The FEI, Spanish National Federation and the Real Club de Polo made the decision last week to cancel the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final, which was to be held in October in Barcelona, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This comes after the news a week prior that the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses are also cancelled, issuing another blow to the show jumping community.

FEI president Ingmar De Vos said: “We have looked at every scenario, including potentially running the Longines FEI jumping Nations Cup final behind closed doors without spectators, but the combination of the situation in Catalonia and the ongoing international travel restrictions has meant that we have unfortunately been forced to jointly agree that regrettably this year’s final cannot go ahead in Barcelona, the risks are simply too great. When we announced changes to the rules for the final back in April, we were cautiously optimistic that even if the series fell victim to the pandemic, we would be able to save the final in Barcelona, but sadly that has proved impossible.

“While we are all very disappointed now, we very much look forward to returning to Barcelona for the final in 2021.”

Get golfing to support the IHWT

The Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) has launched a new venue for one of its main fundraisers – the IHWT four ball golf will take place at Coolattin Golf Club, Shillelagh, Co Wicklow on Friday, 4 September.

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on all charity fundraising, all support for this fundraiser is greatly appreciated by the IWHT team. All funds raised will go towards the care of almost 70 horses and ponies at the IHWT Woodenbridge centre in Wicklow

The entry fee is €800 per team which includes the golf, prizes, a welcome snack and a three-course dinner.

For more information, email info@ihwt.ie or call Sharon on 086-6047840. For tee times call Sandy on 086-2339722. You can donate to the IHWT through their website or Facebook page.

NI Festival cancelled

The Northern Ireland Festival committee reluctantly announced its decision to cancel this year’s show. Originally due to take place in April at Cavan Equestrian Centre, the show was rescheduled for August and the committee worked tirelessly to re-organise the show following all government guidelines.

NIF posted online saying: “Whilst we are all devastated at the cancellation, the health of the nation is understandably the priority in these uncertain times.”