THERE were two equestrian Interschools events on last weekend. On Saturday, the Pereira family hosted an event in their venue Boswell Equestrian in Co Wicklow and the team from Ower Equestrian in Galway hosted on Sunday. Both venues attracted very enthusiastic competitors and two enjoyable days were had by all.

In Boswell, the EII novice teams commenced proceedings and, taking the red ribbons and gaining 10 league points was the team from Newbridge College; Caton Fought on La Vie Est Belle, Louise Maguire partnering Harry, Emili Smith and Caherdavin Blackjack and Ava Roseberg on Knockma Girl II. They were followed in second place by Loreto Bray represented by Anna Boucher Hayes on Brambles Bartholemew, Robin Boucher Hayes on Bella, Keeva Shaw riding Phoenix and Ruby Carvill Andrews riding Misty. Third place went to the St Gerard’s team of Nina Boydell and Arraghbeg Honey, Lily Malone and Harvey, Saoirse Di Bassi riding Poppy and Honor Mullian and Bella. Remaining league points were won by Borris VS, Tullow CS and St Mary’s Arklow.

The EII novice team winners at the Boswell Interschools competition were Newbridge College students Caton Fought, Louise Maguire, Emili Smith, Knockma Girl II

90cm novice

In the Equieire 90cm novice class, Jessica Kinsella, riding Rocket Celt for Loreto Abbey Dalkey, was first ahead of Lady Liath ridden by Orla Dalton from Tullow CS and Brambles Bartholemew ridden by Anna Boucher Hayes representing Loreto Bray. Nina Boydell from St Gerard’s riding Arraghbeg Honey came fourth, with Kate McDonald representing Gorey ET Secondary School in fifth on Sol. Emili Smith riding Caherdavain Black Jack from Newbridge was sixth.

Open teams

The TRI Equestrian open team class was won by a three-person team from Wesley College; Saoirse Handley on DG Arkill, Maresa Vard on Slanelough Supremacy and Mia Murphy on Ballinteskin Gala, who finished ahead of St Mary’s New Ross and Kilkenny College. The New Ross team was Martha Power on Cash Advance, Ciara Sinnott on Smooth Passin Sarco, Katie Costello riding Tomello and Ava Donovan and Junipierre, whilst Martha Doland on Charlie, Isabella Donovan on Dam Gruvy, Lucy Simms riding Oh Handsome George and Ned Kelly riding Fiona represented Kilkenny. Mercy Ballymahon claimed fourth place.

TRI Equestrian 1.10m class winner A Boy Duggie ridden by Katie Duignan of Mercy Ballymahon being pre3sented by Mathew Pereira at the Boswell Interschools

Open individual

The TRI Equestrian open individual class was won by Harry Barton riding Ceann Dearg for Rockwell College, who was also second in the TRI Equestrian Premier 110 class. In the 1m class, Drummin Pretty Lady ridden by Hannah O’Neill for Coláiste Bhríde Carnew was second, with fellow pupil Johnnie Sheppard on Galtee Shadow in third. Toby O’Leary on ESI Annachmore for St Michael’s was fourth. The Premier 110 class was won by Katie Duignan riding A Boy Duggie for Mercy Ballymahon and her sister Ella was third on Wyndham Miss Ellie.

Primary Individual league

The EII Primary Individual league class was won by Luca Kinsella and Om Me Oh My from Scoil Mhólainge. Anna Curry on Walter for Scoil Diarmada was second and Emily Quinlan was third on Casper.

Ower Equestrian

The following day, the sun shone brightly at Ower Equestrian Centre’s leg of the TRI Equestrian Interschools league, which attracted a large enthusiastic entry.

A fair but technical track, designed by course builder Ossie Morgan, greeted horse and rider.

The EII Novice team class was won by the local secondary school, St Paul’s Oughterard, which consisted of Doireann Clancy on Henry, Ella Heraty on the ISH gelding Fusion, Sophie Lee on Esme and Eabha Joyce on Missy.

Open teams

The TRI Equestrian Open team was won by the in-form family trio team of Katie Duignan on Aboy Duggie, Ella Duignan on Wyndham Miss Ellie and Calum Duignan on Ilene Dante representing Mercy Secondary School, Longford.

The 60cm individual class was won by Myah Lawless, from Cappataggle National School riding No No Star, with second place going to local rider Erin Coffey on Sammy from St James’ NS and Elaine Briscoe on Little Ivy representing Tynagh NS was in third.

Cut the Mustard gelding Fusion, ridden by Ella Heraty, won the 70cm individual class in a fast time of 27.34. Sienna Power and Oscar took second place, while Elaine Briscoe took third.

Novice individual

Keith Casey riding Corrib Bobby won the EII 80cm novice individual class. Second and third places respectively went to Harry Murphy on Willow and Ashley Cannon on Bruiser Boy.

Local rider Sophie Lee, riding her 21-year-old mare Esme and representing St Paul’s, won the EII 90cm Individual. Second place went to Presentation College Headford rider Dara Reynolds on Togo and third went to Nicola Casey from St Raphael’s riding the 29-year-old Corrib Bobby.

The TRI Equestrian vouchers in the TRI open individual class went to Katie Duignan taking first on Ilene Dante and third on Wyndham Miss Ellie. Anna Gibbons on The Kiwi took second. Duignan’s success continued when she won the final class of the day, the TRI Equestrian Premier 1.10m qualifying class riding Aboy Duggie. Second went to Anna Gibbons.

Good Counsel College are hosting the next TRI Equestrian Interschools in Wexford Equestrian this Sunday.