Horses, front and centre in Araglin

Animal welfare is quite rightly a topic that commands considerable attention. While a lot of focus is in the aftermath of cases where animals have been mistreated, little focus goes in to preventing such instances in the first place.

For most of a week every year, members of Araglin Pony Club host an event that deals extensively with the care of horses. To all intents and purposes, this is a top to toe look at the horse - its dietary needs, exercise routines and physical health - there was even a dentist in attendance (for the horses, not the riders!).

A 28 YEAR SUCCESS STORY

While official equine activity goes back further, it’s all of 28 years since a small group of local people came together with a view to establishing a pony club in Araglin. There have been a few lean years in between, but in overall terms, the club has enjoyed sustained growth - especially in more recent times.

Allowing for the challenges posed by Covid, last week’s camp was a spectacular success - the weather was kind and the atmosphere enjoyable as the mainly young riders combined the theory of equine care with the practical application of skills that every good rider needs.

FROM ARAGLIN AND BEYOND

Araglin Pony Club is a broad church that has little difficulty in attracting members from throughout North Cork, South Tipperary and West Waterford. A significant factor in the club’s success is the quality of instruction available and it shouldn’t be any surprise that pony club members go on to become very accomplished riders - in some cases good enough to operate in a professional environment.

SUPERB VENUE

Araglin Pony Club activities take place in the confines of Araglin Community Field, which has two (soon to be three) sand arenas. This is in addition to an inter hunt chase course and access to the nearby Araglin river, which familiarises riders and horses with water obstacles. END OF A BUSY WEEK

The curtain came down on this year’s camp on Sunday afternoon last and culminated with the presentation of prizes. After a very busy week, where much was learned, those involved departed with equally important life lessons. It was an occasion that also left participants with a deeper, fuller understanding of an animal they’ve come to admire and respect.

(Pic: John Ahern) CORMAC HAYES, A HAPPY MAN: One of the happiest participants following the prizegiving ceremony at the pony club camp in Araglin last Sunday was Cormac Hayes from Conna - Cormac was adjudged the most improved rider at the camp.

(Pic: John Ahern) Enjoying the activities at last week’s pony camp in Araglin were, l-r: Aidan Hayes (Conna), Charlie Clifford (Kilworth) and Odhran O’Donoghue (Araglin).

(Pic: John Ahern) Prize winners at last week’s pony club camp in Araglin, Abbigail Kenneally (Ballyduff) and Ava O’Donovan (Araglin).

John Ahern) (Pic: BEST TURNED OUT: Emma Kearney from Propogue, Araglin with Molly, who won best turned out at last week’s camp hosted by Araglin Pony Club.

(Pic: John Ahern) Local rider, Aoife Leddy, displaying the rosette she was presented with at last week’s pony club camp in Araglin.

(Pic: John Ahern) Ciara O’Brien from Ballyduff and her pup, Freddie, who were at last week’s Araglin Pony Club camp in Araglin Community Field.