THE main international accolades fell once again to the underage squads, who as they did 12 months earlier, returned home with the full array of medals.

Led by Jane Kinsella’s gold medal winning pony squad, they were well supported by Dag Albert’s junior silver medallists as well as the Sue Shortt-mentored young riders who scooped up the team and individual bronze in Hartpury.

The top honours went to the Pony team who travelled home from Strzegom with team gold and individual silver in the bag. For the second year in succession, Kildare’s Ben Connors claimed an individual medal with the Connemara pony Cornafest Fred, while the team of Connors, Josh Williamson (Ardeo Fireman), Matthew Love (Lucky For Some) and Claire O’Ryan with Carhu Melody filled the gold medal position.

At the end of July, both the Junior and Young Rider European Eventing championships took place in Hartpury College, England. It turned out to be a fantastic weekend for all involved, with the Dag Albert-led junior team of Tom Rowlatt McCormick, Julia Adams, Ted O’Leary and Godfrey Gibbons lifting the silver medal while, most unlucky to miss out on a podium place, Godfrey Gibbons filled fourth place individually with the mare Milchem Free Spirit. Adding to the celebrations, the Sue Shortt-mentored Young Rider team of Jennifer Kuehnle, Alannah Kelly, Heather O’Connor and Zara Nelson also stood on the podium in team bronze medal position.