RATHDRUM’s Isla Coad only entered the South East Region’s NutriScience Classic at Spruce Lodge last weekend to qualify for Dressage Ireland’s National Championships at Barnadown next month, but came away with two championship successes to her credit.

Coad, who turned 12 two weeks ago, won the Category 1 titles at both Preliminary (141.67) and Novice (135.13) level with her working hunter pony, Frosthill Jackaroo, a 17-year-old skewbald gelding by Twyford Jorrocks with whom she has established a very successful relationship.

“He’s an exceptional pony,” said Coad’s mother Carol of Frosthill Jackaroo.

“He and Isla have really clicked and this year they won the Horse of the Year show qualifier at the Northern Ireland Festival, where they were also 133cms Festival working hunter champions, the Sports Pony Challenge at their height, and their 133cms class at Balmoral where they were reserve in the working hunter championship.

Last Wednesday, they were second in the Under 12s combined training at the Irish Pony Club Festival in Barnadown.

“It was her coach, Luke Drea, who suggested that we try affiliated dressage and, as we don’t live too far from Spruce Lodge, we decided to give it a go. Also, as it’s a while yet to HOYS, it’s a good way of keeping them competitive without going around the showing circuit, week on week. They are having an incredible year.”

North Kilkenny Branch member Mia Perry, who is dominating the IPC/Connolly’s Red Mills Under 12s’ eventing league with Mulveys Marble, won three of Saturday’s Trailblazer classes on that 21-year-old skewbald mare while Niamh Winter recorded an uncontested victory in the Mini Trailblazer class with Riverstown Blue. This section was sponsored by Colette Ward Interiors.