THE Kildare Hunt Pony Club hosted a vibrant and well-attended awards day last Sunday at Punchestown, marking the culmination of a successful year of equestrian accomplishments. The club, which proudly includes 204 members ranging in age from five to 23, gathered an impressive crowd of 75 adults and 88 children for the celebration in the prestigious La Touche Lounge.

The event recognised the dedication, skills and achievements of its members across various disciplines and competitions throughout the year. The award categories on the day included the Best Pony Care Award, Courageous Riding, Excellence in Cross-Country, Excellence in Dressage, Excellence in Minimus, Most Improved Partnership, Excellence in Mounted Games, Excellence in Show Jumping, Exciting Potential, Horsemanship Award, Most Improved Partnership and Rising Star Award.

The club has had many notable achievements at a national and international level. At the IPC Festival Barnadown in July 2024, Charlotte Butler took the win in the Robbie Bailey 90cm. In the Alice Mernagh Show jumping competition, the under 12 team of Nia Webbon, Eliza Wardell, Sophie Kinsella and Orla Cleary finished fourth. The pure dressage team of Laura Butler, Lucy Maughan, Jamie Maughan and Andrew Moore finished second.

The Festival Cup junior games team, made up of Adam Beirne, Jack Beirne, LilyMay Sheehan, Alex Shortt and LilyRose Sheehan, continued their successful campaign, as they emerged as champions at the festival.

At the Dublin Horse Show, Phonsie Wardell flew the flag for Kildare and took the runner-up spot in the Intermediate Combined Training competition. He then went on to claim the win in the 1m at the IPC Show jumping Classic in Coilog, with Bobby Weld taking third place in the 90cm.

International

On the international front, impressive results were delivered at the International Tetrathlon UK, with the senior girls team of Ellie and Katie Dillon taking second, while the junior girls team of Isabelle Walsh, Gloria Queally, Pippa and Annabelle Dunne finished fourth.

At the National Minimus Championship in June, the team of Gloria and Georgia Queally, Nia Webbon and Olivia Condon finished fourth and, with all four riders delivering clear rounds, they were awarded the horsemanship trophy.

In August at the IPC National Eventing Championship, the team of Hogan Byrne, Evie Holohan, Kate Moore and Laura Butler took second place.

At the IPC National Jockey Skills Day in November on the Curragh, Erin Dowling won the most stylish rider trophy.

Speaking at the event, District Commissioner Ruth Masterson said: “Although it’s lovely to recognise the achievements on the national and international stage, we are equally proud of all the members who attained their own personal goals, whether that be winning the “Chase Me Charlie” high jump competition at camp or cantering off the lead for the first time.”

Thankful

Ruth thanked the 18 members of the committee, who organised and oversaw 150 events throughout the year. “I would like to thank Una Holohan for stepping up to act as joint DC for 2025 and to our outgoing members - Laura McCann, Chantal Stewart, John Curley and Sinead Weld.”

New members Joanna Phipps, Aoife Darcy, Rosemarie O’Reilly and Pauline Condon were welcomed on to the committee.

“Thanks to our wonderful instructors, led by Sandra Phipps, who also organises all of our proficiency tests, quite a task! In 2024, she oversaw 41 kids successfully complete the test D and D+, C, C+, Riding & Road Safety. We had one member complete her B test this year (Alanna Stewart) and one attained the A test (Emma Dillon).

“Thank you to the Kildare Hunt Club, who so generously share the wonderful facilities at Punchestown with KHPC. Also, Punchestown Racing and Conor O’Neill for supporting us, facilitating our annual camp and hosting us in the beautiful La Touche room at our annual awards day.

“Final thanks to the parents, who help with maintaining the course, grass cutting, fence painting, strimming etc. And to all our volunteers, who help at our key annual events, the Fun Minimus/Tetrathlon and the One-Day Event qualifier.”

Ruth ended by reminding members that there are still two more legs of the winter league to go, with the Christmas Show taking place in JAG on December 7th.