THE Irish ‘Girls in Green’ dressage team that made history at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam last month, when qualifying Ireland for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, were at the Dressage Ireland 30th (pearl) anniversary celebrations at the Slieve Bloom Stud National Dressage Championships in Cavan Equestrian Centre yesterday (Friday).

The Team Ireland quartet of Judy Reynolds, Anna Merveldt, Heike Holstein and Kate Dwyer along with team trainer Johann Hinnemann participated in a ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ Q&A session, hosted by international rider and trainer Dane Rawlins.

The pearl anniversary celebrations commenced with a wine reception in the bar at Cavan Equestrian Centre where well known equestrian commentator Paul Nolan opened with a welcome and overview of the 30-year history of Dressage Ireland. Esteemed guest and original founder of Dressage Ireland, Joan Keogh, was among those attending and Ronan Murphy, CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, spoke about the exciting future of Irish dressage.

“We are delighted that all four of the team members who secured Ireland’s first Olympic Dressage team place are taking time out of their busy schedules to attend our National Championships this year. We are looking forward to the weekend and hope that all our members enjoy celebrating this milestone anniversary and many more years to come,” said Dressage Ireland Championships coordinator Jane Whitaker earlier this week.

A team of 15 judges from five nations will officiate at the Slieve Bloom Stud National Dressage Championships in Cavan Equestrian this weekend where some 257 riders will compete on 303 horses and ponies in 36 classes.