WHILE everyone is hoping for good weather at the RDS this weekend, most particularly so are members of the Killinick Pony Club musical ride team who are performing in Ring 1 tomorrow afternoon as they got soaked when winning at the Irish Pony Club Festival last week.

In spite of the heavy rain at Mullingar EC, the 14-strong troupe, who range in age from seven to 14, pulled out a polished performance, opened by a dramatic ‘pas de deux’ by sisters Naoise and Seren Ward.

The youngest of them, Edie Codd, could be heard cheering her team-mates as they executed some of the intricate manoeuvres in their Spanish-themed ride, Viva Espana, which saw them take the Vivienne Hillary Trophy.

Other members of the team trained by Killinick instructor Dawn Ward are Ashleigh Furlong, Emily Roche, Lauren Reck, Alice Mulligan, Ellen Berry, Taylor Peare, Anna Furlong, Isabelle Barry, Faye Murphy, Lily-Mai Berry and Eva Mulligan.

Spectators and judges not only appreciated the team’s formation display but much admired the elaborate hand-made costumes which were individually tailored for each rider.

The outfits are the work of Mary Keane, a dedicated Pony Club family member who worked tirelessly to produce an amazing visual impact.

“The club is grateful for such talent within its ranks,” said District Commissioner Larry O’Keeffe. “We have a truly fantastic support system in the form of generous landowners, sponsors, instructors, families and our ever enthusiastic members.”