IRELAND’S team of Rosemary Gaffney, Kate Kerr Horan, Breda Bernie and Helen Kearney finished second behind their British hosts in the CPEDI*** at Bishop Burton last weekend. Grade III rider Gaffney led the Irish challenge with excellent individual results, which culminated with victory in the grade III freestyle. She finished second in the opening day’s team test with Aldham Mill Dubloon, scoring 69.18%. Gaffney’s score dropped to 65.17% in the individual test, leaving her fifth but the combination then posted a winning mark of 74.55% in the music. Helen Kearney and Rock And Roll scored 69.61% in the IA team and individual tests, to finish fourth in both classes. Former international eventer, Breda Bernie, riding her World Equestrian Games partner Master Mexico, notched-up three podium placings.

She scored 69.16% in the team test to finish as runner-up. Bernie’s score of 67.10% saw her take third place in the individual test, while a score of 65.85% saw her finish third in the test to music.

Kate Kerr Horan had two rides in the Grade II competition, finishing equal fifth in the team test with both Broomfield Master M and Arlande. She held onto fifth place with her WEG partner Arlande in the individual test and the freestyle. Broomfield Master M finished seventh in the individual test which was a promising international debut.

Several riders made promising international debuts at Bishop Burton, including Gerry Lowry, Joanne Gibson and Kathryn Gallagher. Riding Waragon, Gallagher improved her scores over the weekend, resulting in third place in the freestyle on an impressive mark of 70.75%.