THE Cork Area of the Irish Pony Society held their annual show last Saturday at Sceilig Equestrian, where it proved to be a hugely enjoyable and well-supported day for competitors, families and supporters alike.

Despite a particularly busy showing calendar across the country last weekend, the Area committee was delighted with the support shown by those who travelled to Co Cork to compete. A sincere thank you was extended to everyone who attended and contributed to such a positive atmosphere throughout the day.

While numbers across some rings were naturally impacted due to clashes with other events, the working hunter ring attracted strong entries and created plenty of excitement. Competitors enjoyed a fantastic track, designed and built by Killian Brown, which provided an excellent educational and competitive experience for IPS members.

With Sceilig Equestrian set to host an RDS/IPS working hunter qualifier in July, this annual show offered riders a valuable opportunity to familiarise themselves with the venue and gain experience over the new working hunter track ahead of Dublin Horse Show qualification season.

The Cork Area IPS committee would also like to extend sincere thanks to all of the judges, who dedicated their time and expertise throughout a long day of competition.

Cork Area IPS annual show 2026 mini supreme champions Ayda O’Sullivan and Crumpwell Blue Rupert \ OSCA Photography

The mini supreme championship went to the winners of the working hunter lead rein class, Ayda O’Sullivan and Crumpwell Blue Rupert.

The supreme championship title was awarded to the working hunter champions, Ellie Rogan and the Black Shadow-sired Aloe Blacc. Bred by Hannah Gordon out of Iris van de Bucxtale, a Belgium Warmblood mare who jumped up to 1.20m level, the eight-year-old 148cm gelding has been enjoying great success in the show jumping ring this season with Ellie.

The committee acknowledged the generous support of sponsors Connolly’s Red Mills, Foran Equine and Carr & Day & Martin, who kindly provided cash sponsorship, vouchers and products for competitors on the day.

A further thank you went to the many sponsors and supporters within the Cork Area IPS community itself. Several committee members and local supporters contributed sponsorship personally, which greatly assists with the day-to-day running and continued success of the area, organisers said.