THE penultimate leg of the AIRC South East Region Dressage League was hosted by Barrow Valley Riding Club last Sunday at Carrigbeg Riding Stables, by kind permission of Susan Patterson.

As the refreshment providers Coffee Cobs, photographer John O’Carroll and judge Bronagh O’Mahony arrived for the 9.30am start, the day opened bright and sunny. The show commenced with the RCP1 where it was a head-to-head between two Ballycanew Riding Club members to gain those valuable league points. Liz Carroll, riding her trustworthy horse Tullowclay Boy, pulled out all the stops scoring a 64.4% to gain the lead over her fellow club member Anthony Villar and Kokopelli on 62.5%.

Next up was the RCP1 Open which Thomastown & District RC won as Yvonne Hoban guided Aghalona Pop It to the podium top on 68.1%, ahead of host club member Sylvia Cole riding Carrakelly on 64.4%. Ballycanew RC was up top again as Sonya Sinanan Villar and Colours of Kilkenny placed third on 60%.

Barrow Valley RC led the way in the RCP2, as Catriona Doran rocketed to the top spot, with an impressive 78.9% riding the elegant Madam Rouge. Maura Gleeson (Ballycanew RC) and Shooting Silver Star danced into second on 74.1%, while Yvonne Hoban (Thomastown & District RC) with Aghalona Pop It finished third on 73.4%. Jessica Sinnott (Thomastown & District RC) with Casper The Friendly Cob placed fourth, fifth position went to Horetown RC rider Jude Bowles on Seabreeze Harry and sixth place stayed with host club member Isobelle Gould and her mare Foxy Furisto.

Barrow Valley RC continued the winning streak as new partnership Patrick Byrne and Macimor R topped the RCP2 Open on 66.1%. Sally Duffy (Coole Lane RC) and the striking Jura Mist of Langsett secured second spot on 61.8% and third place went to Faith Bailey (Tinahely RC) on her mount Daithi. Lauren Doyle (Coole Lane RC) on Mac Attack and Roisin McGrath (Warrington RC) on Carrownurlaur Dom took fourth and fifth positions.

Win for McGrath

The RCYH was won by Rosin McGrath (Warrington RC) on her talented young horse Carrownaulaur Dom. In the RCP3, it was a win for Isabelle Rouviere (Carne RC) on Jasmine Van Ter Notelaere as their 70.4% was enough to hold off Jean Power (Waterford) with Briska Lad on 70.2%. Valerie Crean (Barrow Valley RC) having only upgraded this year, was once again consistent as Kildoon Trix took third on 67.8%. Fellow club member Keith Smyth on Quality Rosshill was close on Crean’s heels with a score of 67.6% securing fourth place. Fidelma Curran (Waterford RC) on Ballyadam Philip placed fifth and Sonya Sinanan Villar (Ballycanew RC) riding Kokepelli finished out the top six line up.

All eyes turned to the RCP3 Open, as the winner, Melanie Hammel (Carne RC) and Taylor Dandy achieved the highest score of the day on 81.1%.

Host club member Keith Smyth with Quality Rosshill placed second on 77.8% and Mary Deirdre Kinsella (Waterford RC) riding Fayte on 73% took third spot. Isabelle Rouviere (Carne RC) on Jasmine Van Ter Notelaere took fourth position and fifth place stayed with host club member Harry Doran on Jackson.

Following a judge change Susan Patterson took up the reins, it was on to the RCN which was dominated by Carne RC as Melanie Hammel and Taylor Dandy’s score of 71.7% gave them a 4% lead over Emma Stephenson (Kilotteran RC) and Dromad Moran Dancer on 67.7%. Hammel’s fellow club members Joy Ffrench riding Lily’s Rose on 65.8% and Vicky Cloney with Gentle Bouncer on 63.7% placed third and fourth. Naomi Shairp (Thomastown & District RC) placed fifth and sixth spot went to Rosie Deegan Byrne (Tinahely RC) riding Toberpatrick Lucky Penny.

Two competitors gave it their best in the RCN Open with Rosie Deegan Byrne (Tinahely RC) taking victory over Madeleine Bradley (Thomastown & District RC). It was a Carne RC first and second in the RCE, as Vicky Cloney and Gentle Bouncer held the lead on 63.7% over Joy Ffrench and Lily’s Rose on 60%. Naoimi Shairp (Thomastown & District RC) and Krafty Harry’s display was sharp enough to slip into third place.

The final two classes of the day gave Tommy B Good his chance to shine as he was piloted by Denise O’Brien (Tinahely RC) to a 66.5% in the RCE Open and 65.7% in a technical RCM test which warranted a round of applause from onlookers.

Tomorrow (Sunday, April 2nd), the fancy hoofwork continues as the final will be hosted by Thomastown & District RC at Fernhill Sporthorses.