THE home international calendar opened as usual in Ballindenisk, where due to special permission and not a little organising, a band of UK-based Olympic-listed Irish riders made the trip. They featured prominently in the main classes, but the top ranking in the CCI4*-L fell to Michael McNally with his impressive youngster Eclipto. Chasing all the way, Fred Scala (Everon Vivendi) filled second, from Steven Smith (Galwaybay Echo) and Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue.

All roads led to Munster for the spring international at Millstreet in June. With final Olympic qualifications up for grabs, the event attracted a host of eventing royalty, as well as a strong home contingent. New Zealand star Tim Price and Falco put their stamp on the CCI4*-L, and while his wife Jonelle filled two of top three in the short format equivalent, the top spot fell once again to Michael McNally and the talking horse of the summer, Eclipto.