THE 2026/2027 TRI Equestrian Interschools season got off to a great start in a venue new to the league, the Tinahely Riding Club’s venue in Coolboy, Shillelagh. Beautiful Autumn weather greeted the competitors and supporters and there was some excellent jumping on display.
Victory in the TRI Equestrian Open Teams League event went to Colaiste Bhride Carnew, who saw off rivals the Avondale and Glenart combined team to take the win. Colaiste Bhride was represented by Lucy Walsh riding Devon Rocks, Claire Hill Doyle and Frederick, Abbie Byrne and Grand Riser and Emily Wafer riding Parkmore D. The Avondale and Glenart team were Laura Byrne, Helen Winterbotham and Sophie Rhatigan riding Corporal Cora Breeda Nellie and Bertragh Boy Beauty respectively.
In the TRI Equestrian Individual League, the red rosette and first league points of the season were claimed by Nina Smith from Naas Community College riding Cara Cave Boy ahead of Brooke Sutton McGarry representing Ramsgrange on Castle Ellis in second and Lulu Rose Mulhall on Admiral Xena in third. Remaining league points went to Amber Smith, Cathal Murphy and Laura Byrne.
The TRI Equestrian Premier 1.10m class was won in fine style by Ard Kyle Freestyle ridden by Hazel Walsh for Alexandra College despite a good challenge by Ramsgrange rider Brooke Sutton McGarry again riding Castle Ellis in second and Olle Walsh from CBS Wexford on Inch Hill Pippa in third. The remaining qualifying places went to Nina Smith and Cara Cave Boy, Nidge and Lily Malone for St. Gerards and Ballyfore and Sophie Rhatigan for Glenart College.
Novice classes
In the novice classes the team event was won by St Leo’s College represented by Knocka Darcy and Einin Dwyer, Anna Curry and Aughavinna Shiela, Realtin Curran and Django and Pippa Short Stockings ridden by Darci Hutton. Avondale Community College was second. Izzy Timmons on Amber, Ben O’Dea and Charleville Feebee Ciara Winterbotham and Bolgers Leah and Annie McGuire and Emma Byrne represented Avondale. Presentation Wexford was third. Colaiste Bhride was fourth.
The Equieire novice 90cm class was won by Lucy Day riding Kilkisheen Girl for Presentation Wexford. Also qualifying for the final were Annie Stafford, Charlotte O’Connell Kate Staunton and Yulia Di Nardi Maher. The red rosette in the novice 80cm class, which is open to both secondary and primary riders, also went to Lucie Day and Kilkisheen Girl riding for Presentation Wexford whilst the runner up rosette went to the winner of the primary league individual class, Frankie Rath and Catch Me Now, competing for Screen National School. Lottie Codd from St. Fintan’s Mayglass on Bryngwennol Reflection was second in the primary individual league class with sibling Penny on Killiwalli Zara in third. The other primary league places went to Bobby Walsh, Sophie White and Freya Ferguson.
Action moves this weekend to Warrington Equestrian Centre where Kilkenny College are the hosts.