Riders from 58 clubs, 166 riders, and 170 horses from around the country headed to Mullingar Equestrian Centre for the 2025 Connolly’s RED MILLS AIRC National Dressage Championships last Sunday.

The Team Championship is the prize that clubs fight to be crowned Champions. This year, the perpetual trophy is heading back to Hollybrook Riding Club with a team total of 418.551% the team consisted of Helen Webb (Belline Princess India), Joanne Logue (Little Lottie). Roisin McMackin (Courcel Queen Bee) and  Amanda MacGowan (Calliaghstown Flight), followed by a very close second-place team, Tara Hill on a total team score of 418.488% with team members Jemma King (Drumbo Jessie), Jane Brady (Cruicetown Isla), Damien McCormack (Cloonan Hector) and Chris Carter (Bohermeen Pure Quality). In third place was Killcarrick on a team total of 417.384% team members Nadine Taylor (Heigh Ho Rosey), Cheryl Keogh (Hodson Bay Lass), Louise Byrne (Slyvester 2) and Jennifer Haverty (Iceford Diamond), forth place were Castle Hill with team members Rebecca Matthews (Benvarden Dakota), Sarah Quinn (MLHR Aisling), Eithne O’Hanrahan (Miss Milltown Suzie), Niamh Murphy (Daisy Duke), fifth place was Tara Hill again with members Carol Donnelly (Nazar Diamond), Maura Walsh (D.T.S First Flight), and Chris Carter (Cloonan Hector) and finishing the prizes was Thomastown and District with members Eva Brennan (Golden Knight), Katie Vickers (Kilbline Quick Step) and Sheena Holt (Wemyss Bay)

Hilary MacHugh club secretary for Hollybrook said “Hollybrook are delighted to have won the Dressage Team Championships this year. All credit to our team of Helen, Amanda, Roisin and Joanne who worked really hard in the lead up to the Competition and to our club trainer, Louise Bloomer, who had a huge input to the team, both at the Qualifier and in the run up to the Final. The Club is also grateful to those members who both transported the horses and travelled on the day to support the team. We would also like to sincerely thank Elaine and all in Head Office for their efforts in producing such a lovely, relaxed and well run day on Sunday. Roll on 2026!”

RC Preliminary 1 Championship

Ten riders took part in the RC Preliminary 1 Championship, with Greenvalley’s Ruth Malocca and her horse CCS Banksy Moon taking the win on a combined score of 145.60.

In second place was Tara Hill’s club secretary, Jemma King riding Drumbo Jessie, with a score of 142.87.

Third place went to Derryledigan’s Violet Kennedy on Earl Robin, while fourth was claimed by Annaharvey’s Yvonne Fogarty riding Annaharvey Royal Clover.

Fifth place went to Killcarrick’s Cheryl Keogh on Hodson Bay Lass, and rounding out the top six was Burren’s Cathal McLaughlin with Grangefort Blaze.

Ruth said about her win “I was absolutely delighted with Banksy, we have developed a lovely partnership and bond over the last while. He loves to show off & he always knows when it’s his time to shine! I would like to thank his owner Kieran Morrin of CCS for letting me ride this special horse.”

RC Preliminary 2 Championship

A total of 40 riders competed in the RC Preliminary 2 Championship last Sunday, making it the largest class of the day.

Taking the top spot was Louise Byrne from Killcarrick riding Slyvester 2, who secured the win with a combined score of 145.38.

Close behind in second place was Lindsey Newitt from Thomastown and District on Ballinglen Dreamer.

Third place went to Sarah Quinn riding MLHR Aisling from Castle Hill, while fourth was claimed by Emily Cunningham on Prescotts Belle, also representing Killcarrick.

Fifth place went to Greenvalley’s Ruth Abbott riding CCS Banksy Moon, and rounding out the top six was Sheena Holt from Thomastown and District on Wemyss Bay.

Louise said about her win “I am absolutely over the moon to have won the P2 Championship, I have owned Rocco (Sylvester 2) since he was a three year old and since then he has never put a foot wrong, he is such a pleasure to handle and ride and he makes competing very enjoyable.  He loves his job and tries so hard for me, joining Killcarrick Riding Club has been brilliant, it has given us an outlet to meet and have fun with like minded, friendly people who are always there to cheer you on and where having fun is always the most important thing. “

RC Preliminary 3 Championship

The RC Preliminary 3 Championship saw a competitive field of 35 riders take to the arena, each showcasing high-quality partnerships and precision.

Taking top honours was Stephanie Marwood from Knocknamana Country, riding Kylard Bruce, who impressed the judges to secure first place with a combined score of 140.59.

In second place was Roisin McMackin on Courcel Queen Bee representing Hollybrook, finishing close behind with 139.66.

Maria Foy from Annaharvey claimed third riding Voltaime, scoring 139.32.

