NATIONS Cup action in the Main Arena does not make for the most suitable atmosphere for the Pony Club riders bidding to perform smooth dressage tests for their combined training classes sharing this time slot on the schedule.However, young riders and mounts did their best to cope with the challenge.

Germany’s Gerd Kuest was tasked with judging duties for the qualified combinations forward for the Intermediate and Members’ classes from the nine Areas of the Irish Pony Club and from Area 17 of The Pony Club (Northern Ireland).

Taking the Intermediate win among 10 contestants on a final score of 142.0 was Marie Dunne’s experienced Milchem Mischief, (7yo bay mare by Carnhill Bertas Lad (ISH) out of Milchem Sea Bird (ISH), by Contra A (HOLST), bred by Galway coach Ralph Conroy of Milchem Equestrian Centre and ridden by Marie’s daughter Katie.

Little separated the next few tight placings in the line-up. Grace Hanna rode Jennifer Kelly’s Clerkson (12yo bay gelding by Clerkenwell (TB) out of Arc Bright (TB), bred by C. Keatley and J. Newsam), to second place on a score of 136.0, trained by Meath’s Kay Nolan.

Lilly Berry McLaughlin piloted Carol Berry’s General Sinatra (11yo grey gelding by General Humbert (CP) out of Moy Johnny’s Pride (CP), bred by Gerald Walsh) to a final score of 135.0. Also on a final score of 135.0 was Alice Curley on Jenny Curley’s 14-year-old piebald mare L.A. Dream Machine, trained by Tom Walsh.

Joy for Steele

Taking the win in Class 85 was Alana-Rose Steele with coach Oliver Steele’s Islandwood Quality Control ((8yo bay mare by OBOS Quality 004 out of Suir Touch (ISH) by Touchdown (ISH) on a final score of 146.0. Runner-up on a score of 139.0 was Ava Dowley on Margaret Bowe’s IDA (7yo grey mare by Crumble (HOLST) out of Sara IV (UNK) by Quebec (OLD), trained by Sophie Richards. Narrowly behind on a final score of 138.0 in third was Isobella Donohue with Kirsty Dobie’s Poynstown Cubby (12yo brown gelding by Mermus R (KWPN) out of Whatt A Black Lass (ISH) by Zero Watt (TB) bred by Peter Keelagher), trained by Vitaliy Halstyan.