THE sun shone on the Cheval showgrounds in Jordanstown, north Co Dublin last Saturday for the final leg of the rescheduled spring dressage league, of which two legs were staged before the lockdown.

The club was the first in the North East Region of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs to hold an event since restrictions were eased and it was evident that the organising committee had been busy during the downtime.

The final two legs of the league operated under the ‘new normal’ show conditions which included a ride-and-leave policy, designated parking bays, a one-way system, test sheets being sent out electronically and the judges scribing for themselves. With competitors, and grooms, adhering to the Covid-19 protocols, Saturday’s show ran seamlessly despite the large entry.

This annual league, which is open to non AIRC members, attracted a full array of competitors ranging from debutants to more seasoned campaigners. Among the latter group was Cheval member Bernie Foley who won the Advanced Open class (and league) on the eye-catching 16-year-old black mare Yasmina V on whom she competes at Medium level under Dressage Ireland rules. Up until the end of 2017, the Spanish-bred Yasmina V had been evented internationally by Australian Ben Leahy.

There was a tight battle between good friends Lindsey Ilona Brady (Trigger Joe) and Louise Somers (Indian Mist) to take the spoils in the Open class. Amazingly, this duel ended in a draw with the two riders finishing on 68.8%. Somers, however, claimed the league title, and its Whites Agri-sponsored rug, with Indian Mist, her 11-year-old Irish Draught gelding by Cappa Cochise.

No one qualified for the Advanced Intermediate league with Saturday’s class being won by Aaron McCracken and Andiamos, a 13-year-old Beneficial gelding with whom he also competes in ex-racehorse classes.

As usual the Intermediate and Advanced Primary sections were very competitive with this year’s winners’ rugs going to Martina Towell and Ciara McGlynn respectively.

Riding her 16-year-old grey mare Carigeen Floss (67.39%), Towell could only finish third in Saturday’s class as Sarah Cassidy topped the scoreboard with her well-known cob Woodland Badger (71.30) who is now 20 years of age. Rachael Reid slotted into second on Gin (70.21). McGlynn rounded off the Advanced Primary league with a win on her Irish Draught gelding Roebuck Crest (72.62), a 10-year-old grey by Castle Crest.

The Primary league result was too close to call until the final test was ridden but then, having won Saturday’s class comprehensively on a score of 72.29%, local rider Emma Carberry hacked home with a new rug covering Riverstown Express. By Tough Merger, the now 25-year-old chesnut gelding represented Ireland at four underage European Championships when ridden by Melanie Young.

Susan Fanning won Saturday’s Walk/Trot class on the 10-year-old piebald gelding SBS Talisman Taylor (67.78%) ahead of local rider Sandra Hannigan and her four-year-old Gentle Diamond mare Yukon Titanium. Eight-year-old Chloe Dempsey could only finish third on finals’ day but she topped the league standings on the 12.2hh Blaze.

Spectators may not have been permitted entry under the Covid-19 protocols, but there was plenty of support from the organisers and fellow competitors on site for the younger participants with Ronan O’Reilly and Skye Griffith following in the hoofprints of many before them by attending their first show on Cheval soil.

Regardless if they won or not, riders were delighted to be out competing and many will be returning to Jordanstown today for Cheval’s performance working hunter show.