THE Eastern Region of Dressage Ireland held its annual awards and members’ dinner last Saturday night in the Park View Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy.

Gillian Kyle first delivered her chairperson’s report, after which special guest Ronan Murphy, the FEI’s Director for Dressage, Para Dressage and Vaulting, addressed those in attendance and presented the awards.

Kyle, who will be heading to Portugal next week to fill her role as a technical advisor for the CCI4* event in Mata Do Doque, welcomed all present, especially Murphy who is an Eastern Region member himself.

She continued: “Last year, we ran 11 shows and I would like to thank the Delahoyde family for allowing us the use of their fantastic facilities (at Marlton Stud) and their generous help and support. I must also extend my thanks to all the volunteers who give up their time to support our shows - call-up stewards, writers, scorers and sheet collectors.

“We are still striving to cater for every level, and I hope that we are satisfying our competitors with the classes and tests we are scheduling, but please do let us know if there is anything specific we could offer for you next season.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our members who did brilliantly last year both internationally and on the home circuit.

“As I said last year, we aim to continue running shows of the highest calibre, promoting competition at the highest levels and hopefully giving you, the members, the service you would wish for. And we are always open to input, so please do take an active part in shaping your region.

“We have set up an ER WhatsApp group with a view to keeping our members informed. If you would like to join, please speak to Katriona (Hall).

“This year, we will once again be bringing List 1 judges from the UK.

“We were also very fortunate to have List 1 judge Harry Payne for regular clinics, which were very educational and popular. I am delighted to tell you that he will be returning to hold regular training clinics this year. I would like to thank the Burke family for allowing us to use their facilities for this training (at Monastery House).

“I would also like to thank my committee for their support. There are three people who deserve a special thank you - Katriona Hall, our regional and show secretary; Jane Whitaker, who does the times, a thankless job as we who have done it all know; and Peter Roberts, our brilliant call-up steward - without these people, our shows would not run. We can’t run our shows without your help and there is always a need for call-up stewards, writers and score collectors.”

Kyle finished off by wishing members the best of luck for 2026. The Eastern Region holds its second show of the year, which will be an inter-regional qualifier on Saturday, March 7th at Marlton.

Eastern Region 2025 award winners

Preliminary champion: Avril Kelly with her 12-year-old home-bred dun mare Kinamara Laura (Cashelbay Chip - Lady Sparrow, by Ashfield Bobby Sparrow).

Novice champion: Siofra Pratt with Enda Pratt’s nine-year-old bay cob gelding InCobnito.

Elementary champion: Siofra Pratt with her 13-year-old chesnut Irish Sport Horse mare Ballarin My Grace (Kings Master - Seefinn Rosewood, by Nash Me, bd John Ryan).

Medium champion and overall leading rider: Daphne Lush with her 16-year-old chesnut ISH gelding Millpoint Carnival (Millpoint Odin - Millpoint Girl, by Gael Force, bd Barth O’Keeffe).

Advanced champion: Gilly Crawford with her 10-year-old bay ISH mare Majestic Heartbreaker (Womanizer - Flojo, by Mr Majestic, bd Veronica Agnew).

Leading new member award: Liz O’Callaghan.