THE Ballinroe Pony Premier concluded at the SJI National Pony Championships, with the titles being decided over five rounds and the final. In the 128cm under 10, Jack Derwin took the title, while in the older division of the 128cm, it was Chloe Clarke who emerged as the winner. Winner of the 138cm was Jack Dore, while a strong performance saw Alice Moloney claim the 148cm accolade.

PRL Pathway Series

A new league, the PRL Pathway Series proved popular this year with 148cm competitors. The aim of the series is to act as a bridging class for 148cm ponies and riders to further advance them on their Pathway to competing in the 148 Pony Premier class. With a total prize fund of approx. €5,000, it came as no surprise that it was well supported. The series came to a conclusion at the Pony Championships. Taking the PRL Championship title was Noah Murphy, while the reserve went to Olivia Kinsella. The Overall League Champion was Luke Sweeney and Orchid’s Atilla, when finishing on 23 points, with the reserve going to Lucia Keane and Clounamon Coco on 19.

A firm favourite for producing young ponies, the Boomerang Starfinder saw nail-biting classes throughout the series. In the end, it was Jack Dore (Whs Classic Illusion) that took the title, with Cliodhna McEvoy and Juno Uno taking second. Dore also took third place with Shining Du Champ Do Bois.

National Pony Championships

Following a busy week of jumping in Mullingar Pony Championships, the titles were decided. Winner of the 128 U10 aboard Coppenagh With No Fear was Finn Russell, while Julia Sheehan and Heartbreaker Charlie took the 128cm title.

The 138cm went to Katelyn Horgan and Mystic Du Charoo, while the 148cm crown was claimed by Cathal McKeon-Devaney and Nokio. Leading regional awards were also presented, with Cathal McKeon-Devaney claiming the title for Connaught, Harvey Oscar Foley for Leinster and Cliodhna McEvoy for Ulster. In Munster, it was Sam Widger that took home the prize.

A favourite at the pony championships with riders and spectators are the National Derby classes. Winner of the 148 1.10m Derby was Hannah Maccombe-Funston and Highlandy Rebel when fastest of six clears. Winner of the 138cm metre Derby was Alex Maloney and Rogild’s Artax when fastest of eight double clears. Taking the 128 Under 10s 85cm Derby was Harry Kelly and Ashwey El Britaniko, while winner of the 128 90cm Derby was Caitie McEvoy aboard Where It Began.

In September, the All-Ireland Interprovincial Finals at Barnadown were nearly lost to poor weather, but swift action from the organising committee saw the competition rescheduled to Sunday, where sunshine greeted riders.

After a thrilling day of competition, Leinster topped the final leaderboard on 3,064 points, followed by Munster on 2,831, Ulster with 2,458 and Connaught on 1,024.