ON a beautiful day, the Laois Hunt Branch of the Irish Pony Club held their 2026 Fun Minimus and Tetrathlon last Sunday, when most of the action unfolded at the equally beautiful venue of Stradbally Hall.

With national exams on the horizon for many, it wasn’t surprising that there was a small entry of just five for both Senior competitions. Sean Maher, who was one of two to go clear in the ride phase, won the Boys’ class for Golden Vale on 3,950 points, while Kayleigh Hoban struck for North Kilkenny in the Girls’ competition. She held on to her full 1,400 ride points for a total of 3,456, but three of her four rivals were eliminated on that phase while one didn’t start.