THE Children on Horses team were first out of the block at last weekend’s European Championships when winning a silver medal last Wednesday. Jumping a horse at championship level is an achievement not to be underestimated for these riders, who are all under the age of 15 and eligible for the pony ranks for another couple of years. Here we take a closer look at the team members.

RHYS WILLIAMS

Age: 13

From: Clare

Horse: CES Cruson (ISH), owned by Marie Burke

Achievements: Just before leaving for the European Championships, Rhys had the perfect send off when winning the 1.20m at his local Co Clare show aboard CES Cruson, who he also rode at last year’s Dublin Horse Show, at the tender age of 12. He is a force to be reckoned with on the national pony circuit, winning countless premiers and championships.

He was runner-up in last year’s 138cm championship in the main arena with Sligo Lux To Queeney and will be back to try go one better next month.

SARAH FITZGERALD

Age: 13

From: Limerick

Horse: Master Holiday (ISH), owned by Gerard McNamara

Achievements: Sarah began riding Master Holiday at shows in March 2018 and qualified for the Children on Horse division at the upcoming Dublin Horse Show at the first qualifier in Cavan when placing fourth. Sarah has also qualified Future Memories for the 138cm class at the RDS. That pony qualified in Maryville just before Sarah left for Fontainebleau.

CIARAN FOLEY

Age: 12

From: Wicklow

Horse: Ballylynch Wizard, owned by Thomas Foley.

Achievements: Ciaran jumped in the two-star classes at Mullingar International this year with a horse called Quitano B and that combination were 11th at the RDS qualifier in Barnadown, just missing out on qualifying. In 2016 he jumped in the 128cm division at the Dublin Horse Show with Reggie Spartacus. Ballylynch Wizard is currently qualified for this year’s show in the 1.40m young rider class with Thomas Foley.

LUCY MORTON

Age: 13

From: Armagh

Horse: Delton, owned by Paul Boyle

Achievements: Lucy qualified for the Children on Horse at this year’s Dublin Horse Show back in May aboard Delton, and the pair also competed in the Simmonscourt arena last year, finishing second.

They also finished third TRI Spring Tour final for junior and children at the Meadows EC in the same month, as well as winning the 148cm final aboard Tynan Bo-Bo Bear, among other victories for the combination.

Other wins this season in the pony ranks include the 138cm 1.10m at the Pony Premier Show at the Meadows with Tynan Espresso.

ISOBEL HUGHES-

KENNEDY

Age: 14

From: Kilkenny

Horse: ESI Carvalho (ISH), owned by Ennisnag Stud

Achievements: This combination booked their ticket for this year’s Dublin Horse Show when placing fourth in the qualifier at the Meadows earlier this month, and they were third in the international Grand Prix at Lier, Belgium, in April. Hughes Kennedy has also qualified Coppenagh Celtic Rebel in the 138cm division, where they finished sixth in 2017. In 2015, she rode in the 128cm class with My Little Shadow.