THE Monster TRI Equestrian Summer Pony Show was hosted in style at the sunny south east venue of Wexford Equestrian last Sunday and was a day for all the family, not just for the pony riders competing on the day.

The collaboration was a new date for the calendar catering for all pony classes from newcomers to top level jumping ponies and riders by TRI Equestrian and Wexford EC. Orla and Pat Peare, owners of Wexford EC said: “We ran several successful TRI Equestrian-sponsored Interschools events during the winter season and hosted the national final in April. We chatted to Ger O’Kane, the TRI Equestrian marketing executive, and both decided that a Monster Pony Show would be a great addition to the calendar.

“We felt that it needed to have the flair of a Global Champions Tour show abroad with activities and Podium Presentations.” Kane added: “We wanted to give back to our loyal customers many of them pony riders, with an exciting day of fun filled activities for the kids and great competitions for the kids and came up with the schedule”

The day attracted a great crowd for the first year with over 220 entries of ponies of all levels competing and many more families just popping in to spectate for the day. Some added attractions for the day included Tik Tok sensation Jumping with Ivy who visited from the UK. She joined in with riders for photos, colouring competitions, joined in on laps of honour, did presentations, chatted with fans and even had a little pop on two ponies in the practice ring.

Well-known jockeys Davy Russell and Jamie Codd had their own kids entered in plenty of the classes and were also more than happy to join in with presentations and helping out throughout the day. The added excitement of Father’s Day competitions, raffles, colouring competitions, spot prizes and more added to the fun.

The highlights of course was the jumping, with mounted presentations in all classes, a podium presentation for the top three, mock champagne to the winners, sashes for the winners and prizes to all. Every rider in the newcomers up to 128 70cm got a prize regardless of results.

Blessed with the weather both jumping arenas were in full swing with both podiums full after each class and followed by the obligatory lap of honour to music to finish off every class.

The experience of jump-off rounds in all classes above the newcomers “was welcomed by all the younger riders,” said one parent, adding: “The kids need to learn to navigate tracks, understand timed rounds and the difference between going fast but interpreting a jump-off course with turns to win a class and healthy competition is what educates us all.”

“Attention to detail is appreciated and recognised,” said another parent. “This is what makes a good show atmosphere and this show definitely had that. Families really appreciated the effort put in by Wexford Equestrian and TRI Equestrian on the day, we look forward to a date next year too hopefully.”

Jane Emily Photography captured images on the day and can be found on her Facebook page. Sadhbh Kelleher, better known as the Connie Chronicles, also was present for autographs, presentations and giveaways. The Jod-Z stand was welcomed onsite on the day with plenty of bargains and of course, the famous Cauli the Carrot stand had every pony at the show filled for their Carrot quota!

The TRI bumper raffle was happily assisted by volunteers from My Lovely Horse rescue, Orla and her daughter Carys, this was a great addition and they had some generous donations on the day. TRI Equestrian even fitted in a big announcement about the return of the TRI Equestrian stands in the RDS main hall and Simmonscourt at the upcoming Dublin Horse Show, delivered by TRI Equestrian’s Philip Masterson.