SIX Irish riders travelled to Scotland last week to take part in the FEI Seacliff Endurance Ride, where junior riders Jacob Morrow and Morgan Skillan secured an Irish one-two in the junior 80km event.

Thanks to the Sponsorship of Horseware Ireland, five horse and rider combinations, as well as one other individual, travelled to the FEI event, making it the biggest travelling team Ireland have had in endurance, led by chef d’equipe Peter O’Carroll.

Helen McFarland riding She Stoops to Conqueror and Horseware-sponsored Nicola Bowd with Inchaallah Claddah competed in the 120km event and both handled the course well finishing and passing the final vetting to gain 120km qualification.

Mary Thompson, who works in the Horseware shop in Dundalk and had never competed in endurance before this year, rode Tom MacGuinness’ Asperila in the 80km event, along with Andrea O’Carroll, who unfortunately decided to retire early on course as she did not feel well.

Thompson cantered across the finish line in second place with a huge grin on her face, delighted to have completed her first 80km course.

Riding together in the junior 80km, Jacob Morrow crossed the line a few seconds before Morgan Skillan and both horses were crewed expertly to pass the vet and secure first and second place for Ireland.

Speaking after the event, chef d’equipe Peter O’Carroll said: “A fantastic weekend was had. It is the first time that Ireland, to my knowledge, has been so well represented at a foreign event and for all horses to pass their vetting sound and then to return home 100% fit is a great achievement, one that we all should be proud of.”

The Seacliff ride is one of the biggest rides of the year for the Scottish Endurance Riding Club.

The ride has expanded based on the success of the previous years, with everyone enjoying the fast, flowing routes and fantastic going around the grassy farmland and woodlands of East Lothian.