IHWT and NRHF host Pre-Cheltenham Fundraiser  on Sunday 4th March at 7.45pm at the Stillorgan Park Hotel.

A Pre Cheltenham Night in aid of the National Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation (NRHF) and the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) is being hosted by both charities on Sunday 4th March in Stillorgan Park Hotel, Stillorgan at 7.45pm.

Sponsored by Betfair, the expert panel includes a very impressive line up: Jessie Harrington (Patron IHWT), Henry de Bromhead, Barry Geraghty, Davy Russell, Barry Orr (Betfair), Noel O'Brien Leo Powell (Chairman) and Tony Mullins.

David Plunkett Director of Fundraising at NRHF “We are delighted to be associated with the occasion and the IHWT in this charity event. We look forward to a fantastic night where eager informed punters will spend time getting insight and learning about the upcoming Cheltenham races”

Along with a top panel line up, Matt Chapman (At the Races) and Leo Powell (The Irish Field) will be bringing their professional talents to the event. This expert panel will undoubtedly make for a really entertaining evening full of valuable insights into what’s to come at Cheltenham.

Jane Myerscough Chairperson of IHWT explains “I hope all Cheltenham Fans will join us and support us in what will be a really eventful and fun evening. The tickets are super value at €20 per head, which includes finger food and race card, with all proceeds going to IHWT and NRHF”.

Tickets available from Paul on 087 249 6074 , Stillorgan Park 01 288 1621 or buy online at www.ihwt.ie

Pre-Cheltenham ticket

Tipperary equestrian app company, Grey Horse Apps has just heard a few minutes ago that the 'Save a horse' app created to support IHWT has got 2nd place the ‘Best doing good app’ in the 2011 Best Ever Apps awards. Over 7240 apps were nominated for the 2011 Best Ever App Awards and over 1.5 million votes were cast globally.

The ‘Save a horse’ app, created by Grey Horse Apps to support the work of Ireland’s dedicated Equine Charity. The app contains 17 topics including information aboutIreland’s only dedicated equine charity, videos, volunteering opportunities and fundraising; as well as useful information for horse owners, from nutrition tips to dental care. Download today

Moscow Flyer, a racing legend, equine celebrity, and IHWT ambassador, has generously donated his stable at the Irish Horse Welfare Trust Centre (IHWT) where he spent the last 7 years in active retirement, so it can be used instead to stable neglected equines in need . Jane Mysercough Chairperson of IHWT, explains "Moscow Flyer trained by Jessie Harrington, became an integral part of our charities team making many public appearances as our Equine Ambassador, over the years, championing our call for improved Equine Welfare in Ireland. He embodies the bold and brave spirit of our organisation and his presence around the yard will be greatly missed. We are however simply delighted that Moscow has this unique opportunity to take up residence at the world renowned Irish National Stud. IHWT would like to acknowledge and thank John Osborne and the Irish National Stud for their support”.

John Osborne, generously offered Moscow Flyer to spend his active retirement at the prestigious Irish National Stud based in Co. Kildare. Home to many of world’s greatest Thoroughbred's, including Invincible Spirit, Big Bad Bob et al the stud is recognised for its distinct national importance and contribution in promoting our rich equine heritage, valuable bloodstock industry as well as one being one of Ireland's most successful tourist destinations.

John Osborne “We are all delighted to welcome Moscow Flyer here to the Irish National Stud where he will take up residence with our other Living Legends Florida Pearl and Vintage Crop. Moscow will no doubt be a massive attraction to all who followed him throughout his exceptional career and invite everyone to come and visit these superstars’’. While Moscow is in residence at the Irish National Stud, he will continue to fly the flag as an equine ambassador for the IHWT which the National Stud is in full support of.

Moscow Flyer career started when trainer Jessica Harrington sharp eye chose him out of hundreds of horses at the sales as an unknown 3 year with his Moscow giddiness and energy, Jessie Harrington quickly spotted potential and gave Moscow the chance to prove himself, and both never looked back. Moscow Flyer a handsome bay gelding was a legendary National Hunt horse over distances between 2 miles and 2½ miles (3.2–4 km). During his racing career he won the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2003 and 2005, the Tingle Creek Chase in 2003 and 2004 and the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2002. He was trained by Jessica Harrington and Barry Geraghty was his jockey during almost all his successes.

IHWT believe, that his move to the Irish National Stud is a wonderful opportunity for Moscow to be able to be part of a new story at the Irish National Stud and to be a showcase of excellence for Irish Horses and the stud, as well as continue his very fitting role as IHWT’s Equine Ambassador. Moscow Flyer can be visited at the National Stud and we would encourage everybody to go and pay this wonderful equine a much deserved visit "adds Mysercough

The Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) would like to formally thank Minister Simon Coveney and his department for awarding a grant payment of €30,000 euro. This payment is very much appreciated, much needed, in what are extreme economic conditions.

Jane Myerscough Chairwoman of IHWT "This funding from the government is a critical enabler in how we, as an equine charity continue to provide front line welfare services to equines in need or distress. Without this funding we would find it very difficult to continue to operate. It is with great relief and gratitude that the Minister has recognised our work, as an effective tool in combating and resolving Equine Welfare issues”.

The Minister has also announced new details regarding a new code of practice to be observed by welfare organisations.

Mysercough adds “Anything that will assist best practice within the business of Equine Welfare is very much welcomed and IHWT are confident that this progress will have a positive and effective impact on equine welfare in Ireland. We are moving in the right direction. IHWT has being an active advocate in the development of solution driven policies for Equine Welfare for many years”.

Minster Coveney’s Department is enhancing the procedures currently in place for reporting of suspected cases of animal cruelty/distress.

A dedicated e-mail address is now operating and a help-line will be set up in January for members of the public to report incidents of animal cruelty.” The code will be part of the Animal Health and Welfare legislation which will be published early in the New Year. Concluding, the Minister said that he is very committed to strengthening legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare.

Mysercough explains that “As a significant campaigner at all levels for legislative and policy change in Equine Welfare, it a great way to close 2011. We greatly look forward to further developments to enhance welfare service provision in 2012, with the implementation of the Welfare bill”.

The IHWT is appealing to horse owners and farmers to help us source 4 Tombstone Round Feeders for our centre in Woodenbridge. These are feeders which are put out in paddocks for the feeding of round bales to horses during the winter months and will help us to eliminate wastage.

Due to the severe financial pressure that we currently find ourselves under we are hoping that someone may be able to either donate these feeders or sell at a discounted price to us.

If you have any information that could be of help on this matter, please contact Claire at info@ihwt.ie or 086 604 7840 or 0402 30773. Thank you.