THIS year riders made a welcome return to Dublin Horse Show and as one of the most coveted accolades to win, pony riders were out in force for the RDS.

Winner of the 128cm Championship in 2021, Ruben Foley returned to the main arena this year to take the 138cm crown with Mayfly Green Peter. Lauren Adams meant business from the start as she took to the course with Riot del Pegulil and she would later take the runner-up spot.

The 148cm finalists faced a technical course. Although no particular fence caused any problems, the first clear round was delivered by the fifth rider, and for a time it didn’t look like another clear was going to be posted until Beth Thompson answered all the questions to assure a jump-off. Following a two-way jump-off, Coen Williams claimed the 148cm crown. First to go in the jump-off, Coen Williams opted to take a calculated approach with Saxton Freedam which involved a series of tight lines. Despite a great effort, Beth could not match the winner’s time.

Following the Nations Cup win for Ireland, 128cm pony riders had the support of the crowd in the Anglesey stand as they contested their championship. Taking the title after two brilliant rounds was Thomas Meagher (Sasha) and Zara Sharkey (Lisboy Black Magic) in second place.

New to the schedule the 138cm and 128cm six and seven-year-old classes, sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland, proved very popular in Dublin. In the 138cm division, Ella Rush and the six-year-old Shadow Dash took the inaugural win. Alayna Hawkins emerged victorious in the 128cm division with the six-year-old Carraghy Apollo.

National Pony Championship titles

Meanwhile, at the National Pony Championships hosted at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, a host of riders collected their rewards.

The following riders earned their titles - Ella Cash (U10 85cm Champion), Georgia Foley (128cm 60cm), Anna Rose Garrity (128cm- 70cm), Cliodhna McEvoy (128cm 80cm), Sam Widger (128- 90cm), Helen Walsh (128 - 1m), Ted Fagan (128cm - 1.05m), Sam Dempsey (138cm - 80cm), Rebecca Coulter (138cm - 90cm), Ciara Cash (138 - 1m), Emily O’ Brien (138cm - 1.10m), Lauren Adams (138 cm- 1.15m), Lucy Kelly (148cm- 90cm), Mark Neilan (148cm - 1m), Mark Neilan (148cm - 1.10m), Lauren Murphy (148cm - 1.20m), James Derwin (148cm - 1.25m) and Alanna Fagan (Children on Horses).