ONE of the most anxious and exhilarating times for riders and parents alike is the RDS qualifiers. For any combination that even attempted to qualify but failed, must not lose sight of how talented they are to be competing at this level. This year the action began in Cavan Equestrian Centre with 353 combinations battling it out for one of the coveted places, these numbers continued in the remaining three qualifying rounds.

128cm division

The standard was high for the first round, with six triple clears being delivered in the 128cm in Cavan. The first ticket was claimed by Leinster rider, Ruby Kelly and Killoran Bob. Kelly also claimed second in the 128cm six and seven-year-old in Ard Chuain with Trasbagh Sandstorm. After that, Munster riders put on their best performance as they claimed the next five tickets in Cavan. In the mix of qualifying ponies there are some experienced ponies returning to the Dublin Horse Show, they include Mickeybo under the command of Joe Widger and Kilcreene Apollo, under the guidance of Chloe Clarke.

In the 128cm six/seven-year-olds, both Tim Hawkins (The Chaser) and Kitty O’Dea (Killanena Cookie) both finished on 82.5 to fill the remaining slots.

In Ard Chuain the volume of entries was large and the standard was as strong as Cavan. Lucia Keane took the runner-up spot with Bossinova and will certainly be one to watch. Another strong pairing is Blathnaid Murphy and the very experienced Kiltormer Ruby, who booked their place in the second round as did fellow Leinster rider Ellie Sheane and Newhaven Cooley.

Lucia Keane riding Bossinova with whom she is heading to Dublin \ Tori O’Connor

In this round it was so close that Ellie Sheane shared fourth place with Josh Fitzgerald and Miss Lexi. Ben O’Connor will be making his debut at the Dublin Horse Show with Lisboy Black Magic and no doubt he will be looking to take home a win for the O’Connor family in the pony arena.

One to watch in the 128cm age classes is Ulster rider Nuala Arbuckle and the six-year-old Serge as they impressed judges. In the penultimate qualifier at Barnadown the prolific winner the Silver Legend booked a place under the command of Harvey Foley when they took the win. No stranger to the RDS. In the category Ronan Duffy and Twinkley Star Cedar will also have the eye on the prize having qualified before. In the 128cm age class Ellie Sheane impressed the judges as did Josh Fitzgerald (Inchala Du Roudoutous) and Edward Walsh and Golden Jet 2.

Nuala Arbuckle and Serge on their way to winning the 128cm six- and seven-year-old qualifier at Ard Chuain \ Lorraine Cribbin

At the final qualifier at The Meadows, competitors were not phased with the pressure and this will stand to them in the RDS. Some well known combinations booked their place here. Taking the win was Jennifer Meagher and Sasha, while Alice Steele and Sparkling Miss Leglands took second place.

Kate Hurley and Brookhall Elizabeth took the third ticket ahead of Penny O’Brien closely with My Little Liesel. Another combination who impressed was Annie Hughes Kennedy and the very experience Hes a Touch of Magic. In the 128cm six/seven year-olds there was a joint win as Charlotte Foley (Ardville Crystal Clear) and Katie McMunn (Loggy Star Lubelie) impressed judges.

138cm division

Dublin Horse Show Champions, Charlie Flynn and Knud Van Orchid’s made no mistakes as they booked their place in the first round as they are vying for another championship.

The Foley family are no strangers to the pressure of the RDS and booked their place when Harvey Oscar Foley and Mayfly Green Peter took the runner-up spot in Cavan. In the 138cm six/seven-year-olds Elsie Tunney (Tullinaglug Rosheen) and Ted Fagan (Houla Oups Ed’M) finished on a score of 90 marks to book their spot. RDS stalwart, Ruby Brown will be returning after they won the decider in Ard Chuain under the command of Connaught rider Cathal Cathal Mckeon-Devaney.

Fellow Connaught rider Ronan Gilvarry and Quantum Midnight Gypsy booked their place when they secured the runner-up ticket as did Ella Rush and Shadow Dash. Leinster riders are well represented in this division with Jasmine Halford (Beechmount Pipp) and Ava O’Neill (Flashdance Billy)booking their place at this round.

Cathal McKeon-Devaney and Ruby Brown on their way to winning the 138 class at Ard Chuain \ Chloe Goggins

The win in the 138cm six/seven year-olds class was shared by Munster rider Jack Dore (Hashtag Alias) and Leinster rider Blathnaid Murphy (Orchid’s Serata) when the judges awarded them both a score of 87.5.

In Barndown, this section went to just two rounds. Taking the win was Cliodhna McEvoy and Etoile Des Chesnaies. A rider showing great form this year and booking his place in Barnadown was Robbie Sheehan and Leiter Ben. The very experienced Western Oreo will return to the RDS this year under the command of Colm Widger as will the equally experienced Future Memories under the command of Eunan Kelly. Winner of the 138cm six/seven-year-olds was Connaught rider Cathal McKeon-Devaney. Riding the Bob Sweeney-owned six-year-old Rosie Raine they finished up on a score of 87.

At the final round in The Meadows, the 138cm division went down to two rounds, with only one double clear being delivered. Delivering that clear and taking the win was Connaught rider Padraig Howley and Conazar Jayne. In the 138cm six and seven-year-old division Zoe Mellett aboard Trilbie Cook’s Lynncot lady Eleanora.

148cm Division

Winners in the opening round and ones to watch in the RDS include the former European champions James Derwin and Rincoola Babog, and current European champions Jack Kent and Double Pleasure, as will Senan Reape and Air Line CK Z. No stranger to the pressure of the RDS, Annie Boland (K-Little Hero) and Lily Tunney (Fireman) will no doubt have their eye on the prize.

Emily O’Brien and Sweet Renees Girl will be ones to watch after they secured the first ticket at Ard Chuain when fastest of just three triple clears. Munster rider Cameron Kelly and RDJW Merclov put in a foot-perfect performance in a time of 40.32 for second place. A past winner in Dublin, Ruben Foley took third place with Coppenagh Gatsby and this rider is certainly one to keep a close eye on.

The 148cm six/seven-year olds in Ard Chuin, leading the victory lap was Leinster rider Clara Lynam on the six-year-old, Clonbrock Against All Odds, when she was fastest of just four triple clears in a time of 35.47.

It was an exciting class with Johan Fitzpatrick Burns and Kinamara Dun Boy coming home 0.3 of a second behind, demonstrating the high caliber of what is to come in Simmonscourt. In Barnadown, Ruben Foley claimed the win and the runner-up place. Foley delivered his best result with the Ruairí Aylward-owned Coppenagh Gatsby and took second with Wineport Q Junior.

He also took the win in the 148cm age class with Coshla Paddy. The other double clear was delivered by Conrad Sweeney and Miss Untouchable. Another rider to watch in this section is Mia de Bromhead and Shamrock Du Gite, as is Alanna Fagan and Glor Tire Crusie.

At the Meadows, 43 battled it out in the three round competition. Taking the win was Charlie Flynn and HK Zena, this combination will have their eye on this title having had a great season so far.