THERE was an Irish judge on both ground juries at last week’s FEI WBFSH eventing world championships for young horses at Le Lion d’Angers.

Co Antrim’s Vanda Stewart has officiated at many international events this year but here the FEI Eventing Level 4 judge filled the role of President of a ground jury for the first time in the CCI2*-L for six-year-olds. “It was an honour,” commented Stewart who was amazed to see 46,000 people descend on the racecourse and its environs for cross-country day. “When you’re judging you try to do the best possible job you can. We had a fabulous bunch of young horses; some were very green on the flat but the quality really did shine through. I’d be interested in going back next season to see how they have progressed.

“This year, I judged at Millstreet and Lisgarvan, at a lot of internationals throughout Britain and at Segersjö in Sweden which is the venue for next year’s European Junior and Young Rider championships. Knowing that I was going to Le Lion for the world championships, I had to recuse myself from judging young horse classes.” Stewart packed wet weather clothes for Le Lion but, thankfully, didn’t need them. One item she did pack, and wear, however was a hat with a ‘magic feather’ which Jean Mitchell wore on her last assignment as an FEI eventing judge.

Co Cork’s Maire Hennessy went to New Zealand last year as an FEI 3* judge and started 2025 officiating at Funza in Colombia. For her latest venture, she was able to call on No 1 supporter, husband Dick, to share driving duties to Le Lion where she was a member of the CCI3*-L ground jury. “It was a huge thrill to be asked to judge at my first world championships,” revealed Hennessy who, along with Stewart is a Dressage Ireland List 2 judge.

“I loved it but, with 70 horses, it was quite demanding, especially the first horse inspection. I can only get away to judge at these internationals thanks to my family’s support and this time I have to particularly thank my daughter Meabh who looked after all our animals - horses, dog and hens - to let us take time off to go to Mondial du Lion.”

Like others, Meabh Hennessy would have been able to follow all the action from Le Lion free-of-charge as the organisers continue to offer unpaid online streaming of the event.