The AIRC Foran Equine RC70/RC80 Team Show Jumping Championship 2026 South West Region Qualifiers took place on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May, at Hitchmough’s Equestrian Centre, hosted by Highland Lodge Riding Club.
The venue, kindly provided by Jill Twomey, was in pristine order for the day, with a dry, warm morning keeping conditions comfortable for both horses and riders. Defending their 2025 National Championship title, Highland Lodge lined out alongside two teams from Earls Well Riding Club, and teams from East Cork, South West and Lismore Riding Clubs all bidding for a place at the AIRC National Show Jumping Championships in July.
The schedule was efficiently run, allowing time for competitors and spectators to enjoy a relaxed lunch break and picnic, with plenty of cheers from the ringside.
In the results, Highland Lodge produced an excellent team effort to take first place. Sally O’Donoghue and Clonshire Zebo, Finola Craven and Lady Vaillir Daughter, Claire Collins and Beast from the East, and team captain Lesley Maye with Ballyneale Daisy produced a suite of clears in the second round to take the win.
East Cork claimed second place with just 4 total faults. The team of Patricia O’Brien and Lauren’s Diamond, Cecilia Foster and Abbeyside Rory, and Barbara Dundon and LNG Cruising Rox, produced some excellent rounds of jumping.
Earls Well Team 1 secured third place with a very solid performance. Katie Nic A Bhaird with Banagher Big Flash had a double clear, while Cora Steemers and Send Me On and Brian O’Dwyer with Ballinhassig Prince finishing with 4 faults each.
Lismore’s team of Miriam Mc Donnell and JJ 007, Marie Smiddy and Dungar Red Sox, and Sinead Berry with Kilmeena Hector were in fourth place.
In fifth place were Earls Well Team 2, with Bichris Coupama and Shelly May, Dylan Collins and Stonehall (IRE), and Core Steemers with CW Woodford.
South West Riding Club claimed sixth place with their team of Rebecca Dwyer and Lets Go Lady, Holly Barrett and Special Visa, and Noreen Stewart and Garraina Geatas Boy.
The win marks a double-header of success for Highland Lodge, who last week also qualified a team for the RDS Dublin Horse Show.
Thanks are extended to the many hands that made the day such a success: Jill Twomey for the use of the excellent facilities at Hitchmough’s Equestrian Centre; Declan Cunningham for building a fair but challenging course; and judges Paula Cunningham and Norma Lucey for their expert officiating. Thanks also to the many volunteers and supporters who chipped in to help and cheer along, demonstrating the true community spirit of the riding club.
All eyes now turn to the final in July when Highland Lodge will defend their National title.
Written by: Sile Scanlon
Photo Credit: Abbie Rice of Harience Photography
