THERE was a massive entry for the first of the four Dublin Horse Show working hunter pony qualifiers, which was held last Sunday in beautiful weather conditions at Banner Equestrian in Co Clare.

The judges for the day were Imelda O’Shaughnessy (Phase 1) and Nicola Miller (Phase 2), while the jumping tracks were built by Charles Hanley, who will also be building at the remaining three qualifying rounds.

The more experienced riders said the course flowed really well over a great variety of up-to-height fences, finishing with a bullfinch. Apart from the wavy planks, which hit the deck with regularity, the problems were well spread out across the track.

Sunday’s qualifier, which was held completely on sand, was the first to use ‘ipslive’ and anyone we spoke to commented favourably on the system, particularly with regard to its transparency when it came to judges’ marks. All entries must be made online this season and, as this IPS system is linked to the RDS, it should make it easier to enter Dublin.

The top five combinations in each category at each qualifier will be eligible for entry at Dublin, subject to a number of criteria - one being that they must complete a second qualifier. A reserve system will not be in place for these qualifiers, which are all being run in conjunction with the Irish Pony Society, who are working with their partners, Connolly’s Red Mills.

There is another large entry for tomorrow’s qualifier which, due to a family bereavement, has been moved from Kilbride to the nearby Raheen Na Gun EC. The third qualifier takes place on June 7th at Knockagh View after which there will be a break until the final qualifier at Sceilig Equestrian on July 1st.