THE AIRC South West Regional Dressage Qualifiers took place at Skevanish Equestrian Centre on Sunday, June 28th, hosted by West Cork Riding Club.

Six teams contested the Connolly’s Red Mills AIRC Team Dressage Qualifier, with riders from across the region competing for the single qualifying place at the AIRC National Dressage Championships in Mullingar.

The competition was extremely close throughout, with East Cork Riding Club taking the title on a score of 420.91%, ahead of Knocknamana Country Riding Club on 418.42%, while South West Riding Club finished third on 413.33%.

The winning East Cork Riding Club team comprised Cecilia Foster (Abbeyside Rory), Laura Pope (Southway Flying Comet), Margaret Manning (Apachi) and Emma Mangan (Glentrague Melody), producing two consistent rounds to secure the regional title and qualification.

Closely matched

The N, P3 and P2 grades saw all six teams remain closely matched throughout, with Highland Lodge Riding Club fielding two teams that kept them in contention alongside South West Riding Club and Knocknamana Country Riding Club.

Heading into the final phase, little separated the leading teams; however, East Cork Riding Club held their nerve to secure the win and qualification to the AIRC National Dressage Championships in Mullingar, where the East Cork club will now represent the South West Region.

West Cork Riding Club would like to thank the O’Sullivan family for the use of Skevanish Equestrian Centre, Connolly’s Red Mills for sponsoring the prizes, Skorie for providing their scoring system, and all competitors, judges and volunteers, who contributed to a successful and well-run day.