Kennedy is inaugural CCI1*-Intro winner

AMONG the many amateur riders who have partnered winners this season, special mention must be made of Co Westmeath’s Lorraine Kennedy who landed the inaugural CCI1*-Intro class at the Ballindenisk International Horse Trials last month.

A clinical psychologist working in children’s mental health in Portlaiose, Kennedy led throughout the eight-runner class on the 15-year-old Garrison Royal gelding Major Furisto who she describes as a real family horse and one who loves eventing but is happy to compete in pure dressage and show jumping.

Kennedy was making just her second start of the campaign at Ballindenisk, she and Major Furisto having landed the EI100 (Amateur) class at Clyda (1) in late March on their seasonal debuts. Major Furisto is a full-brother of the 10-year-old Woodcourt Garrison who finished third in a section of the CCI4*-S at Chatsworth House last weekend under Sarah Ennis.

TRAINING CAMP

GIVEN the positive feedback following last year’s amateur eventing training camp at Ross House Equestrian, another has been planned for the Co Cavan venue late next month.

The camp, which will run from Friday, June 28th to Sunday, June 30th, will cater for those competing at all amateur levels (from 80cms to 110cms) and there will be three lessons on the flat, over show jumps and across the country. The instructors for the weekend will be Robert and Ellinor Murdy.

The cost of €320 will also cover accommodation for rider (meals included) and horse (stabling and hay included). As spaces are limited, and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, those wishing to book into the camp are advised to contact the Amateur Eventing Committee immediately.