Council Meeting Report

The Council of the CPBS met last night in the Westwood House Hotel in Galway. A commitment was given by the Council at the last AGM to hold an EGM before the end of this Summer. Last night it was agreed to hold the EGM on Friday 17^th July 2015 in Ballinasloe at 8.30pm. Unfortunately it would be impossible to hold the meeting on a Saturday or Sunday due to the large number of shows taking place during the Summer. Jerry Mahon informed the meeting that the Revenue Commissioners have examined the document and are satisfied everything is in order. A copy of the current Memorandum and Articles of Association and the proposed new document will be sent to every member. Members are encouraged to attend the information sessions taking place around the country.

Karen Mannion from Forum Connemara gave  a heart warming presentation to the Council on Therapeutic Riding and informed the Council that ‘Therapeutic Riding in Connemara’ has been chosen for the HETI Conference taking place later this month in Taiwan where a presentation will be given on the project. This is huge exposure for the Connemara pony. Council members expressed their gratitude to Karen Mannion and the majority of Council members spoke of their delight at having the privilege of being associated with helping people with special needs in the community. It was clarified yet again that the Therapeutic Riding Coaching Programme was 100% funded by Forum Connemara and did not cost the CPBS any money.

There was considerable disquiet at the proposed inclusion of Class two ponies in Clifden show and it was agreed to re-examine the matter at the next Council meeting on the 6^th of July. The schedule will be available for the show on Tuesday 7^th of July. There was a unanimous decision to re-introduce the visitor’s championship to the show.

The inspection committee brought forward a proposal to embark on a training programme in linear profiling for twelve inspectors. It is expected this programme will start in September and will run over four days. The programme was welcomed by the Council as the beginning of a comprehensive training programme for judges and inspectors.