EVENTING Ireland’s amateur community enjoyed a hugely successful two-day clinic with five-star event rider Alex Bragg at Knightsfield Stud, bringing together riders for a weekend of learning, development and celebration.

The clinic, organised by the Eventing Ireland amateur committee of Fiona Cosgrave, Sarah Kelly-Drake, Ailbhe McGrath, Nichola Wray, Noelle Reidy and Fiona Coughlan, provided riders with a valuable opportunity to benefit from Alex’s experience and expertise, with two days of lessons proving a great success.

Riders made the most of the chance to develop their skills, gain confidence and took home plenty of advice and inspiration to put into practice with their horses over the off-season.

The weekend also featured a demo, in which Alex discussed his training approach and offered some valuable insights, ably illustrated by demo riders Ciara Geraghty (Rainstown Go With the Flo) and Harriet Aveling (The Minx). The demonstration offered spectators an opportunity to learn from Alex’s expertise, adding another highlight to an already successful event.

The weekend was generously sponsored by NutriScience Equine who, not only sponsored all three 2026 Amateur Eventing Leagues, but also subsidised entries for the clinic and provided a generous sum to fund the awards evening.

Treo Eile offered subsidised clinic entries for Thoroughbreds as part of their ongoing commitment to promoting Thoroughbreds in eventing. This support was warmly welcomed and highlighted the value of initiatives that make training opportunities more accessible to a wider range of horses and riders.

Awards

The weekend culminated in the Amateur Eventing Awards Evening, where riders’ achievements throughout the season were celebrated. The prizes for the NutriScience Equine Amateur Eventing Leagues were presented, alongside the Amateur Committee’s own awards, recognising the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of amateur competitors across the leagues.

NutriScience Equine Amateur Eventing League prize winners:

  • NutriScience Equine EI90 (Amateur League): Edwina O’Connor and Ashwood Reggie
  • NutriScience Equine EI100 (Amateur League): Hollie Smith and Mr Diceman
  • NutriScience Equine EI110 (Amateur League): Denis Currie and Merlot

    • Eventing Ireland Amateur Committee awards:

  • Lowest finishing PB: Hollie Smith and Mr Diceman, 20.6 at Hazeldene 3
  • Best DR average: Eve Fitzsimmons and Tiboy Des Etisses, 26.38 over five events
  • Most SJ clears: Ciara M Kelly, Cousin Joe and Fanlehane Nariah (14 from 16)
  • Most XC clears: Zoe Kavanagh and Farrelly’s Tavern (9 from 12)
  • Best amateur-ridden TB, sponsored by Treo Eile: Lilly Bobtail, ridden by Emily Murphy
  • Amateur of the Year, as voted for by the amateur community: Ros Morgan

    • Awards were also given to the four Amateur riders who completed the CCI2*-L at Millstreet Intl 2 this year: Sadie Keogh (LGS Ladybird), Laurène Yviquel (MHS Baracouda), Britt Megahey (R Showman) and Ros Morgan (Vos Surprise).

    The awards evening provided a fitting opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of riders throughout the season and to celebrate the community spirit that lies at the heart of amateur eventing. The combination of the clinic, demonstration and prizegiving made for a rewarding weekend both in and out of the arena.