THE excitement at Kernan Equestrian with the Young Riders and Juniors taking home team gold from the European Championships, brilliantly coached by James Kernan, provided the backdrop for the Friday Night Final at the Co Armagh equestrian centre.

The seven-week league, kindly sponsored by Leon and Helen Murtagh of Premier Saddlery, Armagh, came to a conclusion and it was all the more special with the Europeans triumphs spurring all the youngsters on at Kernan’s to achieve their very best.

Linda Fahey tells Pony Tales the exciting final saw children battle it out for the beautiful prizes including show rugs, saddle cloths, goodie bags, grooming kits and treats for both ponies and riders to enjoy. There was plenty of thrills and spills over the summer league and no doubt, the golden glow from the European Championships is a great example to all children and parents of what can be achieved!

The winnner of the Crosspoles final was Cole Cronin on Elsa from Castleblaney while in the 40cm final, Dublin’s James Tubbritt on Killenard Zucolade pipped Monaghan’s Maeve Nesbitt on Max.

Armagh girl Lois Murtagh took the honours on Rockstar in the 50cm final with James Tubbritt was second and Lois’ big sister Bella Murtagh on Tickles secured third place.

The 60cm final was won by Castleblaney girl Leah McCullagh on Candy with Emma Cassidy from Drogheda in second on Goldie and little sister Grace Cassidy on Bluebell in third.

Emma and Goldie returned to triumph in the 70cms while runner-up was Orla Cusack on Duke with third going to Leah McCullagh on Candy while Grace Cassidy (Bluebell) were fourth.

Cavan girl Agnes Fay and Henry took home the red ribbon in the 80cm while second was Orla Cusack with Duke. Well done to Agnes who completed a winning treble and was unbeaten in the 90cm and also the one metre final.

Linda and James would like to thank everybody for their support and especially the fantastic sponsors Premier Saddlery and Elaine Hatton of Jumptime for promoting the league and taking the entries. (See Picture Desk pages 96-97).