The NER Connolly’s RED MIlls Dressage Qualifiers were held at Killossery Lodge Stud on Saturday 12th July hosted by Boyneside and Copperfield Riding Clubs.
It was a glorious sunny and hot day for the 38 combinations riding the two championship tests. The organisers did all they could to help riders in the heat, encouraging horses and riders to stay hydrated, riding both tests within 50 minutes of each other, no show jackets required and ensuring results were out as soon as possible after each class, and if possible for riders to drop horses home and come back for team presentations.
The earlier classes (RCE and RCN) were overseen by List 3a judge Bernie Webb and List 3 judge Jean Halpenny. Louise Somers from Kilronan with the 16 year old Irish Draught Indian Mist took the win in the RCE class with Ashbrook’s Mairead Dolan and Belperhill Ain’t She Sweet taking 2nd.
In the RCN class Ashbrook’s Helena Fitzgerald on the Irish Draught Ballymacague Swallow won the class.
The largest class of the day RCP2 with 17 combinations, was won by Castle Hill’s MLHR Aisling, ridden by Sarah Quinn, with Drynams Cathy Sayers with Alderbrook Maxima finishing second.
The RCP3 class was won by Niamh Murphy riding Daisy Duke owned by fellow Castle Hill member Lindsey Ilona Brady, Niamh finished on top with scores over 72% in both tests. Fidelma Curran from Waterford Riding Club riding Ballyadam Philip finished 2nd.
The RC P1 class was won Drynam’s Melissa Callan riding KEC Cloudz with fellow club member Jenny Bates with Mountain Dew Boy finishing 2nd.
The event was overseen by Boyneside’s Secretary/Regional Secretary Sarah Richardson and Copperfields Secretary/Regional Chair Jane Whitaker, supported by their fellow club members who the day ran smoothly and as quick as possible in the blistering heat with great team spirit from participating clubs. Everyone was kept hydrated and fed by Siobhan and memories were captured by Jane Emily Photos. Laura and her team at Killossery had the arenas all ready and well presented for Saturday.
Ashbrook Riding Club a few years ago kindly donated a beautiful trophy in memory of their club member Mags Aughney, who sadly passed away in 2021 and is greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. Castle Hill took the win with a 14.44% lead over Drynam Topaz who finished 2nd. Helena Fitzgerald from Ashbrook presented this special trophy to the winning Castle Hill Team of Sarah Quinn, Rebecca Matthews, Niamh Murphy and Eithne O’Hanrahan. 2nd Place was Drynam Topaz team of Emma Fristedt, Cathy Sayers, Laura Reynolds and Louise Kavanagh.
Written by – Sarah Richardson
