ON a busy weekend for Irish equestrianism, there was much emphasis on the international competitions taking place in eventing and show jumping at Millstreet and Mullingar respectively but for others the focus of their attention was the three-day Botanica Dressage in the City Festival at the National Horse Sport Arena, Dublin.

The Festival was staged by Dressage Ireland’s Leinster Region whose chairperson, Clare Fitzsimons, was also show secretary. “This was our second year to run this Festival and it was great to see riders from all the other regions supporting us. This year, riders in the higher graded classes were offered the choice of competing on one day only and some chose to do so.