IT’S not often that you come out of Ballindenisk International Horse Trials talking about how the sun shone, but it feels like the weather gods were looking down on the Fell family this past weekend. With a record-breaking number of entries to celebrate 50 years of eventing at Ballindenisk, it was just fitting the sun came out to join in on the party. A truly international field descended on Watergrasshill with 11 nations represented across the 13 classes being held throughout the weekend.

“We were blessed with the weather all weekend and it really made for a great competition. I cannot thank the competitors and owners for coming and the volunteers, stewards and everyone who helped throughout the week enough for helping us put on the event,” commented organiser Peter Fell.

“Eventing started here over 50 years ago, when my father agreed to allow horses to come for a “canter through the farm“ after a request from Van de Vater – who would’ve thought we’d be here all these years later!”

Dedication

A loyal supporter of Ballindenisk, NutriScience Equine, were the title sponsor of the event as well as sponsoring the CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S classes. Faith Morris was on site during the weekend to present the prizes to the winners. Commenting on the partnership, Faith said: “We are so proud to be involved with the team here at Ballindenisk, in particular as they celebrate 50 years of eventing. Their dedication and commitment to Irish eventing is remarkable and we are delighted to be associated with such an achievement.”

A particularly special award was presented to Eamon Heffernan and Sharon Long for their outstanding work in the cross-country control at Ballindenisk. The Chris Corballis Trophy was presented by Chris’s son, Ciaran, in memory of his father. The award stands as a tribute to Chris’s immense dedication and contribution to the sport, and it was especially meaningful to see his legacy carried forward in this way.

With so many competitors having multiple rides, it was great to see these being recognised by TRM Nutrition who sponsored prize packs for the overall leading rider, which was won by Ireland’s Sarah Ennis. Leading amateur rider was presented to Lucy Toombs and leading U21 rider was awarded to Ciara O’Connor. Glebe Equine also sponsored a prize to the Highest Placed Northern Region Evening Ireland member and this was won by Steven Smith.