It was a busy weekend for Irish riders on the International circuit, as 10 Irish combinations competed in the FEI classes at Kelsall Hill (GBR), along with two riders in the PTN class. Meanwhile 15 combinations travelled to Oudkarspell in the Netherlands, 13 of whom were competing in the CCIP2-L class.
CCIP2-L winners, Kirsty Greene and Our Girl, pictured with mother Clare Greene. Photo: Jane Kinsella
Those Irish pony riders dominated the North Holland Horse Trials, taking an incredible 7 of the top 10 spots. Kirsty Greene on Our Girl came out victorious, adding just 2.4 penalties to her dressage score and recording one of only two clear Show Jumping rounds. The jumping phases proved exceptionally challenging, with only one rider (Caro Lize Wessels Boer / Koetsiershoeve Championesse, representing the home nation) coming home on their dressage score to finish 2nd. Altoghether, only five riders managed to go clear inside the time of the challenging Cross Country, three of whom were representing Ireland: Sophie Swain / Here Comes Trouble, Hugh Kelly / Fairyhouse in a Pickle and Isabelle Walsh / Lucky For Some.
Oudkarspel (NL), CCIP2-L – Irish riders in the top 10
1st Kirsty Greene & Our Girl
2nd Sarah Smullen & Carhu Melody
4th Tadgh O’Haire & Ballinagore Hero
6th Sophie Swain & Here Comes Trouble (winner: Best Turned Out)
At Kelsall Hill Intl, there were four Irish combinations in the top 20 of an exceptionally close CCI2*-S. With just 4pens separating the top 17, Sian Coleman and Mary Horgan’s Duniro finished on their dressage score to take 6th place whilst Susie Berry and SRS Coolkeeran jumped double clear to finish on one of several tied scores across the class, eventually to be placed 9th by equality of marks rules. Ciara O’Connor had two rides in the class: Ashwood Iron Lady was another to jump double clear to finish on a tied score, but came out the better of the equality of marks rules in this instance, finishing in 13th place. Ciara’s other ride, Cooley Rebound, had an unfortunate 4 faults in the SJ but still finished in 17th place, exactly 4 faults behind the winner (Holly Law/Wishing Time.) Isny O’Donnell also recorded a 15th place finish with Vital DK Z in a huge CCI3*S field.
In the PTN (pony trials) class, Kitty Cullen had just one show jumping pole to add to her dressage score, piloting Lisa Donnan’s Greenaun Russel to 3rd place overall. Rory Connaughton and Independent Johnny (opened by Jaymee Savill) took 12th place.
