The Association of Irish Riding Clubs Grassroots Jump Training Series this year has been the most popular over the last three years, providing club members with the chance to compete and train with an accredited coach who offered real-time advice and feedback on show jumping skills within a competitive environment.

Participants jumped an initial round over a designated course and received feedback afterward, then completed a second judged round. Additional points were awarded for style, position, and overall impression, with a final score reflecting their performance.

The series recently concluded at Emerald Equestrian, Co. Kildare, where Tom Holden, a HSI Level 2 Coach, HSI Coach Developer, and Level 3 FEI Show Jumping Course Designer, assessed the finalists across three classes—RC 70/80, RC 90, and RC 100/110.

The RC 70/80 class was highly competitive, with only one point separating the top two riders. Chloe Rice from Coole Lane claimed first place with 140 points on her mare, Lady Cassandra, a horse she has trained since acquiring as a four-year-old. Lynne Broderick of Castle Hill took second place with 139 points, followed by Sile Scanlon from Lismore on Cullohill Guzzler, with 137 points in third.

In the RC 90 division, Kathrina O’Shea on Ringwood Pommello edged out the competition, narrowly winning with a one-point lead to secure the bursary. Aisling Owens from Drynam, riding Dicksons Rose, earned 137 points and placed second, just ahead of Janet Clifford from Sarsfield on Gleesons Quality.

In the RC 100/110 class, Niall Molloy of Golden Grove won on Winston P with 139 points. Barry Magan from Meath came in second with Caltra Western Dream on a score of 138, and Roisin Gilsenan from Kilrainy took third on Major Tom Franklin on a score of 137.

The AIRC gratefully acknowledges the funding from Sport Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland, which made this series possible.