THE Leinster Region of Dressage Ireland held their annual general meeting on Tuesday evening at the Halfway House, Dublin, where, in attendance, were the Leinster Dressage committee, regional members, the former chair of DI, Marguerite Kavanagh, and the present incumbent, Mark Ruddock.

After welcoming the attendees and discussing the minutes of the last AGM, Petra Larkin gave her chairperson’s report. She commented on regional highlights from 2023, which included the Botanica Summer Festival and the HSI development series final at CoilÓg. Larkin thanked the committee and volunteers plus 2023 sponsors, which included Kildare-based ARKEquine, who sponsored both the summer and autumn leagues with their DERBY horse care range, and Botanica.

This was followed by Lorna O’Hare’s secretary’s report, where she too thanked members for their support and engagement, both in person and on social media, and showcased photos of some 2023 regional highlights, with thanks to Louise O’Brien Photography, who attended all shows. Davina Ní Mhuineacháin then went through the treasurer’s report, which discussed the 2023 finances and made recommendations for 2024.

Three new committee members – Charlotte Campbell, Roisin Winters and Helen Dunne – were proposed and seconded and will now join the regional committee for 2024.

The evening ended with the presentation of the leading rider awards. The Preliminary prize went to Charlotte Campbell, who had a fantastic year with her horses Cill Dara’s Golden Boy and Prince Charming. Charlotte, who owns Cill Dara Sport Horses with husband Paddy, was thrilled to win her first regional award.

The Novice award went to Niamh Grimes, a well-known local producer and supporter of Traditional Irish Horses. Niamh too had a great year with Carrafarm Light Years, a TIH mare by Barely A Moment, whom she owns with Samantha Fitzsimons of Carrafarm Irish Horses. The Elementary award was presented to committee member Andrea Colfer for her campaign with Haylemma Lady’s Blue Eyed Boy (Jay to his friends). The part-Welsh gelding excelled at both Elementary and six-year-old classes in 2023.

The aforementioned Lorna O’Hare won the Medium award with DBS Oisinn, a former eventer by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan, while Helen Dunne took home the Advanced Medium award for her performance with Felino, her Württemberger gelding by Fidertanz. Co Limerick-based Tara Oliver, who won the Advanced and above award with her Oldenburg gelding Senators Rhonaldo, was represented on the night by her father Gerard, who lives locally.

Finally, Petra Larkin presented the 2023 overall leading rider award to O’Hare.