THE South Leinster/Waterford Area of the Irish Pony Society recently embarked on a new initiative, hosting two-phase and three-phase competitions for all ages at Wexford Equestrian last weekend.

A new concept for the area, the competition attracted riders of all ages from four to 20 and the committee were so encouraged by the response that similar days are already being planned for next spring.

The competition entry included several riders who had never taken part in IPS events before and hopefully this will encourage them to continue next season.

The results were awarded on a points system, and in the lead rein class Eryn O’Reilly on Wilson was a convincing winner overall from Georgia de Bromhead in second.

Ava Doyle took both first and second places in the first ridden division, riding Missy and the veteran Mean Bean.

HOTLY CONTESTED

The starter stakes competition was hotly contested over all three phases but Tiggy Hancock on Longthwaite Red Robin finished two points ahead of Taylor Peare on Lady Dawn Windsor to win the overall rosette.

In the 133cms class Hancock came out on top again with Noble Toreen Lass, followed closely by Lottie Ross and Penny’s Wonder in second place.

The 143cms section provided another close finish, with Emma Osborne on Lisrua Heidi just gaining the lead from Sadhbh Stassin on Clonross Giselle.

The Connemara class went to Shauna Furlong on Danny’s Pride with Lauren Reck coming second with Bobby’s Misty Magic.

Victory in the 153cms class went to Sadhbh Stassin with Max, with second place being hotly contested by Eimear Furlong and Ciara Freyne. In the end it was Furlong and her mount Thistletown Olympia who came out on top by a single mark.

Furlong then completed the show jumping phase only on Brandon Nairobi to take the 158cms class.