THE Pony European Championships in Kaposvár in Hungary turned out to be the biggest highlight of 2017 as the Gain Irish Pony (U16) show jumping team were crowned the new European Champions.

Gary Marshall’s team of Wexford’s Harry Allen (Cassandra van het Roelhof), Cork’s Abbie Sweetnam (Dynamite Spartacus (ISH), Mayo’s Ciaran Nallon (Rextor d’Or) and Athlone’s Kate Derwin (Cul Ban Mistress) finished on a total of just four faults after three tough rounds of jumping, Ireland were in fifth place after the opening round on four faults, with Britain and France out in front on zero faults. However, the Irish fought back over two demanding rounds of jumping and, incredibly, didn’t add another fault to finish the competition on just four faults to claim the gold medal.