SECONDARY schools from the four corners of the country made the trip to Tipp last Sunday for what turned out to be a wonderful event at Tipperary Equestrian Centre, hosted by Ursuline Thurles.

The Oasis Arena was devoted to the TRI Equestrian Open Teams event and the Ursuline and Boomerang-sponsored EII Novice Team competition. The TRI Equestrian Individual Open class and the Novice Individual were held in the Indoor Arena.

The TRI Equestrian Open Team League saw 10 teams line out to challenge for the title. Last year’s winning Ursuline team yellow posting the only clean sheet on the day to retain their title. The victorious team was represented by Carla Williamson (Ardeo Fireman), Chloe Hourigan (Blessington Blacklier), Hilary Brannigan (Griffandor Dream Dei), Isobel Hourigan (Shirsheen Cruiser).

Second place went to another local school, Presentation Thurles, represented by Izzy O’Hara (Garrynarea Ricky’s Girl), Emma O’Meara (Ellie), Amber Thompson (Knockmablackie), Zoe Penfold (King Cruise). Ursuline team blue took third place, with Ursuline Thurles green team in fourth, Colaiste Bhride Carnew in fifth and taking the final league points were St Mary’s Nenagh.

The TRI Equestrian Open Individual league class was very well supported and fastest over the line to take the win was Laurel Hill’s Sophie Swain (Here comes Trouble), in 32.81. Hannah O’Neill riding for Colaiste Bhride Carnew was three seconds slower to claim the runner-up slot finishing in 35.85.

Emma Crawford from Wesley College was just pipped into third on a score of 36.2. Shauna Furlong representing CBS New Ross, Aine Conolly from Presentation Thurles and Clodagh Shanahan representing St Declan’s took the remaining league points on offer.

Win for Newbridge College

Newbridge College was victorious in the Novice Team event, the only team to finish on a clean sheet. Newbridge was represented by Clare Nester (Freddie), Ruby Smullen, Karolina Keirins (Kilpatrick Cascade) and Mai Monaghan (Polly Pocket). Second place went to St Peter’s Dunboyne team members Lily Knapp, Jeorjia Knapik, Emily Michael and Colleen Klinowska. Third place went to Rockwell College students Harry Barton, Charlotte Sexton, Katie Martin and Ruby French. Fourth place was claimed by Ursuline pink team ahead of Colaiste Mhuire Johnstown and Borris Vocational School.

The final class of the day was the Novice Individual event, again very well supported. The winner’s rug was won by Oisin Phelan (Colaiste Lorcain) in a time of 36.25. Sasha McDonald of St Mary’s Nenagh was the runner-up ahead of Caoimhe Curran (Tullow CBS) in third. Max Doyle of Colaiste Mhuire Thurles was fourth with Harry Barton of Rockwell College claiming fifth place while Dearbhla Sheehan of Borris Vocational School was sixth.

Action now moves to Ashbourne, Co Meath, this weekend where Brian Duff and his team at Broadmeadow Equestrian Centre are the hosts.