Some 17 riders were put through their paces over two days as she worked on getting them going as a judge would like to see over a course of rustic working hunter jumps and shared tips on how to improve their techniques for the ring this season.

Louise was impressed with the standard and gave lots of tips to the riders, who are aiming to travel over to Britain in a bid to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this year.

She aims to come back to coach the combinations again mid-season and perhaps teach some of those who were unable to attend.

Ciara Mullen (16), who last year successfully qualified and rode at HOYS on her mother’s well-known Ashfield Bobby Sparrow, said: “It was great to have someone as knowledgeable as Louise, who clearly understands what English judges are looking for, give me advice on the way of going.

“This was definitely useful as we are planning to try and qualify for HOYS again this year if we can.”

A charity event in aid of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust was held on the evening of Tuesday, February 18th in the Leopardstown Inn.

Billed as ‘An Evening With Louise Bell and Friends’, it was organised as an informal and relaxed session where the audience could ask the panel any sort of question on showing both in Britain and Ireland.

Louise was joined by showing professionals Jane Bradbury, Richard Iggulden, Maura Rooney and Gill Glynn. Mary McCann acted as moderator and really showed her knowledge on the night by challenging all panellists, as well as adding witty commentary.

The event was very well-attended with 180 people turning up hoping to get some top tips for the season ahead. Audience members included Tommy Brennan, Countess April Merveldt, Jennifer Kennedy-Bray and Denise Norton.

The event was live streamed and, a victim of its own success with over 200 people logging in to watch it, the stream unfortunately crashed on the night.

The session is recorded and available to view online anytime.

Some €1,250 was raised for the IHWT and organisers were quick to thank everyone who supported the night and said they plan to arrange similar sessions in the future. Riders received goodie bags from Lexvet supplements filled with discounts from Snuggy hoods and Supreme Products, as well as gifts from Ark Equestrian, who offered raffle prizes on the night.