Fourth place went to Chris Carter and Cloonan Hector from Tara Hill, followed by Fidelma Curran on Ballyadam Philip representing Waterford in fifth.

Completing the top six was Isabelle Rouviere from Carne, riding Jasmine Van Ter Notelaere.

Stephanie said about her win “I got Hugo as a wobbly 3 year old after not riding for 5 years, so to have achieved this together is amazing, I am very proud of him. This cob can! “

RC Novice Championship

The RC Novice Championship attracted a competitive field of 26 riders, with each entry showcasing a strong display of skill and precision.

Louise Lynn from Foxborough took the top spot with a score of 139.73, riding Paulank Brockagh to secure first place.

In second place was Rita Naughton on Action’s Bond Girl W from Tinahely, finishing with a score of 138.18.

Abbie Walker from Rathangan rounded out the top three riding If Ever A Rogue, while Maura Walsh on D.T.S First Flight from Tara Hill claimed fourth.

Fifth place went to Jill Southern riding Ardmount Rio from Killegar, and Niamh Macken from Mullingar secured sixth place with Diamond King Henry.

Louise said about her win “

I feel incredibly privileged to be riding such a special mare. She is a former Badminton winner and Olympic medalist who was retired home to her breeders, Frank & Paula Cullen, after her competitive career, and more recently from breeding 3 offspring’s. Somehow, I’ve been lucky enough to partner with her in dressage.
It’s taken me a while to catch up to her talent, but this year has been a real pinch-me moment as we’ve stepped up from preliminary to novice and begun achieving results that truly reflect the mare she is. She absolutely loves her days out—the lorry rides, the atmosphere—and while she keeps one eye on the cross-country fences, she has really clicked into her new role. I’m just grateful every day to share this journey with her.

This is the quote from Dinah Posford her previous owner when she got the news yesterday…

“You can’t keep a good girl down. So lovely to see her out and about and not totally pensioned off yet”

RC Elementary Championship

The RC Elementary Championship attracted a competitive field of eight combinations, producing an afternoon of high-quality dressage.

First place went to Joanne Logue with Little Lottie for Hollybrook, scoring 140.23 for a well-ridden test. Second place was Mairead Dolan on Belperhill Aint She Sweet for Ashbrook, close behind on 139.82. Third went to Owen Smyth with Dark Site for Twinfort, who scored 136.40.

In fourth was Julie Polden with Kilnoe Clover for Cill Dara, followed by Myriam Bunter with Star Of Rubykan (IRE) for Killcarrick in fifth. Sixth place went to Katherine Chinn with Rosie for Killegar.

Joanne said about her win “

Little Lottie is a 7year old ISH. She’s so gentle and affectionate. An absolute pleasure and treasure. She was novice champion at SER classic with DI two weeks ago and placed 3rd in the elementary championship. I train with Judy Reynolds and Anne Marie Dunphy.

Plans are to compete at DI nationals in two weeks time at Elementary and Novice level. Last year Lottie was preliminary cat 2 champion, reserve novice champion and Novice freestyle champion. I have a yearling warm blood filly from the Netherlands that I hope will be successful in future years.

I’m a secondary school teacher at St Mary’s College Arklow, originally from Waterford.”

RC Medium Championship

The Medium Championship Dressage class showcased a high standard, with riders and horses delivering impressive performances throughout.

Taking 1st place was Siofra Pratt riding Ballarin My Grace, representing Foxborough, with a score of 137.53. This victory marks her second consecutive championship title, having also claimed the win last year.

In 2nd place, Daphne Lush and Millpoint Carnival, also competing for Foxborough, achieved a commendable score of 132.07. 3rd place was awarded to Charlotte Clear with Ramesses B, riding under the banner of Thomastown and District, with a strong score of 131.26, showing excellent rhythm and control. Completing the top four was Tara Dalton aboard Burgomistr, representing Twinfort, who impressed the judges with a polished performance to earn 130.76 and secure 4th place.

Siofra said about her win ” This is our third time competing at the championships. We won last year, so the pressure was really on this year to see if we could keep our title. I’m beyond chuffed that we have especially considering the circumstances on the day! It was a stressful journey down to Mullingar due to the awful crash that happened on the N4, which meant we were late and had our warm up cut short.

Mali (Ballarin My Grace) is such a willing little horse who loves to learn and always wants to please, so I’m always super proud when she gets the recognition she deserves. She’s an Irish bred mare by King’s Master which makes it even more special.”

Young Horse and Open Classes

The Championship also featured Young Horse and Open classes. Richard Hunter on  Kan Do Masterclass from Killcarrick won the Young Horse class, while Yvonne Garrett on Brady Hio Mr Unique from Oakleaf won the RC P2 Open class, and Erin Fergus on Kikkis from Stracomer won the RC P3 Open class.