THE sun beamed down on Raheen na Gun Stud, Co Kilkenny for the finals of the successful Spring Combined Training League.

Irish-bred ponies dominated the dressage with the Lead Rein Dressage League won by Hannah O’Keefe on board Valmore Muscadet and she also took home the win on the final day with a score of 81.90.

The Intro B league was very much a family affair as it was won by Margaret Greene on Moonlight Sweet Melody with her daughter Imogen Lawless-Greene, also aboard the same mount, taking the final win with a score of 79.41.

The well supported DI Prelim 5a league was won by Caoilfhionn Stoiri and Froggy also taking the win on the day with a score of 80.18. The DI Novice N27A winner at the finals was Babette Grolman-Conalty on Ballintogher KC.

Combined Training

The Combined Training started off with the stars of the future, the 30cm lead rein riders. Indie Smullen, riding the extremely cute Teapot, took the honours here in the league and the final. The 40cm league was won by Zoe Thompson on Waxing Lewis while Freya Farrell with the lovely Bugsy took the win on finals’ day.

Sarah-Kate O’Shea and Firefly stormed ahead in the very popular 50cm league which was kindly sponsored by Dapple Equestrian with Megan O’Neill riding Castle Daisy taking the win on the day. The 60cm league was won by Imogen Lawless-Greene on Moonlight Splash Of Colour who also took the final.

PC Race Ware and A little Bit Racey Collection were the very generous sponsors of the 70cm Combined Training with beautiful prizes donated. The league in this section went to Anna Kennedy on Springdale Sportstar but on the day, Andy Kennedy with Casper the Ghost took the honours.

Gain Equine Nutrition sponsored the well supported 80cm Combined Training class where Grace Jepp, on the beautiful Grey Dream, took the league with Sarah Kennedy on Savanose Bobby taking the final win.

The 90cm Combined Training League was won by the young rider Eva Doyle riding Cappoquinn Lady against many adults competing. Taking the win on the finals’ day was Evie Kennedy riding Glen who pulled it out of the bag.

Dapple Equestrian also sponsored the 1m Combined Training League with Mia Perry and the marvellous Marble taking the league and she also took the win in a very hot class on finals’ day.

Laura Kelly and her lovely horse Marley took first prize for both the league and the win at the finals for the 1.10cm Combined Training class.

The final rider of the day to enter the show jumping arena with the fences, standing at 1.20cm for the Combined Training, was Heather O’Connor riding Allo who took the class win.

Great experience

This type of league has huge value to all riders who are bringing on young horses or cementing new partnerships with ponies. Both children and adults are given the chance to prepare for the exciting equestrian season ahead, with the league showing some promising and very exciting young riders for the future.

The mixture of children and adults who competed equally in the RNG 2022 Spring Combined Training League makes it such an enjoyable and fair experience for all involved. Raheen na Gun Stud’s facilities once again did not disappoint, with all shows well executed by Ger O’Brien and his fantastic team.