THE third round of the Horse Sport Ireland/Dressage Ireland Autumn Development Series was held last Saturday at Portmore Equestrian where it was good to see so many members of other DI Regions take on their Northern Region counterparts.

However, the locals did a very good job in holding off the raiders, winning all but two of the graded qualifying classes with Gransha Equestrian’s Courtney Stuart landing four of the 10 on Favorino (Preliminary and Novice) and HH Empire (Advanced and Prix St George).

“I was absolutely overwhelmed with how both boys performed,” said the owner/rider. “It had been a rough week with losing our uncle Jim (Brown) on the Monday but the horses, as always, give us all a reason to stay positive. I am also extremely lucky to be surrounded by an amazing support network.

“The highlight of the day had to be HH Empire (an eight-year-old stallion by Bretton Woods) winning the Prix St George on his second start at this level; he stepped up and showed tons of potential. Favorino, who is a five-year-old by Follow Me, is a seriously exciting young horse who makes me smile every time I ride him. He is closely related to Fanfarron 8 so, if he can be half as good as he was, I will be delighted.

“I would like to commend the organisers of all the Northern Ireland Dressage and the Dressage Ireland shows that are going ahead at the moment as they are very well run, always adhering to the Covid-19 rules and guidelines. I really feel this HSI series has arrived at the perfect time as it gives everyone motivation and a drive to keep riding through a very difficult and strange time.”

Victory for Adrain

The Northern Region chair, Joan Adrain, won the Medium and Advanced Medium qualifiers with her nine-year-old Lord Of Loxely gelding Goldwin while her coach, Caroline Mellor, landed the Grand Prix with Gouverneur M. Laragh O’Grady claimed the Intermediaire I with her Irish Sport Horse gelding Mullentine Emerald Wolfe Tone, a nine-year-old by Jaguar Mail.

The Northern Region’s run of success was halted by Sarah Elebert, who won the Elementary qualifier on the ISH mare EE Parlanti Cruise, a daughter of Ringfort Cruise, and by Sarah Mellor who claimed the Intermediaire II on her 13-year-old Sir Donnerhall mare, Let’s Dance.