THE ‘Girls in Green’ – Kate Dwyer, Heike Holstein, Anna Merveldt and Judy Reynolds – all attended Friday evening’s 30th pearl anniversary celebrations of Dressage Ireland (DI).

Following Paul Nolan’s delivery of his well-researched article into the history of the formation of DI, founder Joan Keogh was presented with a pearl necklace by National Championships co-ordinator, Jane Whitaker, who presented pearl earrings, also sponsored by T.J. Gelletlie Jewellers in Wicklow, to the ‘Girls in Green’.

Championships judge and Hickstead-based Irish international Dane Rawlins then took over the microphone for a ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ questions and answers session with the four riders.

DI members had written out questions which Dane asked each rider to answer in turn. These ranged from how they prepare for competitions (Heike and Kate visualise their tests, whereas Anna and Judy take quick power naps), to their superstitions (if any) and their personal highs and lows. Judy spoke frankly and emotionally about JP not being ‘right’ last year and his road back to top fitness.

DI members also had the opportunity to meet the Irish team trainer, Germany’s Johann Hinnemann, who too shared some of his pearls of wisdom during the evening.

There was another wine reception and party in Cavan on Saturday evening during which competitor and coach Michael Boyd put his riding hat aside to don his Stetson and lead the line-dancing which was sponsored by Sonya McCormack of Somerton Stud.

Expert dancer Michael, owner and manager of the Narrow Water Equestrian Centre between Newry and Warrenpoint, had no trouble getting his fellow competitors on to the floor as they were queuing up to follow his moves.

Those who decided to wear the kindly supplied glittery hats could be easily spotted when competing the next day as that glitter is very difficult to remove!