FATHER Christy McCormack must have had a word with the man above ahead of last Sunday, as the crisp bright afternoon in the Ballinasloe Showgrounds set the stage for the Equitrans All-Ireland loose jumping horse and pony competition.

The dynamic John Kearney, owner of Equitrans horse transport, was the main sponsor of the proceedings.

Kearney is a firm believer in promoting the Irish horse and in encouraging breeders to produce quality horses and ponies for today’s market and he said that was his drive in supporting the day’s showcase.

Jumping assessment judge, Andrew Williams, is a well-known event horse producer and agent, who went on to say he had a great day judging quality and the untapped potential of the three-year-old horses and ponies.

“It was a great competition with a wonderful group of people, who made the day exciting and I can see this competition becoming a must for breeders and producers alike,” he said.

Conformation assessor and the lady behind the Hortons brand, Julie Marchant, said it was lovely to see quality horse and ponies with “a lot of super movers” at the event.

The Equitrans All-Ireland horse loose jumping winner was owned by Rachael Heard of Four Field Sport Horses UK.

Four Fields Baby Belle, sired by Natal out of a Douglas mare, is a Cavan sales graduate and this top-class quality filly was produced and exhibited to perfection by in-form local loose jumping specialist, Keith Clogher, a young man who is no stranger to the winner’s enclosure.

UK-based Heard was travelling to Turkey on the day and was delighted to be able to watch the livestream and the celebrations, we hear, began at the airport.

Mark Briscoe won the Equitrans All-Ireland Pony Loose Jumping at Ballinasloe Agricultural Show with Balina Duff Paulina. Pictured are, l-r, Helen Donoghue, John Harney, Julie Marchant, judge, Andrew Williams, judge, Father Christy McCormack show chairperson, John Kearney of EquinTrans, sponsor, and Mark Briscoe \ Gerry Stronge

It was a lucky January morning when Mark Briscoe found Balina Duff Paulina in a field in Ardrahan, Co Galway.

This super-looking registered Connemara filly wowed the large crowds on the day with her scope and athletism in the jumping phase to be crowned the Equitrans All-Ireland loose jumping pony champion. A granddaughter of the legendary Tulira Roebuck, the future is bright for this filly, who is currently for sale. Mark defended the family title this year, with back-to-back wins in the pony division. Will the Briscoes make it three in a row next year?

Local man Donal Galvin won the horse division with Four Fields Baby Belle. With plans already afoot for next year’s event, the commercial brainchild of Father Christy McCormack, John Harney and Gerry Stronge looks to be a very exciting addition for the horse breeding industry.