AND that’s a wrap for this season of the West Workshops in Dressage and Showing 2024.

The final, held in Ower Equestrian Centre, Rosscahill, Co Galway, proved to be a great success. A huge well done to all the participants who attended faithfully throughout the season through hail and rain, but thankfully the sun shone brightly for all on Sunday, April 21st.

First into the ridden arena was the hotly contested Over 16 (O16) with Ciara McNamara and her grey Connemara Wilma Cheeky (Coby) taking home the winning rosette. Next in were the Under 16s, this section saw big improvements by its riders over the series, with Cecily Guinness winning first place. Cecily showed consistent form on the day as well, by winning the Working Hunter (WH) 60cm. In addition, she was awarded the Kylemore Abbey Most Improved Rider U16 in WH.

The Under 12 First Ridden was won by Caitlin McMullen, while the lead rein category saw its entrants receive special prizes.

Noah Harty did a lovely cross-pole round in the WH, giving him the edge in his category. In the 90cm, Laura Murphy with her Irish Draught had a lovely round winning first prize. Laura, a regular attendee at the workshops, was awarded the Kylemore Abbey Most Improved Rider O16 WH. The in-hand section was won by handlers Kitty Concannon, O16, and Keris Mae O’Toole, U16, who both presented their ponies beautifully in both the walk and trot up.

Dressage Ireland Judge Helen Nolan oversaw the many tests, with wins going to Rachel Nee for Lead Rein, Meadhbh Corbett for Intro, Sarah Lou Keane for Preliminary, Lauren Kerins for Novice, with all winners going away happy.

Elliott Equine Therapy was the sponsor of the Biomechanic Most Improved Rider, O16 awarded to Meadhbh O’Neill and the young rider Alannah Heanue scooped the award for U16.

Car Parts, Stillorgan sponsored the Dressage Most Improved riders, with senior and junior riders Sophie von Maltzan and Erin O’Neill being presented with their prizes.

Picking up their sashes were Meadhbh O’Neill and Charlotte Osbourne, both awarded the O16 and U16 respectively in the Most Improved Rider Showing category, sponsor was Heanue Electrical Services.

Best turned-out on the day went to Kim Scott (O16) on her chesnut gelding and Senan Clancy U16 on his grey Connemara. At the awards presentation, judges Philip Scott (Ridden and WH) Jimmy Canavan (in-hand) and Helen Nolan (dressage) praised the standard of competitors in each of the categories and congratulated them on their commitment throughout the series and wished them all the best in the season ahead.

The workshops, the brainchild of Judy Cazabon, have proved to be a great success, and Judy thanked everyone who attended, both on the day and throughout the workshops. She thanked the sponsors, judges, coaches, volunteers and all who helped, and gave a special mention to the two venues, Duffy’s Equestrian Centre and Ower Equestrian Centre for use of their great facilities.