IRISH youngsters were out in force for the Bonneau International Pony Show in Fontainbleau, France last weekend. There were strong performances in the young pony classes, which bodes well for the production of future champions.

On Friday Irish combinations took a clean sweep of podium places in the CSIYP classes. Cara McFadden took the win with seven-year-old Kilfenora Madie with Ella Stynes following up her third place in the previous day’s equivalent by going one better in second with the six-year-old Drumacon Mo Chara. Anna White and the seven-year-old Tankardstown Dreamer rounded out the top three in third place.

White and Tankardstown Dreamer came out on top in the Young Pony Championships on Saturday. The ultra-consistent pair of Ella Stynes and Drumacon Mo Chara recorded three top six finishes over the three days. White continued her good run of form, this time on her chesnut stallion pony, Red Star Optimus, when she won the CSIP 1.25m on Friday.

The Irish dominated the CSIP 1.25m Grand Prix Equestrian News on Saturday with four of the top five placings. Jenny Dunlop took the win on Keatingstown Hunky Dory; Anna White was second with Red Star Optimus and Natasha Foley was third on the podium with Knockroe Little Clover. Camrym Clarke picked up fifth with Rock of Dawn.

Katie Nallon and Sandra Duffy’s Walks Like Rihanna finished second in the CSIP 1.20m the same day. Katie McEntee meanwhile took third place in Sunday’s CSIOP 1.30m equivalent with Marion Hughes’s Carrickaduff Pet.

Aldyth Roulston, CSIP and CSIYP chef d’equipe said: “They truly are brilliant ambassadors for both our country and our sport, the team comradery was lovely to watch, we truly were Team Ireland.”

Nations Cup

It wasn’t all about the ponies with Children on Horses and Juniors also out in force. The highlight of the Nations Cup competitions was third for James Kernan’s Junior team. Conor McLaughlin and Kilbarron Rue, Joshua Halford and Herle, Tommy Halford and Greenvale Draco and Alex Finney with Absolutely Kingmar Z put in a strong performance for a podium finish.