THE standard of riding and ringcraft in the ridden Connemara class for riders under 17 years of age is to be commended year on year. For a second time since 2023, Amira Curran and her ‘unicorn’ Caherpuca Chappy (Coolin America x Loughfadda Darling) claimed the red rosette in this competitive section. Tears of joy flowed as she came forward on the nine-year-old grey gelding, owned by her father Daryl and bred by Michael and Kendra Rabbitte.

“We bought him as a five-year-old, and ever since then he’s been my favourite. He never lets me down and is just the most incredible pony I’ve ever had,” Curran said afterwards.

The pair have had another year of success, securing their ticket for Horse of the Year Show in October, where they will compete in the 143cm Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter pony class.

“We will be focusing on our jumping now. I am heading to the BSPS Summer Championships with my three ponies at the end of August,” shared Curran, whose competitive schedule shows no signs of slowing down post-Dublin.

The Under-17 class was the first example of the day where the judges visibly deliberated in their decision for an extended period of time, before coming to their final selection of ponies.

A dramatic shuffle was announced as ponies were called forward in reverse order, with Lyla Vile being rewarded for the delivery of her individual showpiece aboard Emma Walsh’s Skellorn Superted (Skellorn Monarch x Kieta), rising from 16th initially to claim runner-up in the class.

Equally, Emma Cassidy gasped with delight as the dapple grey mare Rathcline May (Gwennic dee Goariva x Ussherpark Beauty), bred by Maureen Kearns, was called forward from 10th to third.