WHEN German national Susanne Press purchased Spruce Lodge two months ago, one of the first things she did was to rename the Co Wicklow estate Ballyrogan Stud.

However, according to manager Karen Samuel, the objective of the late Joan Keogh of developing a world-class training and show centre outside Redcross remains in place with plans in the pipeline to upgrade the facilities.

Having held their first two shows this year at Barnadown, the South East Region of Dressage Ireland returned to Ballyrogan on Saturday. “It was a very successful show and it was nice to see the venue so full,” said Samuel who is photographed with High Cross Fortunita who transfers to Ireland with 51 British Dressage points to her credit.

“She’s by Fidertanz out of a Fürstenball mare and is owned by Susanne,” commented Samuel who rides the 10-year-old. “She was bred in Ireland but we bought her as a four-year-old in England. She shows all of the talent for Grand Prix and hopefully will be doing her first Prix St George at the Classic show here at Ballyrogan in August (2nd and 3rd).”