THE annual Leinster SJI Pony Awards night took place at the Newark Hotel, Kilkenny on Saturday, November 9th. With over 260 members in attendance, this night was a great success and saw over 250 awards presented to pony riders from across Leinster.

This included the Leinster league, which is sponsored by Tailored Equestrian, with Rebecca Higgins attending on the night to present the prizes to delighted children. Tailored Equestrian, the exclusive equestrian wear store based in Kildare, is now in its second year of sponsorship of the Leinster league.

Lucy Mc Carthy and Hugo Seagrave, 148 Leinster riders, with Rebecca Higgins at the annual Leinster SJI Pony Awards

Prizes included Kentucky rugs to the winner of each pony class at the Leinster Finals in Barnadown last September and each member who finished in the top three of the league (which composed of six qualifying legs) and top six at the Leinster finals, received a very nicely designed plaque memento on the night.

Other awards presented on the night included those to winners of the Glencarrig and Butterfly leagues that are still very popular amongst younger Leinster riders. Leinster winners at the Equijump Spring Tour and the new Pony Masters competition, which happens during Mullingar International Horse Show in June, were awarded with beautiful glass trophies.

Ellie Sheane (128cm rider) and Lucy McCarthy (148cm 1.15m rider) both received their awards for winning categories in the Spring Tour and their equivalent category at the Pony Masters event. Children who qualified for the RDS Dublin Horse Show this year received a small token for their qualification effort. Leinster riders, who competed abroad as part of the Irish European team events, were also awarded and interviewed for their efforts.

Bláthnaid Murphy receiving her RDS award for her 138 6/7 year old qualification from Rebecca Higgins at the annual Leinster SJI Pony Awards

The night was very well-supported by Leinster riders and it included a raffle, which raised €1,500 for Dunnamaggin Gymkhana Charity and the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care hospice. A great night was had, which was followed by a fun disco for the children.