ON Sunday, at the Dublin Horse Show, the seats in Simmonscourt where full as the four young riders who were chosen by a selection committee to compete for the RDS Bursary prize were put through their paces by the renowned Canadian showjumper Torchy Millar.

Those chosen where Olivia Roulston (Valent), Nicholas Connors (Abordable du Talus), Jenny Rankin (Beech Hill Lucia) and Ciaran Nallon (Belfields Captain).

Riders first completed a course on their own horses before swapping horses for the second round. Full of praise for riders, Millar told the audience that the riders where a credit to Ireland and to the industry, complimenting their position and their accuracy

“The four riders got the combination of equitation and feel just right and this is something that other countries cannot always get right.”

In the second round, Rankin rode Abordable du Talus, Connors rode Belfields Captain, Nallon took over the ride on Valent and Roulston sat up on Beech Hill Lucia.

Taking the coveted award and the Michael Meller Style award for the Iris Kellett Perpetual Challenge Trophy was 20-year-old Jenny Rankin.

“Jenny stood out not only as a role model for younger riders coming up the ranks but she has demonstrated maturity far beyond her years. She competes alongside young riders and senior riders and affords them the same respect,” Millar said.

He also praised Deirdre Bourns for her commitment to the sport and for giving young riders the chance to progress: “Deirdre not only has a huge input to producing top horses, but she invests time and effort into future riders which will no doubt shape showjumping.”

Riding full-time for Bourns Sport Horses in Co Galway, Rankin has competed successfully on the national and international circuit in both Europe and America for the past three years.

Last summer, she represented Ireland at Young Rider European Championships, finishing 11th individually with Baccarat and fourth in the U25 Grand Prix at CSIO5* La Baule, France in May.

This year, she was given the opportunity by the RDS Equestrian Committee to compete in the five-star classes at the show, and on Saturday she proved she was a worthy recipient when she secured fifth place in the competitive JLT Dublin Stakes against some of the best riders in the world.

From Dungarvan in Waterford, 18-year-old Nicholas Connors is trained by Francis Connors and has recorded good results at home and abroad.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Roulston is from Drumquin, Co.Tyrone. Olivia has qualified for the RDS every year since the age of nine, only missing 2015 due to competing at the European Championship in Malmo, Sweden, where she won a team silver.

Ciaran Nallon, 15, was the youngest. From Ballina in Co Mayo, he already has a great career in ponies and in the young rider division. He was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the European Championships two weeks ago in Hungary and placed second in the 148cm pony Championship on Friday.