BEAUTIFUL sunshine with a chill in the air greeted riders for the Irish Pony Society Spring Show which was held in Raheen Na Gun last Saturday. Ger O’Brien and his team at Raheen Na Gun efficiently built tracks and set up two very inviting courses for the riders and were on hand all day. With over 60 classes, there was lots to entertain the spectators.

The largest classes of the day were in the mini classes with lots of small beautifully turned out ponies and riders walking away with colourful rosettes. Chloe Salley riding Margaret Miller’s Goldengrove Sunshine was both Show Hunter Champion and Part-Bred Champion. James Kelly’s Rookery Haribo, ridden by Jack Kelly, also had a great day winning the Mini Show Hunter and the M&M Ridden Championship.

The working hunter rings, although quieter, had some great displays of jumping with Ciara Durham’s home-bred pony Jim Delaney winning Working Hunter Champion ridden by Pippa Durham, with the M& M Working Hunter Championship won by Margaret Nelson’s Benny Liath ridden by Isabelle Nally. The Performance Championship was won by the super little pony Inspector Bob who has taught many a rider to negotiate jumps safely, owned by Sara Kavanagh and ridden by her daughter Ellie.

SUPREME

Charlotte Kelly won the overall Supreme Championship with Tara Hudson’s Chagford Leon. Charlotte had won the Show Pony Championship earlier and was the judge’s pick in the Supreme. Co Meath’s Carla Williamson took the Reserve Supreme with Janet Williamson’s pony Plasdavrene Matty’s Mate. Carla had won the Starter Stakes championship after a lovely win the Open Working Starter Stakes competition. The IPS would like to thank all who supported the show, all the new members who have joined this year and all its loyal members who travel the country supporting shows and look forward to a great season ahead.