RDS awards: Two special awards were made at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show recently to ladies who have dedicated their lives to equestrian sport. Lady Perdita Blackwood was honoured by the Royal Dublin Society for her long association with the Dublin Horse Show and distinguished contribution to the equestrian sport, while Countess April Merveldt was honoured for her association with the Dublin Horse Show and her distinguished contribution to the Irish pony. Both ladies received crystal trophies.

Dual success: BRIAN Morrison is proving that it is possible to be a ‘dual-player’ and compete in both the show jumping and eventing spheres after a string of wins in recent weeks. The Cork-based rider showcased his talent on home soil last week, taking the three-star Young Rider Grand Prix title, with Senator W, at the CSI*** in Millstreet and placing second in both the 1.20m seven-year-old and older Grand Prix and the 1.20m Young Rider Grand Prix.The young rider also won the two-star Equine Pramox eventing league, which concluded at Annaharvey’s last weekend, after pipping Esib Power’s cross-country time to take the top spot.