LAST Saturday night’s inaugural Dressage Ireland Black Tie ball crowned a very successful year for the organisation, which recently hit 1,000 members.

It was held at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, where guests were treated to a prosecco reception and, following an opening address, a four-course meal and music until late with a DJ.

The organising committee was led by Leinster Dressage secretary Lorna O’Hare, professional equestrian photographer Louise O’Brien plus DI’s office administrator, Claire Ewing, and the organisation’s chairman, Mark Ruddock.

The ball raised funds for two key charities, Northern Ireland Air Ambulance and Multiple Myeloma Ireland.

Claire and Chris Ewing at the Dressage Ireland ball \ Louise O'Brien Photography

Funds were raised in advance and on the night via a raffle, with a wealth of donated prizes, and an auction which took place online, allowing both onsite and offsite parties to bid. While the total is still being tallied, over €3,000 has been raised for these very worthy causes.

Lorna O’Hare’s Equestrian Reality sponsored a prize for the best-dressed human on the night, judged by Collette Ward and Frances O’Reilly. It was a close call with Josephine Delahoyde and Lorli Higgins being highly commended.

However, the winner was Fiona Hayes, who dazzled in a sequinned spaghetti strapped evening dress which, she revealed in a nod to sustainability, she has owned for over 12 years.

Tara and Fiona Hayes at the Dressage Ireland ball \ Louise O'Brien Photography

With the last guests leaving the Barbican Suite in the early hours of the morning with linked arms, heels in hand and laughter in the air, the overall mood was of one of celebration and enjoyment. The plan is that this ball will become an annual fixture on the Dressage Ireland calendar.

Lynn and Denis Cadogan at the Dressage Ireland ball \ Louise O'Brien Photography

Jandy Lo, Jane Averill, Lorna O'Hare and Emma Downey at the Dressage Ireland ball \ Louise O'Brien Photography

Frances O'Reilly and Colette Ward at the Dressage Ireland ball \ Louise O'Brien Photography