EIGHT teams, representing six clubs, came to post for the South Leinster Regional Dressage Qualifier held at Spruce Lodge, Co Wicklow.

Three judges, Michael Moore, Jillie Rogers and Ruth Daunt, took on the task of sorting out both the team and individual qualifiers. The standard was high and some good scores were recorded in the morning tests and this resulted in the Hollybrook Club leading at the halfway stage, followed by Brooke Lodge’s team of three riders, with Greenvalley not far behind.

The afternoon told a slightly different story as Hollybrook held on to their lead and finished in first place recording a total of 72.02%, but the Clonough team riders, bringing in three scores in the 70s and finishing on a team total of 70.13%, edged out Greenvalley who completed the day on 70.07%. This means that the Hollybrook team of Margo Brama, Delphi MacWhite, Rebecca Minch and Lisa Devine and Clonough’s Tanya Lock, Pat White, Katherina Ivory and Danielle Cullen will be representing South Leinster at the finals at Barnadown on August 20th.

In the individual qualifiers for the RCP2, RCP3 and RCN grades, competition was again hot. RCP2 honours went to Clara O’Donnell from Greenvally, who produced the best percentage of the day with her impressive 76.92% in the afternoon, was first, with Hollybrook’s Lisa Devine and Clonough’s Danielle Cullen taking second and third respectively.

The RCP3 class went to Enniskerry’s Mary Fenelon Bourke who rode two very consistent tests, both in the 70s, followed by Fran O’Neill (Brooke Lodge) and Clonough’s Pat White.

In the RCN class, honours went to Hollybrook’s Delphi MacWhite, while Greenvalley took both second and third slots with Kieran Morrin and Sophie Moy.

Hopefully all those who have qualified will be able to take part in the upcoming finals.