FOLLOWING a two-year absence, the SJI Pony awards returned to Mullingar Park Hotel last Saturday night. There was much to celebrate and over 500 members attended this glitz and glamor event.

This year Showjumping Ireland partnered with the Irish Cancer Society to be part of the annual live auction at the SJI Pony Awards. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the charity, along with the hosting of the SJI National Pony Awards and the National Pony Championships. To date this year the auction has raised almost €30,000.

The Coolmore Pony Premier Finals hosted at Necarne was one of the most competitive leagues and the winning riders and their ponies were all presented with awards on the evening for their well deserved achievements.

The 128cm U10 title went to Munster’s Charlie Flynn after he claimed the six legs. Carlow’s Ruben Foley stepped up to the podium for one of his many awards on the night, accepting the 128cm award as he dominated this division when claiming all the rounds.

Claiming victory in the 138cm division and accepting his award was Senan Reape, while Coen Williams took the award for the leading 148cm rider.

All riders who booked their place at the RDS National Championships received an award for this notable achievement. Taking the award for winner of the 128cm division was Ruben Foley with The Silver Legend. This legendary pony was also named for the Special recognition Award. This combination beat the challenge of nine others in the jump-off in Ballsbridge.

Winners of the 138cm division, Iseult Fleming (Coppenagh Celtic Rebel) accepted her award, as did the winner of the 148cm section, Martha Hughes Bravo who partnered HHS Mustang Sally to victory on the day in Dublin.

Camryn Clarke was presented with an award after he won the leading six-year-old accolade with Oh My. Taking the award for the leading seven-year-old and the overall winner title was Kate Lynch with CQS Quality Cagney. The award for the leading Children on Horses combination went to Annie Boland and Kahula Du Karl.

Amongst the many awards presented on the night was the overall Hive-sponsored Starfinder winner which was presented to Conrad Sweeney, who claimed victory with his charge OBS Good to Go.

The Bob Sweeney-sponsored Future Championships saw four riders take home awards. Those riders were James Walsh (Max), Cliodhna McEvoy (Tynan Tuttle Pip), Charlotte McCracken and Tynan Rocket and Emily Moloney (Cruisings Miss Daisy).

Accepting the Equestrian World U8’s Discovery award was DJ Kent (Biddys Spot the Star), while in the under-10 division, Ruby Lynch (Miss Mossey) took home the award.

Rob McCowan presents Senan Reape with his prize at the SJI Pony Awards ball \ Laurence Dunne Jumpinaction.net

Rising stars

Every year, younger riders get their chance to make their debut on the show jumping circuit and the Walter Reape-sponsored Newcomers is a great way to start young talent off. Walter was on hand to present the awards.

Accepting the overall winner award was Josh Rogan (Glan’s Girl). These awards also included a regional element with Luke Sweeney (Ballina Cola) accepting the Connaught award while DJ Kent (Biddys Spot the Star) was the leading combination in Leinster. CJ O’Brien (Coolgarrane Candy Pops) took the honours for Ulster while in Munster, Nikita Dennehy (Ballycumber Cookie) stepped up to the podium here.

Camryn Clarke was presented with an award after he won the leading six-year-old accolade with Oh My. Taking the award for the leading seven-year-old and the overall winner was Kate Lynch and CQS, presented by Flor Madden at the SJI Pony Awards ball \ Laurence Dunne Jumpinaction.net

Ribbons galore

There was an array of awards to riders who took home prizes over the course of the championships. Ruben Foley picked up another award as the overall Flexi Equine Overall Champion.

A great performance from Cliodhna McEvoy saw her take the win in Balmoral and she stepped up again to accept her award from Tracy Kelly.

The Interprovincial competition proved to be a real hit and the winners were once again recognised on the night. Accepting the 128cm U10’s was Juliana Nelson (Cumback Kid), while winner of the 128cm 1m was Elizabeth McCracken (Uquam d’Emery PFS). The 138cm award went to Senan Reape (Small Titan), while the 148cm (6yo/7yo) winner was Kate Lynch (CQS Quality Cagney). The 148cm 1.10 winner was Lucy Morton (Rickamore Sport) and the 148cm 1.20m winner was Stephen Gibbons (Dexter Leam Prancer).

Retiring riders

Retiring riders were also recognised at the SJI Pony Awards evening for their achievements. Those riders were Annie Gibson, Hazel Barrett, Rhys Williams, John Kiranne, Niall Doherty, Gabrielle Enright, Mas Foley, Lucy Brady, Michael McGrath, Simone Leathem, Fionnghuala Benson, Emma O’Connor, Enya Hughes, Sadhby Cuff, Rebecca Lucey, Ella Budds, Francis Derwin, Matthew Sheehan, Ciara Staunton, Oisin Hogg, Jack Moloney and Katie Doyle.

Interational circuit

The European Pony team’s great result also received due recognition. On the international scene, the Children on Horses European team of Alanna Fagan, Chloe Hughes Kennedy, Emily Moloney, Katie Nallon and Isabel O’Brien were awarded for their great performance and were presented with their awards by top National Hunt jockey Rachael Blackmore.

Along with the Children on Horses team, the Pony European team of James Brennan (MHS Glow), James Derwin (Cul Ban Mistress), Katie McEntee (Ardfry Skye), Ellen Power (Ghost Rider) and Coen Williams (Dun the Business) received a great round of applause on the night as they were presented with their awards.

Awards were also presented to FEI Young Nations Cups winners and to the teams who landed results in Southview Home Pony International. Riders in the 128cm division were Robbie Sheehan, Tara Sweetnam, Ted Fagan and Ruben Foley.

In the 138cm division, the award winners were Ruben Foley, James Derwin, and Isobel Sheehan while the 148cm recipients were James Derwin, Kym Moore, Alannah Fagan and Aine Shorthall who all accepted their awards from Mullingar Equestrian Centre’s Robert Fagan.

Special awards

The Ian Fearon International Rookie of the Year award went to Athlone’s James Derwin, while the Special Recognition award was presented to Ruben Foley.

The Special Achievement Award was presented to Alyth Roulston for her hard work in the SJI pony division.

The Standalone Show of the Year was presented to Mullingar Equestrian Centre while the Centre of the Year award was presented to Banner Equestrian Centre.

(Please note that due to the huge number of awards, it was not possible to mention all award winners in this condensed report).