The sun shone brightly on Saturday morning 25th April, at Sceilig Equestrian in Watergrasshill, Co.Cork. There was anticipation in the air as the Wayne Santry built course opened for riders to walk the 12 jumping efforts, which had a time allowed of 89 seconds. 10 teams had entered for the South West Region Premier Performance  RDS Team Showjumping Qualifier, with Lismore Riding Club hosting the qualifier.

The first clear of the day came from Niamh Crowley & Culeens Paddy for Highland Lodge 1, who took on the RC90 course which started at 10.30 a.m. Riders, horses, and supporters were enjoying the superbly built course along with the sunshine & fantastic facilities at Sceilig Equestrian.

After the first round of showjumping, only one team lay on 0 – Highland Lodge 2, Who were closely followed by Lismore Blue on 4 faults. Everything was to play for in the second round, and the poles had to stay up. Highland Lodge 2 again showing there class in ending the competition on a score of 0 faults, which meant no jump off was required.

After a few years’ break, The Highland lodge team were ecstatic to win the South West Team Showjumping RDS qualifier and will go on to represent the South West Region at the RDS Horse Show in August. Huge Congratulations to them!

They were presented with their winning red rosettes and embroidered Premier Performance numnahs by South West Region chairperson Marie Sheehan.
Lismore Riding Club blue team in 2nd place qualified for the wildcard qualifier at the AIRC festival in June, with the hope of winning to receive that golden ticket to the RDS!

Lismore Riding Club would like to thank Killian Browne and Claire Nulty and all the team at Sceilig Equestrian for the use of their fantastic facilities. Thanks to Wayne Santry for building a great & challenging course for the qualifier. Many thanks to all the South West Region Riding Club competitors and supporters for a great day of sport! Thanks to our photographer Eva, from OSCA photography for getting some great action shots on the day. Lastly, thanks to all Lismore Riding Club members & supporters for the help with stewarding and volunteering on the day. It was a great team effort from the club!

Full results below:
1 Highland Lodge 2
2 Lismore Blue
3 Lee Valley
4 Lismore Yellow
5 Highland Lodge 1
6 Earlswell

Photos Included:
1. Highland Lodge 2 – Winning Team
(L-R: Marie Sheehan (SW Region Chair), Tara O’Sullivan, Molly O’Connor (Captain), Chloe Dineen, Alison Harvey, Maire Scanlon (Lismore Riding Club)

Report – South West Region

Photo Credit – OSCA Photography