THE Meadows EC Centre was a hive of activity on Saturday for the start of the annual inter-schools show jumping league which, this year, has the added attraction of securing title sponsorship from TRI, the Co Kildare-based equestrian superstore. One could easily have thought that the Aga Khan Trophy was up for grabs, such was the intensity of competition at all three levels.

The novice class attracted most entries with 18 teams and 50 individuals from right across Northern Ireland battling it out for the top spot. The first competitor was in the arena on the stroke of 9am and, after numerous changes on the leader board, victory was finally secured by Moira Primary School. The Moira students were one of seven teams to complete on a zero score, a remarkable result given that the average age of the competitors was under 10.

The open competition was also quite a spectacle and team clears were harder to come by in this class. Just Royal School Armagh and Down High School managed to keep a clean sheet and victory went to Royal School Armagh in this division.

Again, the individual competition saw plenty of thrills and spills with lots of vocal encouragement from spectators and supporters.

The coveted top-placed rosette went to Ben Peppert and Paddy from Ballymena Academy, a combination not known for hanging about. The pair flew round the course in record time to finish ahead of Victoria College’s Trudie McCoosh and Lily Clover.

The final class of the day was the innovative Premier Individual competition, with the course set at 1.10m. This attracted a super entry and saw a very high standard of jumping. Flushed with the success of her runner-up spot in the open class, Trudie McCoosh moved up a gear to win this prestigious class on board Lincott Montana. Georgia Kelly from Rainey Endowed slotted into second place with Mystery Boy.

As always, Judy Maxwell was on hand to present spot prizes of feed to randomly selected teams from all those competing, a gesture appreciated by all recipients.

Arena 2 played host to the primary school classes, as well as the novice individuals. Once again, there was a very impressively large turn-out of teams at this level.

The primary school pupils certainly meant business, with determined performances that belied their tender years.

Three teams finished on a zero score with top placing being awarded to The Rascals, who were operating with two riders and four ponies, a major achievement in itself.

Individually, Spa Primary School pupil Megan Nelson deservedly claimed the honours on Flash after a thrilling performance. Finn Osbourne of St Joseph’s & St James’ Poyntzpass picked up second place on his terrific little pony, Daz.

The primary classes were followed by the novice individual class where 50 combinations battled it out for top spot. Competition was fast and furious and in the end Cullybackey pupil, Hannah Thompson and her mare Sophie claimed the red rosette. They finished with just 0.02 of a second to spare over second-placed Victoria Boville and Pippa.

Elizabeth and Ann Jess took diligent charge of the tack and turn out inspection and the organisers also thanked sponsors TRI Equestrian and Bailey’s Horse Feeds, as well as the judges and arena parties.

The next leg of this league will take place at The Meadows on Saturday, October 11th.