A FEATURE of Dressage Ireland’s National Championships over the past few years has been the increasing number of Irish-bred horses and ponies who riders are producing through all levels.

Last weekend, while she claimed the Irish Draught Society trophy with the home-bred Beezies Double Diamond, the 15-year-old Gentle Diamond gelding she competes at Small Tour level, Simone Hession of the Beezies Stud in Co Sligo also sponsored a trophy and a prize for the highest-placed traditionally bred Irish Sport Horse in the highest-graded championship and a rosette for the top-placed ISH in the championship classes should they finish in the first six.