WELL done to Irish Horse World deputy editor Lesley Hunter-Nolan, who won a red rosette at her first Dressage Ireland outing in over 15 years last weekend. Riding her four-year-old Connemara Gleann Rua Robin (Lough Fadda Rudi) at the Midlands and Western region fixture at Duffys EC on Sunday, Lesley had an uncontested win in the Intro A class with a score of 71.1%.

Having been out of the saddle for most of that time until earlier this year, Lesley said the low-key show was an enjoyable reintroduction to competition. “I am extremely rusty and my pony is an absolute saint for putting up with me!” she said. “The event was very relaxed and welcoming and I’ll definitely aim for some more DI outings next year - I might just need to buy a new jacket as I had to borrow one for last Sunday!”

Despite having three young boys to keep her busy at home, Lesley is determined to keep progressing with her riding and we wish her all the best.