ON Wednesday week last, April 5th, the National Horse Sport Arena at the Sport Ireland Campus hosted the first clinic of renowned cross-country eventing coach, Caroline Moore.

Riding two to four-star horses, the participants, who all regularly attend dressage and show jumping training at the north Dublin venue organised by Janet Murray, found the arena transformed with a series of cross-country exercises. These involved bending lines, corner fences, skinnies, water trays and Moore’s own special design for Jump 4 Joy fences, the shoulder brush.

Caroline kept everyone on their toes with meticulous attention to detail, skilfully progressing each exercise to instil confidence in both horse and rider. It was an intense but exciting day which was enjoyed by all and yielded outstanding results at the weekend’s Eventing Ireland fixtures.

So many people helped to make the day special but particular thanks goes to Shane Brooks, arena manager at the Campus, Jenny Doran from Smart Equine, for delivery of the fences, and others who assisted throughout the session. Most especially, however, thanks to Moore for a wonderful educational day and it was little surprise to learn that everyone is really looking forward to the next one!