Minister Coughlan confirmed that the final blood samples had been taken from those horses which remained under movement restriction and all test results had been negative for EIA. The Minister said that, since the first cases had been confirmed on 15 June 2006, almost 57,000 blood samples had been analysed for EIA with 28 eight cases having been confirmed. In this regard, the Minister expressed her appreciation to the Irish Equine Centre and her Department's Central Veterinary Research Laboratory for their excellent work in analysing such a volume of samples.

The Minister described the last nine months as “a very difficult period for the Irish bloodstock industry”. At a meeting in Dublin today with representatives of the industry, she paid tribute to the industry for the willing manner in which they had worked with and in support of her Department's efforts and said that “the efficient way in which this outbreak had been managed and eradicated reflected very well on all those involved and demonstrated the absolute necessity of Government and industry working closely together in one another's mutual interest”.

Minister Coughlan said that the threat of EIA required a robust and professional response and despite the obvious inconvenience experienced by some horse owners and trainers and stud managers, the industry appreciated the necessity of the Department's actions which she said were central to the effective manner in which this outbreak was contained and eradicated.

The Minister concluded by saying that “despite the obvious sense of relief being felt in the wake of the final restrictions being lifted, the events of last year demonstrated the continuing need for her Department, the industry and the veterinary profession to maintain a high level of vigilance in relation to EIA”.

Dateline: Victoria, Australia

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Colin Kelly, one of the founders of the oldest Riding Club in Australia - the Caramut Riding Club in the Western District of Victoria. This area is one which boasts some exceptional horse families such as the Roycrofts who were great pals with the Kelly family.

Colin was a founding member of the Australia Equestrian Federation and had a great deal of input in the early days and won the first Dressage competition held in Victoria in 1949. Mr Kelly was a top competitor in both Dressage and Showjumping going on to win many classes in both disciplines.

Colin was also, after a trip to Europe for learning, the first Australian International Course Designer and was also a force to be reckoned with on the Polo field.

Australia will be a sadder place for having lost such a wonderful all round horseman from their ranks.

The memorial service for Colin Kelly was held on march 22nd. 2007 and was attended by many close friends and associates from the many areas of his life that he touched.

Our condolences to his family on the passing of an elder statesman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Dateline: Arezzo, Italy

Jeroem Dubbeldam riding BMC Pavarottie H won the 1.50 class on the magnificent grass arena. Second and third were two French riders, Hecart with Itot di Chateau (0, 73.85) and Staut riding Ismene du Thot (0, 74.81). The class was a qualifier to the Grand Prix of tomorrow and the best 75 riders are allowed to start.

The 1.45 class was won by Janne-Friederike Meyer (GER) on Lambrasco in front of Italian Giorgio Nuti with Okinawa du Houssoit.

In the 1.40 speed class victory went to the EuropeanCchampion Ahlmann (GER) on Coquet with second place to Natale Chiaudani and Gratina CH.

The final class of today run in the rain was the 1.35, which was won by Dutch rider Robert Vos and Ami d'Or, with second going to Italian Paolo Adorno on Sandigo and third to Filippo Moyersoen riding Loro Piana Napoli.

Dateline: Australia/Holland

Cinderella withdrawn from World Cup Final - 26th March, 2007

We (the EFA) have received the rather sad news that a few days before taking part in last weekend’s “Indoor Brabant” show at s’Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, Cinderella was diagnosed with another growth attached to her lower right eyelid. The good news is that the tumour, which is growing rapidly, has now been tested and it appears to be benign.

Veterinarians have advised rider Matthew Dowsley and owner Claudia Harper against going to the FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Las Vegas, to avoid further stress and to be able to start treatment immediately. Matthew will seek additional specialist advice this week. Because of the rapid growth of the tumour, it is likely that surgery take place within the next few days.

Matthew, Cinderella’s owner Claudia Harper and their support crew are extremely disappointed about not being able to participate in the Final, but the welfare of the horse is uppermost in their minds.

This combination have won many hearts in Australia with Matthew being approachable and friendly to the many fans of his and the horse and jumpingaround.com looks forward to seeing her back in the ring very soon, wowing all with her talent.

Pictured left - Matthew is so accomodating to those who love the redheaded mare, and want to meet her in person. Matthew so generously allowed Victorian fan, Katrina Mann to meet Cinderella at Dressage With the Stars in Victoria late last year.

The warm relationship between horse and rider was so obvious to see when Matthew entered her box - no wonder he gets such wonderful performances out of her.

Dateline: New South Wales, Australia
News just to hand is that Australian Olympic representative, Ronnie Easey has had a nasty fall which according to the rumours at the moment have him in the hospital with 3 breaks in his back.

Ronnie is one of the characters of Australian showjumping and is a friend to all on the show circuit throughout Australia. His legendary speed makes him a prolific winner from far north Queensland through to the Victorian scene and everyone will miss him through the up coming Queensland circuit.

No other details are yet to hand but we wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in the saddle soon.