THE 2023 AIRC North East Regional Team Showing Jumping RDS Qualifier took place on Sunday at Killossery Lodge Stud, by kind permission of the Glynn family.

A total of 14 riding club teams competed from all over the North East Region, two from Mullaghmore, three from Ard Lu, two from Castlehill, two from Killossery, one from Castle Leslie, one from Gap of the North, one from Drynam and one from Ashbrook. The challenging and inviting course was built by Senior National course designer Louise Moore, riders reported that it rode very well, yet kept them on their toes.

Judges on the day, Wilson Porter and Maria Carrick, did a super job keeping everything flowing, fun and interesting for the many club members’ families and friends who were there to support and cheer on the riders. The clubs were well represented by volunteers to help with the smooth running of the event which was impeccably organised by Regional Secretary Sarah Richardson of Boyneside Riding Club.

Gourmet Burgers provided the much appreciated food and refreshments while super snaps were captured by Brian Geib of Sagittarian Photography throughout the day. AIRC North East Region is very grateful to the show sponsors Mackey Ireland, who provided prizes for the winning team.

After the first round of jumping, Killossery Navy team and Castlehill Blue team finished on zero with Ashbrook on one time fault and Ard Lu Navy on two time faults. Killossery White team and Ard Lu White team were both on four faults. There was everything to ride for in round two where more super jumping took place.

Killossery Navy team held their primary position keeping the score board on zero after three rounds attaining first place and their spot in the AIRC RDS Show Jumping Championship. The runner-up slot went to Ashbrook who remained clear with just one point on the board securing the Wild Card opportunity at the AIRC annual Riding Club Festival in June.

Castlehill Blue team had just one fence down pitching them in to third place, with Killossery White team finishing on eight faults and slotting into 4th position. Fifth and sixth placings went to Ard Lu White and Navy teams.