Riding Club members delighted to be back in action

THOMASTOWN & District Riding Club recently hosted one of the first major post-lockdown events for the South East Region, a one-day event at Frankfort Stud, Co Wexford which proved hugely popular and many clubs in the region were represented by a strong attendance across all levels.

As a first competitive outing for many AIRC members during the Covid-19 epidemic, the health and welfare of attendees was paramount and the Thomastown & District club provided a safe and reassuring environment by ensuring all current event guidelines were fully complied with.

William Kearney’s Frankfort Stud provided the ideal venue and gave riders a chance to experience the new cross-country course, which offered plenty of challenges and rode extremely well for all grades.

The Advanced Intermediate section winner, Margaret McMullen of Greenvalley Riding Club pulled out all the stops with an excellent dressage test. The show jumping certainly proved to be a major factor in the placings and a strong cross-country track followed but gave plenty of clear rounds.

The Intermediate competition followed with several riders, including class winner Pat White of Clonogh RC finishing on their dressage scores.

There was a strong showing from Carne RC in the Young Horse class, but with a notable dressage performance and just four faults gave Ciara Kelly of Castledermot RC, the number one spot.

There was a large entry in the Advanced Primary class and plenty of clear rounds in the show jumping phase, leaving the dressage and cross-country rounds to decide the placings. An exceptional dressage score by the eventual winner, Cindy Wagner of Kilotteran RC, made her the one to beat from the early stages.

The Novice class also proved very popular and first place went to Aisling Kirwin of Kilotteran RC.

The event was delighted to see Primary Riders in action and Coole Lane RC took the honours with Cheryl Keogh in first place on Lord Budley, following a super clear round of show jumping, and Martin Carroll taking second place on Ardlea Indian Lady.

Generous sponsorship for the event was kindly provided by NutriScience (prizes), CleanRite Sanitiser (sanitation equipment and supplies) and The Packaging Company (visors and masks).