The AIRC West Region’s Connolly’s RED MILLS dressage championship qualifier took place on Sunday 25th of April, at Eglinton Equestrian Centre. Twenty riders rode a total of 32 tests and provided a great day of sport. The team competition is the jewel in the crown of the qualifier, with super rugs supplied by Connolly’s RED MILLS for each member of the winning team on the day. Inishowen Riding Club took the win this year, with the “Inishowen Serpentines” team members Andrea Browne, Cate O’Neill and Lynne Thompson riding out of their skins to take the win with a team score of 208.43. With 7 teams entered in the qualifier, competing teams were assured of two qualification spots, and Letterkenny Riding Club took the second spot with a team score of 202. Their “Letterkenny Pole Stars” team of Francis McNicholl, Suzanne Deeney Wylie, Jennie Peoples and Libby Mooney can look forward to a sociable outing to Mullingar in early September. Coming a close third with a score of 198.69 was the Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club “Ór” team of Mary Walker, Liz Potter and John McDaid. The fourth place rosettes went to Stracomer Riding Club “Strictly Come Prancing”, while fifth was taken by the second Donegal Gaeltacht team, the “Glas” team of Jenny Bonner, Hiudai Harkin and Liz Potter. The final set of rosettes for sixth place was taken by Stracomer’s “Saddle Sores”, with Amy McGarvey, Clodagh Brady and Louise Burke finishing on a smart score of 187.21
With the serious qualifier stuff out of the way, competitors and spectators alike were able to relax a little and let their manes down, so to speak, and thoroughly enjoyed watching the prix caprilli competitors in arena 2 and the dressage to music classes in arena 1. Eglinton Equestrian Centre is blessed with a superb sound system and it allows spectators to truly enter into the spirit of things when the dressage to music is on. In the RCP1 & 2 category Jennie Peoples took the win, while in the RCP3 and Above class Amy McGarvey and her 18yr old TB, Fin Rough Diamond, waltzed their way to the win.
Perhaps less appreciative of the lively tunes being broadcast at great volume, were the prix caprilli competitors in arena 2, but Liz Potter and Francis McNicholl rose to the challenge to win their respective classes.
Heartfelt thanks to Eglinton Equestrian Club for the beautifully prepared arenas, and to Judges Yvonne Chisholm and Jacqui McPherson for all their time and effort in making the day most enjoyable day for all involved.
The updated Qualified Rider & Horse Combinations can be found at this link.
Written by: Rachel Carton
Photo Credit: Rachel Carton
