THE South Munster Region is set to hold the first Dressage Ireland Inter Regional Final today at Ballindenisk. Established as a replacement for the annual Winter Finals, which had been poorly supported in recent years, the Inter Regional Finals will mark the culmination of a series of specific qualifier classes held throughout the country over the winter season.

South Munster chair Ana Maria Hughes explained: “There were specific qualifications required for this show, which all regions agreed on, and many qualifiers were held around the country from October to April. It gave people a focus, which is needed in the dreary winter months, and the response it got has been incredible.”

Hughes continued: “We are thrilled to be hosting the very first Inter Regional Final at the top venue that is Ballindenisk. When we got the go ahead in October, it was full steam ahead from our committee. We dove right in, securing many sponsors, judges, volunteers and a few little surprises, and the show will have a real international vibe to it. We wish all competitors the very best of luck, and we hope to have the most fabulous day of top dressage.”

Contesting

While entries at the higher levels are small, former National Winter Champion Belinda Brereton is contesting the Grand Prix with Galaxy Moone, a recent winner of that class at Sika. Tara Oliver is also contesting that class with Furst Romance, on whom she won a national title at Inter II last year, as well as the small tour classes with Senators Rhonaldo. There was more support for classes from prelim to advanced medium, the largest of which is the elementary, where 18 combinations are due to come forward.

The Inter Regional Finals will also be the first show where Dressage Ireland’s new initiative of direct qualification for the National Championships (August 14th-16th at Necarne Castle) will come into effect.

Under this initiative, winning combinations who score over 68% in championships at the following shows will be offered direct qualification for the nationals at the level at which they won. Other than today’s show, those offering this pathway to Necarne include the Leinster summer festival, the Northern Region festival and the South East Region Classic.