THIS year, a qualification process was introduced for the Connemara ridden and working hunter classes at Balmoral Show (May 14th to 17th) with the first round taking place last Sunday at The Meadows where Lesley Jones recorded a double.

Both Emily McGowan-owned ponies were in action previously this year at the McCusker family’s Lurgan equestrian centre, having started in the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing Series, and both are due to travel down to Tyrella this weekend for the Eventing Ireland Northern Region’s two-phase competition. Ahead of Balmoral Show, they may make an appearance at the Northern Ireland Festival in Cavan (May 2nd to 4th).