THE first TRI Equestrian Interschools League competition took place on Saturday in Boswell Equestrian, where Mathew Peirera and his team ran a very successful event.

There was action in the two arenas, with the Primary and Novice individuals running throughout the day in the top arena, while the main arena played host to the Novice teams (sponsored this year by Hopoti), the TRI Equestrian Open teams, individuals and Premier 1.10m classes and the Equieire-sponsored 90cm qualifier.

Comprehensive win

The Hopoti Novice team class was well-supported and produced a comprehensive win for the Tullow Community College team, consisting of Lauren Kehoe, Orla Dalton, Una Farrell and Caoimhe Curran riding Max, Lady Liath, Khaleesi and Millie. They saw off the St Gerard’s team of Lily Maloney (Harvey Ventura), Ali Condren (Chesterfield Erin Curtis), Saoirse Bi Baisi (Lady Triton) and Charlotte Dodd (Cloonan Hannah) in second place, ahead of another St. Gerard’s team in third.

The members of that team were Isabelle Galligan and City View Boy, Kate Buckley and Ballyea Star and Molly Britton riding Ardeo Dime. Fourth place went to Newbridge College, represented by Caton Fought on La Vie Est Belle, Ava Rose Bery riding Knockma Girl 2, Sarah Gorey and Rico and Deryn Ryan with Little Miss Sunshine. Whilst there were mixed fortunes for the remaining teams, they will be sure to improve as the season continues.

While entries were low in the TRI Equestrian Team event, St Mary’s New Ross, represented by Eva Kent on Milchem Havana, Ava Donovan on Redhouse April’s Pearl, Martha Power on Autumn and Katie Costello and Tomello, ran out convincing winners when just pipping Gorey Community School into second place. Jamie Curran, Holly Spence, Alexander Cassidy and Amber Farrell riding Rock G Girl, Kyle Laad, Courtwood Prince and Daisy Daisy represented Gorey.

The TRI Equestrian Open team winners from St Marys New Ross: Milchem Havana (Eva Kent), Redhouse Aprils Perl (Ava Donovan), Autumn (Martha Power), Tomello (Katie Costello), pictured with host Mathew Pereira of Boswell Equestrian

Honours

The open individual classes that followed were all well-supported. Isabell Walsh, partnering Bell’s Nugget for Loreto Wexford, took the honours in the TRI open individual class.

Fellow Loreto student Sarah O’Reilly riding Ballaboy Le Tang was runner up, with Caoimhe Spacey on Ringwood Patience for Glenart College in third. Fourth place went to Carnew’s Hannah O’Neill and Drummin Pretty Lady, while Ned Kelly from Kilkenny College claimed fifth and sixth place on Gypsy Junior and Fionn’s Fionn.

The TRI Equestrian Premier 1.10m class had six qualifying spots on offer, all of which were filled. The final line up was Amy Byrne from St Mary’s Naas on Major Profile, Chloe Walsh on Corky Rocks from Carnew, Hazel Walsh from Alexandra College on Golden Riot, Chloe Walsh on her second mount, Eugene Rocks, Caoimhe Spacey representing Genart College on Ringwood Patience and Gorey’s Amber Farrell and Daisy Daisy respectively.

Last class of the day was the Equieire-sponsored novice 90cm class. This was also well-supported and there will be lots of chances for those that did not qualify to do so at future events.

Again, six qualifying slots were on offer and the winning lineup was Ellie Brosnan Fleming from Colaiste Bhride Enniscorthy on Westside Mirah Bob, Sophie Rhatigan from Glenart on Miss Davey, Isabelle Galligan on City View Boy and Charlotte Dodd on Cloonan Hannah, both from St Gerard’s, Deryn Ryan and Little Miss Sunshine representing Newbridge and, last but not least, Molly Britton riding Ardeo Dime from St Gerard’s. Equieire representative Samira-Lola Trimble was on hand to present spot prizes throughout the day.

Future stars

The primary teams’ class was won by St Gerard’s Junior School, represented by Lisboy Kylie and Niamh Winter, Little Lady Lucy and Benjamin Galligan, Stonehaven Teety and William Durkan. Three primary individual classes followed, which allowed the riders of the future to show their skills.

Freya Kavanagh from St Joseph’s NS Gorey riding Bella Vista claimed the red ribbon in the 55cm, whilst Lily Kelly from Scoil Naomh Brid on Drograne Sparkle and then on Outrath CSI claimed the red ribbons in the 65cm class and in the 75cm league class respectively.

The novice individual 80cm class followed. This is also going to be sponsored by Hopoti and Louisa Dalton, of St Leo’s Carlow on Foresthill Jackaroo, Sophie Crosthwaite on Rulahisu Poppy for Loreto Dalkey and Ellie Brosnan Flemming on Westside Mirah Bob filled the top three spots.

Action moves to Wexford Equestrian this Sunday, where Orla Roche and her team are the hosts.