WITHOUT a doubt Ireland has a pool of up-and-coming young riders and 2016 was another year in which they proved their credentials at home and abroad. Here are just a few of the highlights of their success.

CWD SPRING TOUR

In the pony arena, action on the home front kicked off on the CWD Spring Tour with some nail-biting competition over six rounds. The Derwin family, who in the past have proved very successful in this league, once again proved dominant with Francis Derwin taking the 128cm title.

In the 138cm division Max Foley got his season off to a good start as he secured the crown, while in the 148cm division Eve Donnelly was crowned the league winner.

DUBLIN HORSE SHOW

No matter how many accolades a pony rider has under their belt, the most coveted is always going to be a Dublin Horse Show title. As in previous years, riders fought tooth and nail to qualify for the show and then for the championship title.

In the 128cm Tom Wachman and Parc Epic claimed the youngest division title. In the 138cm, Amy Reape and Youghal Paddy were one of only three to proceed to Tom Holden’s jump-off course and claim the title, while in the 148cm Sean Monaghan’s skillful riding aboard Orchid’s Vienna saw him take victory.

The 148cm six and seven-year-old’s championship was decided early as fourth to go in the six-year-olds, Seamus Hughes Kennedy (Keatingstown Hunky Dory) lodged the winning round.

SJI NATIONAL PONY AND YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS

This year the SJI National Pony and Young Rider Championships at Mullingar Equestrian recorded their biggest entries. A firm favourite on the calendar, the Equestrian Store NI/Bluegrass Horse Feeds Premier Pony series came to an exciting conclusion. In the 128cm U10 Pony Premier, the honours in the final round and the overall title went to Senan Reape riding Flying Star. In the 128cm section, RDS champion Tom Wachman added to his accolades as he took the title, while in the 138cm a consistent performance from Max Foley won the day. Adam Carey was crowned overall 148cm champion.

As well as hosting the league finals, the championship also saw the crowning of national champions. Following a great week Senan Reape was crowned the 128cm under 10 section champion. Tom Wachman added to an impressive scorecard when taking the 128cm 2016 title. Winner of the 138cm division was Niamh McEvoy, while Jason Foley took the 148cm honours after a strong performance over the course of the championships.

MILLSTREET AUGUST INTERNATIONAL

Millstreet International proved to be a great occasion for younger riders. No stranger to the winner’s enclosure at Millstreet, Ciaran Nallon won the 148cm 1.30m Grand Prix when he delivered the only double-clear in a four-way jump-off.

Jack Ryan and Six Mile Water Blaze claimed the 148cm 1.20m Young Champion of Ireland Grand Prix Final with almost a two-second advantage. Winner of the 148cm 1.10m Grand Prix Final was Cora Sharkey and Midnight Sky.

Dan Geaney’s talent shone as he took the 128cm 1m Young Champion of Ireland Grand Prix Final aboard Dooneens Electric and the 138cm 1.10m Young Champion of Ireland Grand Prix Final with County Express. Winner of the 128cm 80cms under 10 Grand Prix Final was Stephen Gibbons and Sligo Little Star.

CAVAN PONY INTERNATIONAL

This international show saw Ireland’s top riders in action. Following an exciting class, Kate Derwin won the 148cm/1.25m Grand Prix with Master Stevie G, while the 148cm/90cm championship was won by Harry Wood and Strictly Business.

Local rider Lewis Trenier claimed the 1m championship with Princess Nora, and the 1.10m championship was won by Tyrone rider Ella Grant with Derrymore Chips. The 128cm under 10 Grand Prix saw Matthew Conlon and The Silver Legend emerge victorious. Orla Duffy won a competitive 138cm/1.15m Grand Prix with Trendy Little Captain. On home soil, Camryn Clarke was crowned the Cladem Equi Store Freejump Leading 128cm rider on Jackoo. The 138cm winner was Alex Finney on Keogans Boy and Jennifer Torrens claimed the 148cm title with Bellindene Fagin. The Jack Hammerton Perpetual Trophy was awarded to Katie McLaughlin for the best novice rider on Tynan Sandy Lane.

MILLSTREET OWNERS PONY AND YOUNG RIDERS CHARITY SHOW

In November, Millstreet set the stage for tough competition as it hosted the popular Millstreet Owners Pony and Young Riders Charity Show. The 148cm RDS National Champion Sean Monaghan topped of a great year as he and Ballyowen Maybell Molly emerged victorious in the CSI-P 1.30m Grand Prix.

There was great excitement as riders battled it out in the Equestrian Store NI CSI-P team competition. Despite a strong challenge from all the teams, victory went to Team Ireland Green who consisted of Lucy Shanahan (Cinderella Girl), Ciaran Nallon (Dibidoe), Molly Hughes Bravo (Carrickaduff Pet) and Abbie Sweetnam (Dynamite Spartacus).