THE sun certainly didn’t grace the riding club grounds at Coolboy, Co Wicklow, for the Tinahely Riding Club leg of the Tredstep Dressage League. The inclement weather did nothing though to dampen the sheer determination of those competing in the event. The tearoom, which is located near the arena at the club grounds, was a hive of activity all morning, providing warmth and nourishment to spectators and competitors alike.
The Primary class was won by Sandra Doody with Test of Courage (Coole Lane) on a score of 71%. Martin Carroll was second with Ardlea Indian Lady (Coole Lane) on a score of 64%.
The Advanced Primary class was won by Catherine O’Brien with Templemichael Siogai (Carne) on a score of 75%. Elaine Godkin came second on Coolattin Rosheen Sky (Ballycanew) with a score of 73% and Tinahely’s own Faith Jackson came third on Kilquinn Pride (Tinahely) on a score of 71%.
The Young Horse class only had three entries and Tinahely’s own Niamh Rothwell came up trumps on her FWS Southern Belle (Tinahely) on a score of 71%.
LARGEST CLASS
The Intermediate class saw the largest entry of the day. Taking first place in a competitive class was Vicky Cloney with Gentle Bouncer (Carne) with a score of 73%.
Second place was Irene Hurley with Lisduff Flash (Russletown) with a score of 72.2% and third place was jointly shared between Tinahely’s own Joan Rothwell with B.Cool Bouncer (Tinahely) and Ruth Daunt with her Destination Unknown (Ballycanew) with a joint score of 68%.
The Advanced Intermediate class had three joint winners, all on a score of 65%. The honours were shared by Tinahely’s own Rachael Acton with Jazzy Jaybird (Tinahely), Joan Sinnott on Newtown Wilson (Coole Lane) and Zoe Kehoe on her second mount of the day, Louie (Coole Lane).
The Open class saw only one entry for the day and Kadie Burns was rewarded with a ‘best turned out’ prize for her efforts. Jade Douglas was awarded ‘best turned out’ on Carrigbeg Coco in her arena.
Next week the league heads to Boley Equestrian in Wexford where Ashwood RC play host.