THE inaugural Dressage Ireland national championships to be held in Munster were staged last weekend at Ballindenisk where, according to DI chairman Mark Ruddock, “the Fell family went above and beyond in making sure that everything was perfect.”

And here, Ruddock was not just referring to the surface in the large Main Arena which was used for warm-ups, the three decorated competition arenas and judges’ boxes and the temporary stabling. “The toilets and showers were spotlessly clean and maintained that way while the homemade food in the converted barn was a real winner.

“You felt that we, Dressage Ireland, were the clients and that the Fells wanted this event to work both for us and them.”

This year’s national championships were restricted to riders over 16 as younger members of DI had their own dedicated youth championships in CoilÓg last month.

Decision

The decision to bring over two FEI level stewards from Britain to “ensure adherence to the rules on bitting, tack and horse welfare and also to ensure fair play in the competition environment” probably seemed like a good idea to everyone in advance of the championships but possibly not to all on the opening day.

“There were numerous eliminations for incorrectly fitted bits and spurs from all levels of riders on the Friday,” reported Ruddock. “That was very disappointing for them and annoying really as all they had to do if in any doubt was to bring their bridle, or their spurs, to the stewards before tacking up and these issues would have been avoided.”

On the move

Elated from the success of the championships but exhausted from the effort, Ruddock was going to have a few hours to chill out on the ferry across to England yesterday as he is judging at the British Dressage national championships in Somerford Park, Cheshire, this weekend.