TIPPERARY rider Shane Breen claimed third place and an 8,000 euro prize in the famous five-star La Baule Derby in France on Saturday, while fellow Munster rider Shane Sweetnam was best of the Irish with a ninth place in today's (Sunday) Grand Prix.

Breen, who helped Ireland to a joint third place with a clear round on the stallion Balloon in Friday's Nations' Cup at the French venue, rode his own mare Ominerale Courcelle on the challenging derby course, and though faster than the French winner Patrice Delaveau, had one fence down.

HORSE Sport Ireland is delighted to announce that Irish Ferries Freight have generously extended their preferential rates to include international competitors competing at International Shows here in Ireland.

THE Royal Windsor Horse Show in England yielded two major wins for Irish competitors today (Sunday). In Carriage Driving, 55 year-old Barry Captstick won the Horse Pairs, beating current World Champion, Hungary's Vilmos Lazar, into fourth place by 16 points.

ON May 24th and 25th the Equine Facilitated Education and Therapy Association (EFETA) is having its inaugural conference in Dublin. This exciting and participative two day gathering is a must for all those interested in and practising equine facilitated programmes.

FOR the second year in a row, the sun shone down on the HSI Equestrian Showcase Parade, a highlight of the 2013 Punchestown Festival Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 23rd April. Twenty-three HSI Affiliates, Sections and Native Irish Breeds entered the Parade Ring before the first race in full attire. To see the gallery click HERE

HORSE Sport Ireland Chairman Professor Pat Wall has welcomed the extension of the imported fodder transport scheme by Minister Coveney and has reminded horse owners who are in serious difficulties as a result of fodder shortages to contact the Department of Agriculture low-call emergency helpline number 1850 211990.

Horse Sport Ireland has announced that Comfybed will be the Official Equine Bedding Supplier to Team Ireland Equestrian Teams. Comfybed will provide bedding to all Team Ireland Equestrian riders competing on FEI European Championship Teams.

TEAGASC and Horse Sport Ireland will co-host an equine marketing conference "Make the Connection - Ignite your Online Presence" at the Mullingar Park hotel on Monday April 29th from 2 - 8.30pm.

THE International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has unveiled the eight ambassadors of its global sport development programme, FEI Solidarity, in a specially commissioned composite portrait. The FEI Solidarity Ambassadors, who include Olympic, Paralympic, world champions and national heroes, have formed a unique partnership to promote and develop the global equestrian disciplines.

BERNIE Brennan has stepped down as Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland's Senior Show Jumping committee, having held the position since 2006. She said last night: “I have greatly enjoyed my time in the role but with a new Olympic cycle commencing it would be a big commitment to take on the role for another four years.”