THERE was drama throughout the Berney Bros Saddlery CCI1* for ponies at last week’s Tattersalls International Horse Trials where the winning combination of Charlotte Teehan and Knockenpower Minnie were the only ones to complete on their dressage score.

Although 26 ponies appeared before the ground jury on Tuesday afternoon, two fewer did so on Thursday as the competition got underway at 12 noon in front of Britain’s Les Smith (C), Anibál Marianito of Portugal (H) and Ireland’s Joan Ahern (B).

Fortunate to have a second ride, Harry Swan’s Derrygimla’s Easter Star had not been accepted at the first horse inspection while Kerry Magill’s mount, Lisnahall Miss Toffee, was withdrawn before dressage.

The early leader was Isabelle Comerford with Colour Me Fancy (28.20) but this Co Kildare combination was narrowly pushed down into second later in the day as Co Down’s Tara Dixon was awarded a penalty score of 28 for her work on Carracanada Kieran. Others to break the 30-penalty barrier were Lucy Johnston with Tynan Mist (29.90) and Teehan on Knockenpower Minnie (29.30).

The pony combinations were first out on the cross-country course and 10 of them came home clear within the time over Ian Stark’s one-star track. This number did not include Dixon and Carracanada Kieran who picked up 20 jumping penalties at the second element of The Irish Field mound (14ab) which dropped them down to 12th by the end of the phase.

Comerford, Johnston and Teehan all completed without the addition of further penalties but Brian Kuehnle had a most disappointing morning as he was unseated at the second element of the Horse Sport Ireland water from Fernhill First Lady, on whom he was lying fifth (30.40), and was eliminated for cumulative refusals with the sixth-placed Rickamore Rafferty (31) who was first out on the course.

There were four retirements, including that of the sole overseas representatives in the class, Sterre van Houte of The Netherlands with Secret Benny, and three other eliminations.

In sight of home, and in front of her mother Carol, Olivia Swan took a very heavy fall at the first element of the Tattersalls UK cannon to skinny triple brush at 20ab. Rockon Pedro was quickly to his feet but it took some time for the same to be said about the rider who, thankfully, was up and about if somewhat shaken later in the day.

Even with refusals on course, some of the ponies were home well within the time but may have paid for this the following morning when all but the winner had a fence down and many more than one. Before that however, Isabelle Comerford was devastated when Colour Me Fancy was not accepted at the second horse inspection.

Lying 15th overnight, Daniel Meagher left the fences intact but picked up a single time fault to finish 11th with Monroe Lad (62.70). Second last to go, Teehan was left with extra breathing place as all those ahead of her accumulated multiple faults. Her clear on Knockenpower Minnie put the pressure on the leader Lucy Johnston who had both the first and the last (the third part of the treble at 10) down with Tynan Mist to drop to fifth.

“I am really happy with this win,” said Co Kilkenny-based Teehan who was competing at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials for the third and final time as a pony rider. “Everything went far better than I expected and my pony was super, I really love her. I thought it was a tough track, much harder than last year, and it asked a lot of questions. The going was very good. I was gutted for Isabelle when her pony wasn’t accepted.

“My mare is brilliant at home and does nothing naughty. I hope to be selected for the European pony team as the mare will be for sale at the end of the year. However, even if I don’t get on the team I couldn’t be happier with her, she’s amazing.”

Fifteen-year-old Teehan lives at the Bluegate Stud in Kilmanagh with her father Nicky and his partner Louise Lyons who competed the mare three times in EI100 classes at the back end of 2016 after she had been campaigned at one-star level by senior rider Emily Corbett. Teehan is coached in all three disciplines by Lyons but gets extra dressage coaching from Sue Smallman and show jumping training from Tom Doherty. She thanked the trio for their support.

Clear across the country and with just one fence down show jumping, a delighted Zara Burke Ott from Newmarket, Co Cork improved from 18th after dressage to finish second with Aille Fountain Breeze (38.70) who too will be for sale at the end of the year.

Also completing with a single pole down was Holly Love who climbed from 19th after the first phase to finish third on Cloughreagh Charlie (40).