Chairperson of Eventing Speech

And so, the curtain has come down on the first Championship Event of 2023 and what a wonderful start to the year it was with thrilling competitions, and excellent courses. Regardless of winning or losing the camaraderie and sportsmanship shown have been a joy to behold! It was, I feel, a thrilling event with tough but fair courses that asked competitors a lot of questions and offered them the opportunity to display their skills.

There is a tremendous amount of work and planning that goes into the organisation of these events, and I must recognise my wonderful Eventing Committee members for the Herculean effort they have put in with the help and support they’ve show me, it would not be possible or the success which these events have been without you - thank you all.

A massive thank you to our sponsor Mackey’s Equestrian for their continued and generous support of the National Hunter Trials Championships. Also, to the Furnell family by who’s kind permission we had the use of the wonderful Ballycahane Equestrian, as our venue for the second year running, and the massive effort they put into the courses.

Thank you to the many volunteers on the day, past and present Pony Club members and a special thanks to all the Clubs in Area 9 for all their help in the running of this year’s event. Thank you to the IPC Office staff for their help in the organisation of the championship.

To all our competitors and members, thank you so much for all the hard work, training, and effort you put in to compete in these events and for the amazing spirit you exuded throughout all competitions. You are all amazing ambassadors and a credit to your families and to our sport.

To the many trainers, branch members, and family members, thank you all so much for being the glue that holds our pony club together, at all levels. The way you sacrifice your valuable free time and the support and commitment you show does not go unnoticed and is appreciated more than we can say, you are the foundation that our organisation is built upon and continues to grow because of this solid footing.

I hope you all had a happy and memorable day, and we hope to see you at our events during the year. Until then, continue your excellent work and training and return even stronger. I believe the sage words of Sharon Ralls Lemon when she expressed that…

“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and freedom “

Warm regards and with heartfelt thanks,

Ivan Hatton (Chairman of Eventing)