THE year 2022 will be a real year to remember as Irish pony riders made history, claiming Gold, Silver, Bronze medals in the European Championships at Strzegom, Poland. As well as outstanding team results, the individual results were equally as impressive as the ultra talented Irish pony riders dominated.

At the Europeans, the team of Coen Williams with Saxton Freedom (ISH), Eoin Brennan with Glor Tire Cruise (ISH), James Brennan with MHS Glow (ISH), Paddy Reape with Valma De Fougnard, and James Derwin with Rincoola Babog took the Gold medal. Managed by Gary Marshall, they finished on a zero score to take the gold medal ahead of France who took the silver on four faults while The Netherlands collected the bronze on 12 faults.

More was yet to come for Ireland as a two-way jump-off between James Derwin and James Brennan decided the individual medals. Following an exciting finale, Derwin maintained his perfect round and clinched individual gold with Rincoola Babog (ISH) while James Brennan and MHS Glow scored the silver on four faults. Finishing on three penalties was Coen Williams and Saxton Freedam (ISH), good enough for bronze. They were followed by yet another Irish combination in Eoin Brennan and Glor Tire Cruise who finished fifth on a final score of five penalties to completely dominate the ultra competitive European Championships.

At Sentower in March, Irish pony riders got the ball rolling as the team of Paddy Reape (Valma De Foughard), James Brennan (MHS Glow), Coen Williams (Saxton Freedam), James Derwin (Rincoola Babog) took the Gold Medal. The team shared second place at the halfway stage on 12 faults. A flawless second round from the Irish team saw them finish on their first round score to take victory ahead of France.

At Zuidwolde at the end of May, Ireland recorded another victory as the team of Katie Nallon (Little Smithie), Ben Walsh (Derryvane Belle), Coen Williams (Saxton Freedam) and James Derwin (Rincoola Babog) took the win finishing on zero faults.

The team of Katie McEntee (Carrickaduff Pet), James Brennan (MHS Glow), Eoin Brennan ( Glor Tire Cruise), Paddy Reape (Valma De Foughard) added to their record sheet as they secured another victory for Ireland at Hagen in June.

In September at the FEI Youth Nations Cup Final at Kronenberg, it was another podium finish for the team of Eoin Brennan (Glor Tire Cruise), Paddy Reape (Valma De Foughard), James Brennan (MHS Glow) and James Derwin Rincoola Babog, took third place on the podium.

It was a great year for James Derwin and Rincoola Babog (ISH) as they took victory in the 1.30m Pony Grand Prix at Kronenberg FEI Youth Nations Cup Final show in The Netherlands. It was an Irish one-two with James Brennan finishing second aboard MHS Glow, further down the line in fourth place was Eoin Brennan and Glor Tire Cruise.

Also having a tremendous year was Paddy Reape and Valma de Fougnard who claimed victory in the FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy at Lyon World Cup show in France. Also in this line-up was Ben Walsh and Derryvane Belle who occupied third place in the final. Walsh and Derryvane Belle took fifth place in the FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy at Stuttgart.

In the 1.25m at the Stuttgart German Masters, James Derwin and Rincoola Babog claimed victory just ahead of Ben Walsh and Derryvane Belle in second.

Of course Irish pony riders get great opportunities to perfect their skills with a range of top class competitions on home soil. Each year the season at home begins with the Spring Tours. This year, sponsored by Equijump, there were huge entries in each of the legs. Winner of the 128cm U10 league was Lucia Keane while Elizabeth McCracken took the title in the 128cm league. Winner of the 138cm division was Annie Boland while Lauren Adams took the 148cm title.