CATRIONA O’Brien, who competes at Preliminary level as Caitríona Ní Bhriain on her dun mare Templemichael Síogaí, has recently volunteered to take over as secretary of the South East Region of Dressage Ireland and is facing into her first show in that role at Spruce Lodge tomorrow.

“I plan to be there early to get set up, but we have a great committee in our region, all of whom work well together as a team, and nothing is left to chance. At the moment, as she is tied up with international matters, Anne Marie Dunphy has to step back a bit, but Amy-Jo Peskens, Jillie Rogers, Stephen Cox, Ivan Dowley, Lynne Cassidy, Rita Naughton, Ruth Daunt and Paula Moriarty all pull their weight doing their individual tasks and helping others when needed.”

One can assume that being early on site won’t be a burden on O’Brien, who has not made an entry for Templemichel Síogaí tomorrow.

“We are so lucky to be able to use Spruce Lodge, which is a beautiful facility, right on our doorstep. I love competing there as it’s lovely and peaceful. We’ve another show coming up there on June 23rd.”

A venue has yet to be announced for the South East Region’s two-day Classic, which is scheduled for the weekend of August 3rd and 4th.