THE Showjumping Ireland Connaught Region Horse and Pony Leagues were officially launched earlier this week at McHugh’s Bar & Restaurant in Galway. Sponsors, shows and riders were all represented and eagerly anticipate the upcoming season with the return of some green field shows.

Chairman of the SJI Connaught Region committee, Tommy Gibbons, welcomed new sponsors this year including Mullins Sport Horses, generous sponsors of the Grand Prix.

Niall Mullins and his partner, Lisa Leonard, who celebrated the birth of their daughter Sophie earlier this year, have always been supporters of the league and it is fantastic to have them on board as sponsors this year.

Reigning champion Captain Marko, formerly ridden by Jessica Lee and owned by John Lee, will hopefully be back following the league this year under new owner Cathal McMunn and will be ridden by Cian McMunn (COH). This horse has a fantastic record in the CR League having won on three other occasions while ridden by Raphael Lee.

Karen Broderick of Beyond Beauty Laser & Skincare Clinic is sponsoring the Amateur League for 2022. Karen, reigning CR Amateur Champion, will be in action to defend her title and has an exciting line-up of sponsorship prizes for this year.

Vinnie Duffy of Duffy Sport Horses, Ballina had the vision for the Grand Prix League in Connaught and together with Tiernan Gill, Charlie Shaw and a few others, had the vision to get this league up and running. Vinnie came on board as the sponsor of the 1.25m League in 2020, continued last year and is again standing firm for 2022 in his generous support.

The SJI Connaught Region is once again sponsoring the 1.15m League and is supporting the host shows once again. This league has proven extremely popular and has been very influential in the progress of young horses in the region over the years.

Dates and venues

The Horse League starts on May 1st at Galway Equestrian Centre with Ballinasloe Show on May 28th, Headford Gymkhana, Ard Chuain EC and Corrandulla Show in June, Tubberbride EC Sligo in July and Duffy’s EC in early August.

Darragh Larkin of Silver Jumper Roxborough Stud and Philip McManus of Glenina Veterinary Clinic are again sponsoring the very popular SJI Connaught Region Pony League which runs throughout the summer, mainly at green field shows and it is great to see so many of these show committees back with Athenry, Headford, Easkey, Ballina and Loughrea all getting back in action after the hardship of the past two years.