Emer Bermingham

LAOIS teenager Jennifer Kuehnle’s great achievements in the ring in 2015 were justly rewarded with the young rider receiving several presentations.

Along with national awards, Kuehnle (13) took the leading European Championships award after she took gold in the children on horses final at the European Championships in Wiener Neustadt, Austria.

Kuehnle, along with her teammates Jack Ryan (Cavalier Teaca), Isobel Fitzpatrick (Ulster), Lee Carey (MT Cruise) took the children on horses European team event award. In what was an outstanding performance, the team missed out on gold by just three faults.

The International Rider in Pony Owners and Young Riders Charity Show Millstreet saw two riders picked up awards for their performances.

In the CSIP, Abbie Sweetman claimed the award in the category along with the Ian Fearon Perpetual Shield for International Rookie of the Year. In the CSI-YP , it was Ciaran Nallon who took the honours. Both Sweetman and Nallon were worthy winners, with a series of impressive results throughout the event.

PENDER RECOGNISED

Sweetnam and Spartacus Reape won the International Pony Grand Prix while Ciaran Nallon posted a treble of wins in the young pony classes at the Green Glens Arena.

Kildare-based Michael Pender without a doubt was instrumental in the Irish Pony team success and was awarded leading International Pony Rider of the Year. There was much to celebrate for the Penders as his mount Cul Ban Mistress, owned by Clive Swindell, was named as the leading Irish-bred Pony of the Year.

There was also a presentation to team manager Tom Slattery and a presentation to Keith Griffin, HSI pony chairman for their hard work during the year.

Meanwhile, the winner of the children on horses individual championship in Dublin was Co Down rider Emma McEntee with Galway Bay Hummer. Also honoured was Marie Burke’s winning team of Charlotte Harding (Deepstring Tookanoo), Daniel Fitzgerald (Gucci Lady), Ciaran Nallon (Bully Fair Deal) and Charlotte Houston (Butuela) who finishing on a total of six penalties at Dublin. John Gallagher was awarded with the children on horses Rookie of the Year accolade.

Winner of the the final round of the CWD children on horses at Ard Chuain, Jack Ryan picked up his award as did runner-up Jennifer Kuehnle and third-place finisher, Theo van Cauwenberge.

Venue awards

Along with the riders awards, awards were also presented to the Show of the Year, which was Ballyfoyle Gymkhana in Co Kilkenny. The show is no stranger to awards having won National Show of the Year 2014. Taking the leading centre award was the Cork venue of Maryville Equestrian Centre, a large, family-run equestrian centre located in Carrigaline, Co Cork.