STORM Betty did nothing to deter the start of the Irish Pony Society Championships, held at Mullingar Equestrian on the weekend.

The championships, back at Mullingar for the first time since 2017, made full use of The Pavillion for Friday night’s welcome reception, which saw both young and old showcase their hidden talents in Mullingar’s Got Talent, which provided plenty of entertainment throughout the evening.

With five rings on Saturday and six on Sunday, the hard-working show team had their work cut out for them to keep things running smoothly.

Both days had classes for horses and non-member pony riders, and the pony section proved popular – with many young riders having their first taste of showing and their smiles beaming all day long, with rosettes and sweets awarded to all. It was a delight to see.

Saturday morning brought a wet and windy start and some competitors decided to save their ponies until later in the day, when the conditions were set to improve.

The first day of the show had the elite (show pony), prestige (show hunter) and Jim Lilley (working hunter) finals, which IPS members could qualify for throughout the season.

Prestige championship

The prestige and elite sections were generously supported by TRI Equestrian. The prestige championship held on Saturday evening brought forward ponies that had placed first and second throughout the day. Judges Alex Spencer and Vincent Holihan crowned Woodroyd Go Go Girl as champion. Owned by Jamie Greene and piloted throughout the weekend by CJ Greene, who had come through winning the lead rein section, this pony had impressed both judges throughout the day. Charlotte Goor and Underhill Bobcat stood reserve champion.

The elite section saw a nice selection of show ponies brought forward and Brendan Lawlor’s Roseberry Make Believe, who spent most the season campaigning on the British showing circuit, was awarded the elite championship with rider Kate Lawlor, who recently had her appendix removed. This combination went on to take the overall show pony title, along with the part-bred championship. Judges Patricia Hoey and Rosiland Barry selected the Orla Whelton-owned lead rein pony Whiteleaze Secret Temptation to take reserve champion.

Superb round

The Carr & Day & Martin Jim Lilley Championship was taken by the super consistent Danny’s Pride, who was expertly piloted by Emily Marnane, who jumped superbly around the brilliant working hunter track designed by Michael Keavaney. Reserve Champion was Ella’s Melody and Hannah Mackey who carried on their good form which had seen them take the 153cm Working Hunter title at the RDS the weekend prior.

Saturday also catered for Novice and young ponies and the Irish Pony Society-sponsored Supreme Championship for four, five and six-year-olds again proved popular with IPS Members. Melissa O‘Connor Murphy’s Courtown Grandpa’s Girl, ridden by Jessica Murphy, was the judges pick and was crowned Champion, with Aoife O’Connor Ashlea’s Grand Finale taking reserve.

The Glas Services-sponsored Novice Supreme was awarded to the Nancy Lyons-piloted Downland Escort. With Eileen Millar’s Manorlea Calipo, a new addition to daughter Casey-lee’s wonderful string of ponies, they definitely have a bright future ahead of them.

The IPS breeding title went to Manor Duke for the second year running, expertly shown by Joe Burke. It was nice to see new member to the IPS, Kenneth Rushe with his ponies IHPS Beau Yeux and Barrera Crystal Orchid, take second and third.

New additions to the Saturday evening schedule at the IPS Summer Championships included the pony pairs which was a wonderful sight in the main arena in Mullingar Equestrian Centre, and the winners were a delighted Carlotte Goor and Jessica McAuliffe.

The reintroduction the Inter-Area Team championship, which was named in honour of late IPS Chairman, also proved extremely popular with Area Teams parading with banners in their very smart evening attire. The tension was high while points collected from competition results from throughout the day were calculated in this tightly contested competition, but it was Limerick Clare Area of the IPS who were crowned Inter-Area Team Champions. The Cup was very kindly donated by the Nadir family in memory of Peter Molloy.