THIS year, after the season resumed, young riders proved very dominant on the senior ranks and when it came to the RDS qualifiers, they were well able for the task at hand.

Similar to the ponies, there is a mixture of familiar and new faces forward. Make no mistake, all those that booked their place have an equal chance of taking home a title.

The 1.10/1.15m division is always a good indicator of the talent on the way up the ranks as many young horses begin their careers here. In the first qualifier at Barnadown, Cork’s Zoe Mehigan made her mark when she took the 1.10/1.15m win with Primo Aliboo Blue ABF. Since then this combination have competed in the Ladies Horseware 1.10m, taking the win at Maryville and fifth at Kilfarrasy. This Chacco Blue six-year-old is owned by Michael Hayden and was previously under the command of Francis Conors, jumping up to 1.25m level.

Another up and coming combination to watch is Maeve Clarke and Hilton Z. This partnership took second place at the Barnadown round. Although only a seven-year-old, Hilton Z has proved consistent up to 1.20m. Another very strong combination is Timmy Keogh and the seven-year-old Jaguar Blue who claimed fourth place at Barnadown.

In the Ard Chuain leg, Che Flanagan and Eric Smith-owned seven-year-old Trebra Indoctro Cruise powered home to take the win. A familiar face in the winner’s enclosure, Abby Morton and the six-year-old Diamant de Semilly-sired Legaland Diamant booked their place when they finished fourth. One pair to watch is Orlaith Ryan and Mardec’s Trend. They qualified at Ard Chuain and since then have been using the Youngster Tours and Horseware Ladies League to prepare.

At Cavan Equestrian, the winners were Aoibheann Power and CSF Alfie. Another seven-year-old owned by Michael Hayden, they have been placed up to 1.20m since qualifying.

Dylan Ward and Kruser DHH took the final qualifier at The Meadows and have already proved themselves at 1.30m, with a double clear round at the National Balmoral Championships.

Familiar faces at the RDS include Jodie Creighton and Oliver Penfold. Creighton booked her place with Drumrankin Serpent. Luigi Federic has given himself a double chance of success as he has booked two places with BEC Kim K and Eloy. Matthew Conlon will have plenty of support from his sister Katie as he secured his RDS place with Creevagh Imp 11.

1.25/1.30m

In the first qualifier, some seasoned campaigners filled the top slots and will certainly be ones to keep a close eye on. Taking the win were Abigail Boland and The Hurricane, followed by Taylor Peare and Lissyegan Geoffrey. Both of these riders have proved very competitive on the national circuit.

The very experienced Alex Finney booked her place with Absolutely Kingmar z, as did Abbie Sweetnam and Pinaki Van Den Dalel 1. Runner-up in the TRM Spring Tour, Robyn Moran landed the win at Ard Chuain with Coolminga Inspector Royal. Moran has been clocking up wins on the national circuit and is proving to be virtually unstoppable.

Making their return to the RDS is Ciaran Foley and the former eventer Ballylynch Wizard who took second place at Ard Chuain. In Cavan Eoin Brennan partnered the Richard Bourns-owned Ninparo to the win, galloping home almost three seconds ahead of their closest rival.

Stephen Gibbons has had a great career in ponies and this year he will take his spot in this division with Clooncalagy Beauty. Hugo Harty was last of the triple clears in Cavan and he secured his place with Young Flex. This combination is particularly careful at this level. Killian Ryan is no stranger to the pressure and booked his place with Marlow ELJ.

1.35m division

Niamh McEvoy took the senior arena with determination this year and the results were clear to see as she won the opening qualifier with Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick. Nicole Kershaw and Erico proved equally as competitive as they took second place in this round.

Another rider who enjoyed a glittering pony career is Rhys Williams who booked his place when finishing third with Cowboy Balou. In the second round at Ard Chuain, Cian Harrison secured his place with Tabby, taking second.

Katie Conlon is also making her return, after she took third place with the ever reliable Ping Ball. Last year this combination moved up to Premier Series level and took the step up with ease.

One who will not crumble under pressure is Mackenzie Healy with Domar Van De Neerheide. Another rider making strides this season is Seamus Hennessy, who booked his place when he took the win in Cavan aboard King Lusis AE.

Ryan Sweetnam is also one to watch after he took the second ticket in Cavan with Quisto, as are Robbie Healy and KMS Clintland. North County Dublin’s Aisling McGuinness secured her RDS place at The Meadows, taking the win with Kilderrys Joint Venture.

Some very experienced riders booked their place in the final round and without a doubt will be looking for an RDS title. Those riders include Leah Stack and Perigrosso and John McEntee and Hip Girl. McEntee has already proven himself this year as he took in second place in the National Grand Prix at Barnadown.