MEMBERS of the Newcastle Lyons Branch left the Irish Pony Club Equieire national dressage championships at CoilÓg on Tuesday with three titles, 16 placings and many outstanding performances to their credit. Half of the Branch’s 44 members competed at the Co Kildare venue.

Repeating her 2025 success, Faye French won a Section of the Under 10s’ championship on board the 17-year-old grey gelding Sandy Banks, with whom she also competes under Dressage Ireland rules. Millie Dalton won her warm-up class and a Section of the Under 12s’ championship with the 24-year-old chesnut gelding Jubilee, who she competes with Show Jumping Ireland.

Louisa Dalton did likewise at Junior level on the 21-year-old Frosthill Jackaroo, a skewbald gelding by Twyford Jorrocks, who she too competes with SJI. Zara Groves won the Under 10s’ warm-up class with another show jumper, the 21-year-old piebald gelding Kellys Young Hero.

In her first year as District Commissioner, Ailish Groves said she was immensely proud of all the members who travelled to CoilÓg as did Secretary Deirdre Kane.

“The results reflect the hard work being done behind the scenes, with Newcastle Lyons holding regular training clinics to help riders and ponies prepare for competition,” added Groves. “The club’s senior riders also recently enjoyed a valuable and social training opportunity with Heike Holstein, further building confidence and enthusiasm within the Branch.

“Beyond the titles and placings, the riders represented Newcastle Lyons Pony Club with distinction throughout the event, showing not only their ability in the arena but also the teamwork, encouragement and sportsmanship that are at the heart of the Pony Club movement. The results underline the strength and dedication of our members with the future looking bright for Newcastle Lyons Pony Club.”