WHILE teams representing both Northern Ireland and the Irish Pony Club were competing at Royal Windsor, the usual Tayto-sponsored Pony Club games were held in the Main Arena at Balmoral Park last Friday.

The winners were the Iveagh squad of Nicholas Tougher, Katie McCombe, Abbi Morton, Hollie Smith and Jack Scott.

They just saw off the challenge of the Mid-Antrim Branch who were awarded the tack and turn-out prize.

During the show, there was much concern for Iveagh members Toby and Herbie Purce who had been involved in a serious traffic accident on their way to school the day before Balmoral opened.

Happily, we can report that both brothers are well and that Toby (17) was able to sit some of his exams this week. Herbie (13), who was more seriously injured, is also on the mend. He was actually due to leave school at lunchtime on the Tuesday to travel to Windsor as a member of the NI team and his pony was already on site.

The plan is for Herbie to attend the Area 17 games at the end of the month when he will be presented with his NI yellow jumper and Windsor medal.