THE Irish para dressage contingent excelled at the Wellington International CPEDI 3* Festival of Dressage in the UK over the past week.

On Monday, June 9th, in the Para Grand Prix A Grade I, Clodagh Walsh and Chantal were first, earning standout marks of up to eight for her halt and salute. In the Grade III competition, Katie Reilly and Keystone Dawn Chorus led an Irish one-two-three thanks to a strong, fluid test highlighted by exceptional leg yields and salutes, finishing on 70.778%. Kate Kerr-Horan and Lykkebo’s Don Akino were second here and in third was Jessica McKenna and DCI Cerruti, who presented a confident and steady test, with strong marks in salutes, medium trots and rein backs.

On Tuesday, all partnerships scored well in the Grand Prix Test B, with Clodagh Walsh and Chantal first again in the Grade I competition.

The pair gave a steady and confident performance to win with 72+%, consistently earning scores of seven and higher thanks to her fluid medium walks, precise voltes and calm, controlled halt. In the Grade III competition, Katie Reilly and Keystone Dawn Chorus took the win again with an impressive 73.222%. The half circle and turn on the haunches were a highlight. Jessica McKenna and DCI Cerruti were second here with consistent scores across the movements, particularly in the working trot, voltes, and walk work. Kate Kerr Horan and Lykkebo’s Don Akino were third with strong trot work and voltes scoring sevens and seven and a half.

On Wednesday, Clodagh Walsh topped the podium for the third time in the Grand Prix Freestyle Grade I, putting in personal best performances in all three tests on Chantal. In the Grade III competition, Kate Kerr Horan and Lykkebo’s Don Akino were first, Vicky Earnshaw (GB) and Midline Rioja were second, with Katie Reilly and Keystone Dawn Chorus in third and Jessica McKenna and DCI Cerruti in fourth. Team Ireland finished in second place overall, less than 1% behind winners Team GB.

The results highlight the form Reilly and Walsh have been in this season, as Reilly (1,135 points) continues to lead the FEI Para Dressage U18 World Individual Ranking, followed by Elan Williams (GBR), with Walsh not far behind in third place.

Para dressage team manager Simone Hession said: “The girls in green are in fantastic form, everyone [is] happy, focused and giving 110%, and all their teams are doing a fabulous job.”