AFTER many attempts over seven years, Co Carlow’s Gloria Nolan was absolutely delighted to finally record a win at the Stepping Stones to Success League at Wexford Equestrian on Thursday.

Not too surprisingly, Nolan’s long awaited victory came in the Hoofprints Innovations pony producers class where she scored highest in dressage (69.3) and received two 10s (for submission and general impression) en route to a total of 199.3 on her home-bred mare Ardnehue Golden Magic.

As the owner/rider/breeder trades under the name Gloria Nolan Connemara Performance Ponies it requires little thought to work out that Ardnehue Golden Magic is a fine example of the country’s native breed of pony. The five-year-old dun daughter of Dungimmon Knight is out of the Leap mare Lisdoon Lass who the Nolans purchased 12 years ago at Clifden Sales.

“She has been a wonderful addition to our herd and has produced many successful ponies in eventing, show jumping and working hunter competitions,” reported Gloria who also said of Thursday’s winner: “Ardnehue Golden Magic is a wonderful, athletic Connemara pony, showing great potential to become a top event pony. She has been produced slowly and carefully and today pulled the magic out of the bag for the win.

“She will be advertised for sale after the Stepping Stones Final but, if not sold, I have no problem in producing her further. She displays all the super attributes of the Connemara.”

Evelyn O’Farrell finished second on another five-year-old Connemara, her Plume de Kezeg gelding Tourist King (192.1).