OWER Equestrian Centre, Roscahill, Galway, hosted their first Equestrian Interschools competition last Sunday. The day included events for both primary and secondary level schools. Each rider showed great skill and knowledge throughout each course. Schools travelled from Galway, Clifden, Ballinalsoe and as far as Newbridge. The novice and open teams showed some fierce competition.

Salerno’s novice team set the standard being the first team out over the track and held onto their score coming first in the competition with riders Laoise Moughan, Ava McCarthy, Caitriona O’Neill and Mia Higgins. Second place went to St Paul’s Secondary School with riders Sophie Lee, Doireann Clancy, Ella Walsh and Beibhin Creighton.

Silence fell over West of Ireland when Newbridge and Ballinasloe open teams came head-to-head in the jump-off for the Open Teams competition.

Newbridge riders Niamh Behan and Jamie Hargaden jumped skillfully over the jump-off course to put them in the winning position along with team-mate Mary Fitzgerald. Second place went to Ard Scoil Huire, Ballinasloe with riders Ciara Daly, Caoimhe Ni Thuairisg, and Thie Jones. Both teams fielded only three riders.

The Primary Riders had a really enjoyable day with only two teams in the competition but lots of fun was had with the combined team of Scoil Einde and Scoil Mhic Dara taking first place with riders Cormac Murray, Sedioin Mic Giodaire and Córa de Buitleár and second place going to the combined team of Attymon NS and St Gabriel’s NS with riders Louise and Christine Mullins and Annalise Cleary. All horses and riders dressed to impress on the day and did not fail.

There was great excitement in the atmosphere on the day. All riders, grooms, parents and teachers were there to help each other and Ower EC thanked all involved in making the event such a success.