for more information or download full details of the Ashbrook derby day 2011 here.

We are delighted to announce our continued sponsorship of the IPC Hunter Trial Championships, which are taking place at the end of this month.

Having been the proud sponsor for the last three years, we hope to make this year an even bigger success and without a doubt, even more exciting than before. This year the Hunter Trials will take place on April 30^th in Ballycahane, Crecora, Co. Limerick, so make sure that you have your entries in before the closing date of April 21^st.

A fantastic range of prizes will be given away to the winners of each category that will no doubt raise the stakes even higher this year. The popular Charles Owen Teams of Three will likely be the most competitive category on the day with The Mackey Ireland Senior Pairs and The Carr & Day & Martin Junior Pairs also providing great competition. With not long to go now until the big day, we hope that you guys are as excited as they are!

A video of last year’s event can be seen at www.irishponyclub.ie/hunter_trials.html

Mackey Ireland is delighted to sponsor an innovative new program put in place by the SJI to provide riders with a defined and structured focus for their training – the SJI Five Bar Training System.

Successfully launched at the end of last year in the RDS, the SJI Five Bar Training System, supported by Mackey Ireland, is focused upon providing a structure within which riders can work to improve their performance at competition level in the Showjumping arena and many riders are already seeing the benefits. Regardless of whether a rider is new to show jumping or has been competing for many years, the SJI Five Bar Training System is designed to support a rider’s development and give recognition for their progression and achievements.

Members enter the system on the level most appropriate to their current ability, with the 1st Bar acting as an introductory level for those new to the sport. The system goes up the grades to the highest level – the 5th Bar level – which is awarded to riders who have achieved a depth of experience, both in competition and in the preparation of their horses.
ShowjumpingIreland is committed to raising standards of Show Jumping and supporting its members to achieve their maximum potential and Mackey Ireland are delighted to provide support and assistance to the SJI through this sponsorship.

We’ll keep you up to date on how the scheme progresses, but if you would like anymore information on how to get involved and learn about the benefits of the new SJI Five Bar Training System, supported by Mackey Ireland, see http://www.sji.ie/Training/tabid/104/Default.aspx

Mackey Ireland is delighted to announce its sponsorship of the SJI National Training Clinic for 2011. Ireland possesses an enormous depth of talent in its show jumping ranks and it’s essential that such talent is nurtured and groomed for future success. Over the last number of years the SJI National Training Clinic has trained and produced some of Ireland’s very successful young riders and with four days of intense flat and jumping training, it comes highly recommended from those who have attended in the past and the Mackey Ireland National Training Clinic looks set to ensure that such a tradition of excellence will continue well into the future.

Mackey Ireland is totally dedicated to the Irish equestrian industry and in helping to ensure that young Irish talent is given every opportunity to develop the skills needed for national and international success.

Selection for the Mackey Ireland National Training Clinic is open to riders aged 16 – 23 on the 1st January and will commence during the week of 19th February to 26th February. Each region will hold a two day assessment clinic from which the top ten riders will go forward to an All Ireland Final to be held in Tubberbride Riding Centre, Co. Sligo on 19th and 20^th March. From the forty riders at the final the top 20 (with a minimum of 3 riders from each region) will be selected to attend the National Training Clinic, to be held from 16th April – 20th April at Barnadown, Co Wexford.

A place at the National Training Clinic is valued at €3,000 per person and the assessment clinics will ensure that the top young riders are in attendance and benefit from access to this top class training.

Regional Assessment details: Open to all young riders trying for selection to National Training Clinic.
Ulster Region
19th & 20th February 2011 – Venue Necarne
Ian Fearon (showjumping)
Anna Dangerfield (flat)
Contact: Katy Saunders 00 44 7733 913357

Munster Region
Date tbc
Venue tbc
Coaches tbc
Contact: Michael Costello 085 7666007

Connaught Region
21st & 22nd Feb 2011 – Claremorris CSOE, Co. Mayo
Cameron Hanley (showjumping)
Anne Marie Dunphy (flat)
Contact: Liam Murphy 085 7346805

Leinster Region
21st & 22nd February 2011 – Kildare International, Co. Kildare
Neal Fearon (showjumping)
Lise Helberg (flat)
Contact: Rosemary Rice 086-0444068

All Ireland Final Selection
19th – 20th March 2011 – Tubberbride Riding Centre, Co. Sligo

National Training Clinic
16th – 20th April 2011 – Barnadown Equestrian, Co. Wexford

For more information see www.sji.ie