Local Riders shine at Regional Dressage Finals

The finals of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) West Midlands Region Dressage League were held at Gurteen College on October 19th last, hosted by the Nenagh-based Friary Riding Club.

Dressage is one of the most inclusive equestrian disciplines, where horses and riders of all ages compete on equal terms.

The event saw horses ranging in age from 4 to 23, and riders from their early 20s to mid-70s. Riding clubs cater to leisure riders who compete purely for enjoyment.

The AIRC, affiliated with Horse Sport Ireland, includes 130 clubs and approximately 3,400 members nationwide. Its motto is “Enjoying Equestrianism”.

The West Midlands region of the AIRC covers North Tipperary and parts of Offaly, Clare, Limerick, and South Tipperary. There are 16 clubs in the region, with Friary Riding Club being the only one based in Nenagh.

In a unique approach among horse sport organisations, the AIRC grades the rider rather than the horse, promoting both inclusivity and safety.

Four riders were crowned league champions in their respective grades:

• Introduction to Dressage: Josephine Peters (Clonshire Riding Club) on HHO Rachel

• Primary 2: Cheryl Hayes (Golden Grove Riding Club) on Ballaghmore Breeze

• Primary 3: Jackie Dow (Clonlara Riding Club) on Juno Tintreach

• Novice: Yvonne Garrett Brady (Oakleaf Riding Club) on Hio Mr Unique

Emily Hogan, Chairperson of the West Midlands Region of AIRC, congratulated the winners and thanked the clubs that hosted each leg of the league: Clonshire, Clonlara, Lisduff, and Friary Riding Clubs.

She also expressed appreciation to the local businesses who sponsored the league classes, including Arrabawn Tipperary, Toomevara Agri, Equibitz, OMT Truck and Trailer Repairs, and Positive Physiotherapy.

Special thanks were extended to the volunteers who ensured the smooth running of the league over its four-week duration.