THE Midland & Western Region of Dressage Ireland covers a large amount of territory and, keen to give all members the chance to compete without having to travel too far, the region’s show last Sunday took place at the showgrounds in Ballinasloe.

The use of the Co Mayo venue for the first time this year attracted a very good entry of 90 but also some very bad weather. It rained constantly and, for about an hour, riders had to compete in a thunderstorm which, it transpires, they were prepared to do as there were very few withdrawals.