THE first Irish Pony Society-affiliated show of 2026, the Limerick Clare Area Winter Woollies, was held last Sunday at Garranemore Equestrian, Pallasgreen.

Judge for the day was Imelda O’Shaughnessy, whose mini champion was the show hunter lead rein class winner, Newoak Hot Gossip (Shilstone Rocks Day Of Fury - Barkway Mystique, by Beckside Little Toff), who was partnered for the first time in competition by owner Jodie Moran’s four-year-old daughter Philippa Braddish. The latter, who has taken over the ride on the 15-year-old British-bred gelding this season from her brother Seamie, spent all winter practising her trotting and show piece on the bay.