THE horse section at Killusty Show goes from strength to strength, with entries increasing year on year and competitors travelling from across the country to take part. The cob classes enjoyed an excellent turnout, prompting organisers to introduce a maxi cob class for the first time. The ridden horse championship was claimed by Kate Boyce and The Masterstroke, while Susan Archdeacon partnered Coco Boy to stand reserve.

A significant addition to this year’s schedule was the inaugural ridden hunter championship, which was held alongside the RIHS qualifying classes. Several successful competitors earned the coveted opportunity to compete at the Royal International and Killusty Show looks forward to following their progress on the international stage.

The first winner of the new ridden hunter championship was Jodie Moran’s Gracie’s Touch, expertly partnered by Conor Higgins. Reserve champion honours went to Emer Howard’s Sammy Dream, ridden by Anna Dangerfield. The championship also marked the introduction of a new perpetual trophy, presented by the committee in memory of the late Yvonne McClintock.

Yvonne made an immeasurable contribution to Killusty Show over more than four decades, serving as a dedicated steward and mentor to countless young riders. Her enthusiasm, encouragement and commitment to the showing and hunting community left a lasting impression, making the championship a fitting tribute to her legacy.

One of the standout attractions of the horse section was the small hunter final, which drew a high-class field of competitors from all corners of Ireland. Having qualified throughout the showing season at affiliated shows nationwide, the finalists produced an impressive standard of competition before judges James Van Praagh and Chris Bartram-Lawton.

It was Gracie’s Touch, owned by Jodie Moran and ridden by Conor Higgins, who emerged as champion, having qualified at the Limerick/Clare IPS spring show. Reserve champion was awarded to Lucy Lennon and Mill Race Diamond. The prestigious final was generously sponsored by Irish Horse Sales.

The show hunter pony section once again attracted an outstanding standard of competition, with exceptional quality on display throughout the day. Following a series of highly-contested classes, Brendan Lawlor’s Bombay Regal Prince, expertly ridden by Kate Lawlor, claimed the championship title. Rachel Lane’s Pennwood Dandini, ridden by Amber Lane, was awarded the reserve championship after another impressive performance.