The sunny South East certainly lived up to its reputation, as 15 teams took to the scorching main arena of Barnadown Equestrian, Wexford, with the kind permission of Maurice and Felicity Cousins, for the hotly contested South East
Regional qualifiers of the Premier Performance National Team Show Jumping competition. The event was hosted by Thomastown and District Riding Club and Brenda Nolan adjudicated for the day.

The competition was very tight, with 3 teams finishing on a zero score after the first round. A pole in the second round took Thomastown Blue out of contention and culminated in a thrilling jump-off between the 2 teams remaining on a perfect score. Jodie Rossiter of Carne Red set a blistering pace, with just one pole on the floor. Ashlee McGuinness of Warrington Amber rode the perfect clear to clinch the title, sending Warrington Riding Club, Kilkenny, forward to the RDS.

Carne Red will now have another chance to qualify in the Wildcard competition at the Riding Clubs festival in June.

Written by: Lisa O’Neill

Photo Credit: Tony Walker