THE first leg of this year’s Sports Pony Challenge, which is run by the working hunter committee of the Irish Pony Society, took place in rather foul weather conditions at Killossery Lodge Stud on Tuesday.

This three-phase competition comprises dressage, performance hunter and show jumping. The European working hunter ponies championships, which are being held in Scotland in early August, will be using the same format so this league provides an ideal opportunity for those hoping to be selected for the trip to the Scottish National Equestrian Centre in Ecclesmachan, West Lothian, to get in some competitive practice.