AS in previous years, the Young Rider Dublin Horse Show qualifiers went down to the wire and, with each combination earning their place over four demanding qualification series, the stage is set for a thrilling week of competition at the Dublin Horse Show. This year the margins between the leading riders have been incredibly fine throughout the qualifiers, setting the stage for what could be one of the most closely-fought Young Rider championships of this year’s Dublin Horse Show.

The race for coveted Dublin Horse Show tickets for young riders began in Mullingar and this year young riders were well and truly up for the challenge.

In the Young Rider 1.35m/1.40m qualifier, the standard is expected to be exceptionally high. The technical track has already proved a true test, with only a handful of riders managing to produce the faultless performances. Connaught’s Cian McMunn will arrive in confident form after leading the way with Oberon Van’t Lohof, while Alex O’Connor and Carreras 12 also demonstrated the consistency needed at this level. Harrison Blair and L’Esprit Hero Z showed blistering pace despite an unfortunate rail down, while resident rider Alanna Fagan partnered Billy Hastings to another impressive performance.

The 1.25m/1.30m qualifier is also set to attract a huge entry. Connie McFadden and Domar Van De Neerheide head into the competition in excellent form after producing one of the quickest clear rounds, while Siobhan Doyle with Dante DV Z and Emily Halford aboard Herle have also shown they have the speed and accuracy required. The McFadden family enjoyed a particularly successful outing, with Cara McFadden and Orville Jack also among the leading contenders.

Isabelle Boland and MBF Maxwill won the 1.25/ 1.30 YR RDS qualifier at Barnadown \ Claire Nolan jumpinaction.net

Competition is equally fierce in the 1.10m/1.15m section, where nearly 100 combinations battled it out. Kristin O’Sullivan and Cushlas Kinnagin Z led a strong field after a standout performance, with Isabelle Boland and Boleybawn Reverie, Caoimhe Treacy and HZ Dido, and Amber English aboard Castlebridge Super Nova all proving they have the form to challenge for the remaining coveted tickets.

Barnadown

In the second round at Barnadown, the 1.35m/1.40m young rider Kian Dore and Jillian Lennon’s Monterey Bay emerged as one of the combinations to watch after producing consistently faultless rounds. Local favourite Lauren Adams and Caddie Z have also shown excellent form, while Ciaran Foley and CSF Despardo have demonstrated the consistency needed to challenge for top honours. Senan Reape and Creevagh Special have proven they have the pace to chase the title.

The 1.25m/1.30m championship is expected to be fiercely contested. Isabelle Boland and MBF Maxwill head to Dublin full of confidence after a string of polished performances, while Ulster’s Lucy Morton will be a serious contender with both Balou’s Penny PS and Che Fantastica. Kilkenny rider Alice Moloney and MHS Jolene have also impressed throughout the qualifiers, as has James Derwin with the promising seven-year-old River Jordan, ensuring another highly competitive championship.

In the penultimate round in Maryville, the 1.10m/1.15m Young Rider showcased an exciting line-up of rising stars. Munster’s Ali O’Reilly and the six-year-old Ur My Girl Eh have shown excellent consistency throughout the qualification campaign and will be a hot contender in this division. Leinster rider Dylan Barrett partners the talented seven-year-old MMS Alexa, while Ciara Ryan and Isla Flight will also be ones to watch. Lucy Morton once again features among the leading contenders with the seven-year-old Jungfrau Du Thot, underlining the talent that she brings to the young rider division.

Maryville

Leading the charge is Emily Hall and the talented seven-year-old Lockside Celtic Queen, who produced three immaculate clear rounds to stamp their authority on the class. Their consistency and composure throughout the qualifier suggest they will be a combination to watch when the championship gets underway in Dublin.

Katie Nallon has enjoyed an impressive season making her presence felt in senior company, and she continued that rich vein of form by partnering Bob Sweeney’s seven-year-old Aganix Summer Tokyo to a flawless qualification. Their growing partnership will make them serious contenders as they step onto one of Ireland’s biggest stages.

Another exciting young partnership comes in the shape of Millie Jeffers and the seven-year-old Brownstown’s I’m So Fancy, whose confident performance secured their place among the Dublin qualifiers. With talent and consistency on their side, they arrive at the RDS with plenty of momentum.

Completing the Maryville qualifiers are Sarah Fitzgerald and the promising five-year-old Robin Van’t Sterrebos. One of the youngest horses to earn qualification, the pair have shown maturity beyond their years and will relish the opportunity to compete under the spotlight at the Dublin Horse Show. Matthew Conlon and Dik Star De La Chenee took fifth.

Munster riders have made a particularly strong statement, led by Jack Kent and Origi Van De Bandam, who produced a polished, confident performance to head the field and confirm themselves as genuine title contenders. Close behind were fellow Munster combination Sarah Fitzgerald and Oh So Special CE, whose consistency and precision throughout the qualifiers suggest they have all the ingredients to challenge for championship honours in Dublin.

Leinster rider Ciaran Foley and Roger De Mariposa have also earned their place among the favourites after a series of assured performances, while Anna Ehle and the talented eight-year-old GSA Oscar have demonstrated the form and composure needed to compete at the highest level.

Connie McFadden and Domar Van De Neerheide won the 1.25/1.30 YR RDS qualifier at Mullingar \ Rolf Stenberg jumpinaction.net

Cavan

In Cavan, Marta Hughes Bravo and HHS Figero produced three flawless rounds to claim victory with a superb display of speed and precision. They will undoubtedly head to the RDS full of confidence.

Hot on their heels are James Derwin and Amos LZ, whose consistency throughout the qualifiers has marked them out as genuine championship challengers. Jamie Clarke and Sydney PMD also demonstrated they have the pace and composure to contend for top honours, while Annie Boland and Calisto Blanc complete a quartet of combinations capable of making a serious impact when the pressure is at its greatest.

The 1.25m/1.30m Championship produced some of the fastest jump-offs of the entire show. The standard was exceptionally high, with 10 combinations producing triple-clear performances in one qualifier alone. Luke Devlin and Lisbane Devlin arrive at Dublin in excellent form after showcasing both speed and consistency. Max Doyle and Kee Techno have repeatedly shown they can match the leaders stride for stride, while Millie Jeffers and Beechfields Billy Barnwell continue to emerge as real contenders in this section.

Mark Mellett and Love To Be Cruising, along with Isabelle O’Conaola and ESI Hampshire, have also demonstrated they have the pace to challenge for the podium.

In the 1.10m/1.15m Championship, Connaught rider Matilde Baaring Kjaergaard and PP Wishes head into the championship after an impressive qualification campaign and will be among those to watch. Close behind are Sam Widger and BP Lucky Clover, who have consistently produced polished performances, while Hilary Brannigan and Everdeen Waldstar have shown the accuracy needed to compete at the highest level.

Tom Aita Tagle and Quinlan’s Hero also arrive with strong credentials, while Sarah Curry and Hartford V/D Drie Eiken Z complete an exceptionally competitive field.

The Young Rider championships at this year’s Dublin Horse Show promise outstanding sport. The battle is set to produce spectacular competition.