EFI pushes pony training

By Frank Mulvihill

With two European Championship medals in the bag from this year, the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) is aiming to keep the momentum up with a series of regional training days for the autumn.

The programme for pony riders and children on horses is aimed at those who wish to compete internationally either this winter or in the 2008 season. It got underway last Saturday in Millstreet and continues in Coilog Equestrian Centre, Co Kildare, this Sunday. The Connacht day takes place in Sligo on 2 October, while Kernan's in Crossmaglen is the venue for the Northern region also on 2 October. Prior to selection for any International Irish team event, all ponies must be measured by an EFI representative with details kept strictly private and confidential. The criteria for jumping ponies this season is "a small horse whose height at the withers, having been measured on a smooth level surface does not exceed 148cm without shoes or 149cm with shoes".

The last measuring this season for ponies intended for international competition will be held at the end of September. The EFI has a number of international invitations for the remainder of this year and interested riders should apply at least five weeks before the show.

International Shows 2007

CSIOP (teams)
Verona 8th November

CSIP A (Individual)
Liverdy en Brie France, 19 October
Moorsele, Belgium, 2 November
Neeroeteren, Belgium, 23 November
Hengelo, Holland, 30 November
Bois de Roi, France, 14 December
Wierden, Holland (with Teams event), 27 December

CSI ch (children on horses)
Liverdy en Brie, France, 25 October
Neeroeteren, Belgium, 23 November