IT was a busy weekend for pony riders with a double bill of the Equijump Pony and Children on Horses Spring Tour taking place over the course of the weekend. Last Saturday, Mullingar Equestrian Centre played host to the first of the two rounds, and, as expected, each category was well supported.

128cm 1m

Claiming victory in the 128cm 1m division was DJ Kent who partnered Castlefield Messi to a clear in 30.89. Charlie Flynn is certainly proving to be a strong contender in this league as he took the runner-up place with I’m a Starboy when clear in 31.64.

A clear from Holly Treacy and Tierna Na Og in 32.32 saw them take third, ahead of Thomas Meagher and Little Miss Big Time who was fractions behind in 32.56. Ava O’Neill was back in the ribbons this week, taking fifth with He’s A Touch Of Magic, when she delivered a clear in 34.33, while in sixth was Georgia De Bromhead and The Silver Legend, clear in 36.25.

128cm Spring Tour and Balmoral Qualifier

It was a good day for DJ Kent as he also took the win in the 128cm Under 10 80cm Spring Tour and Balmoral qualifier with Paris, when fastest of six double clears in 28.38. The Sheehan family from Kilkenny added to their haul as Julia claimed the runner-up place with Magneto Cobra, clear in 32.70.

Caoimhe Murphy left nothing to chance with Sparkling Lackaghmore Katie and a clear in 32.90 saw her take third. Accounting for fourth place was Georgia Foley and Castlequarter Katie Bee (33.81), ahead of Jack Derwin and Ginger Rodgers who also delivered a foot-perfect performance in 33.90. Completing the top six was Caitie McEvoy and Romeo, clear in 39.02.

138cm 1.10m

Dublin Horse Show champion Ruben Foley has certainly got his season off to a good start and he didn’t hold back in Mullingar, taking the win in the 138cm 1.10m division. Riding Mayfly Green Peter, he clocked the winning clear in a time of 32.08. Cian McMunn was hot on his heels with Cantum de Beaulieu, delivering a clear in 33.78.

Conrad Sweeney and Warwick Ginger came home in 35.50 for third place, just ahead of Harry Rush and Conazar Jayne who galloped home in 35.53. Slotting into fifth place was Elizabeth McCracken and Drumcaughey Diamond, clear in 36.62, while in sixth was Ella Rush and Shadow Dash who played it safe in a time of 38.14.

148cm 1.20m

In the 148cm 1.20m division, 68 combinations went to post and from those, 13 of the 17 in the timed round delivered double clears. Leading the charge was Ulster rider Alexandra Kiernan and Sweet Renees Girl when they delivered the winning round in 31.39.

Jamie Clarke and Oh My took the runner-up spot when they clocked 32.89. Gary Dooley accounted for the next two spots, taking third with Coppenagh Gatsby (32.98) and fourth with Shamrock du Gite (33.17).

Slotting into fifth was Holly Maher and Boulabeha’s Little Princess, clear in 33.73. A clear from Bríd Ryan and Cruise Royale in a time of 34.70 saw them take sixth place.

Children on Horses

Leading the victory lap in the 1.10m Children on Horses was Chloe Walsh and Corky Rocks. Zoe Mellett and Rock Hill Girl took the runner-up place, ahead of Lily Slattery and Captain Candy Man. Slotting into fourth place was Robbie Sheehan and Ahare Olympic Flemmencio, ahead of Emily O’Brien and Ballantines.

Grace Maher Ryan added to her record as she accounted for sixth place with Lates Sparkey. In the 1.20m, it was Harry Rush that took the win with Ovidius Van De Kooldries, clear in 27. 72.