The Connolly’s RED MILLS AIRC West Region Dressage Qualifiers took place on Sunday, 5 July 2026, at Duffy’s Equestrian Centre, where riders from clubs across the region enjoyed a well-run and competitive day of dressage in excellent conditions.
Hosted by Corrib Riding Club, competitors travelled from Burren, Westport, Corrib, Glenway, Castle Carraig, Tynagh and Springmount Riding Clubs, with combinations vying for qualification places across the Riding Club Preliminary (RCP1, RCP2 and RCP3), Riding Club Novice (RCN) and Riding Club Elementary (RCE) classes.
The day began with the RCP1 class, where Cathal McLaughlin riding Grangefort Blaze secured victory for Burren Riding Club.
A highly competitive RCP2 class attracted twelve starters. Leanne Platt and Midnight Warlord (Westport Riding Club) delivered the winning performance, while Lisa Clyne and Rosewood Diamond (Glenway Riding Club) claimed second place. Geraldine Glynn and Archie (Corrib Riding Club) completed the top three with a polished test.
The thirteen-strong RCP3 class produced another excellent standard of competition. Sofie Gundersen and CLH Sugar and Spice claimed first place for Westport Riding Club, followed by Chloe Hester aboard Calagy Tarmon for Glenway Riding Club. Kate K and Autumn Pride represented Tynagh Riding Club to finish third.
In the Riding Club Elementary class, Petra Hewer and MCLC Miss Moneypenny delivered an impressive performance to take victory for Westport Riding Club, with Sarah O’Dea and LLS Ladies View (Castle Carraig Riding Club) finishing as runners-up.
The Riding Club Novice class rounded off the day with another strong field. Catherine Kelly and Babyshark secured the win for Burren Riding Club, ahead of Ita Walsh riding Mountkeeffe Sunshine for Tynagh Riding Club. April King and Zandan, also representing Burren Riding Club, completed the podium.
Burren Riding Club emerged victorious in the team competition, with a consistently strong performance from all team members throughout the day.
Jackie Warren was the lucky winner of the top raffle prize, a fantastic facial treatment kindly sponsored by Skinsation Clinic Galway. Skinsation Clinic owner Martina, an active member of Corrib Riding Club, was on hand to congratulate Jackie and present her with the prize.
A special thank you also goes to Petstop, whose valued support contributed greatly to the success of the event. Their sponsorship of the prizes was greatly appreciated and helped make the day an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all competitors.
The West Region extends its sincere thanks to Corrib Riding Club for hosting the qualifiers, to Duffy’s Equestrian Centre for use of its wonderful facilities, to judges Connie Noone and Sharleen Ramburg for officiating throughout the day, and to the volunteers, stewards and organisers whose hard work ensured the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
Congratulations to all riders who qualified, and best of luck to everyone representing the West Region at the Connolly Red Mills AIRC National Dressage Championships.
You can find a list of qualified riders and horses at this link – https://airc.ie/airc-ndc-2026/
Written By: Bernadette Flaherty
