East Cork Riding Club claimed victory in the Team Championship, finishing on an impressive 414.50% after a closely fought competition.
The winning team was Cecilia Foster and Abbeyside Rory, Emma Mangan and Galtee Primrose, Laura Pope and Southway Flying Comet, and Margaret Manning and Apachi.
Margaret Manning and Apachi brought plenty of experience to the team. A retired nurse, Margaret has owned 21-year-old Apachi since he was seven and, over the years, they have enjoyed TREC, dressage, BHS summer camps, hacking and jumping together. Margaret gave up jumping following a hip injury two years ago but continues to enjoy her riding. She has been a member of East Cork Riding Club since the club was established in 2022.
Emma Mangan and Galtee Primrose have been on an exciting journey together. Emma returned to competitive riding around three years ago when she joined East Cork as an ungraded rider, progressing to P1 in 2024 and P2 in late 2025 with the support of her instructors and the club. Working full-time in banking, Emma says the AIRC South West Region has provided a fantastic opportunity to continue learning, train, compete and build her equestrian network.
Primrose is a kind, well-behaved 148cm Grade 1 Connemara mare by Kinvara Boy out of an I Love You Melody mare. Emma bought her after being introduced to the bloodline through her daughter Jaime’s Pony Club involvement. Originally qualifying for the championships on another horse, Emma made the decision to ride Primrose, and the six-year-old mare rose to the occasion in the main arena. She produced an outstanding score in her second test to finish joint first, contributing significantly to East Cork’s championship success.
Just behind the winners were Killcarrick Riding Club, who secured 2nd place on 414.02%, with Tara Hill Riding Club completing the podium in 3rd place on 410.84%.
There was just over four points separating the top three teams, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the championship.
The remaining top six places were:
4th – Cill Dara Riding Club
5th – Mosstown Riding Club
6th – Foxborough Riding Club
Congratulations to all the teams who took part, and a special congratulations to East Cork Riding Club on their Team Championship victory.
AIRC would like to extend its sincere thanks to Connolly’s RED MILLS for their continued support of the championships. Their generous sponsorship is greatly appreciated and plays an important part in making these events possible.
We would also like to thank Mullingar Equestrian Centre for providing an excellent venue and facilities for the championships, and for helping to ensure a successful and enjoyable event for competitors, teams and supporters.
Photo Credit: Horse Sport Images
