Dressage Ireland

Rowallen Home International Show Report

12/08/2011 - Over Seas

The 24th July saw 16 young Irish dressage riders make the trip across the water to Rowallan Activity Centre, Ayrshire for the BYRDS Home International 2011. The weather was amazingly warm and sunny for the duration of the competition and many of the spectators were making the most of it, with many white Irish legs on show in shorts.

Norma Wylie once again took on the unenviable role of chef d’equipe for the competition, and did a fantastic job of boosting morale and team spirit. The title of chef was used in both its contexts with Norma making a fantastic bbq for the whole team and their parents, supporters etc. on the first night, as well as all her many other jobs through the week.

Natasha Wylie on Jack Sparrow

The Irish riders were also very lucky to have three trainers travel over to help with warming up, they really did have a busy week with so many horses and riders asking for advice. The team would like to express their gratitude to Norma, Alison Davis, Donie Mcnamara and Lucy Adams for all their hard work and support throughout the competition.

The first day of competition got off to a very good start with many of the riders gaining high percentages and placings. Megan McGrath got off to a very good start with her own horse Dhumavarna coming 7th= in the Novice warm up test with a massive score of 71.03%, and following that up with 3rd in the first of the Novice team tests on another great score of 69.52%.

The pony riders also had a great opening day with Alana Cazabon-Sullivan coming 12th= in the Novice warm up test, and Katie Burns riding her lovely coloured pony Harry Hoot claiming 4th in this class with a super 72.76%. Well done to both these girls definitely two to watch out for in the future.

Alana Cazabon-Sullivan

The elementary riders also made an impression on the first day with Caroline Marwood claiming both a 6th place in the warm up class and an 8th in the first of the team tests on her lovely event horse Jazzin Along. Meabh Hennessy riding Snoop Dogg got off to a blinding start as well coming 5th in the warm up test on a massive 72.07% and going on to come 12th in the first team test.

The first day of medium tests was very hard fought indeed with not much separating the top contenders. Courtney Stuart riding Lucy Adams’ horse Ben Hymn came in 6th in the warm up test and 7th in the first of the team tests, with Tara Oliver riding her own Earlspark Loreto taking 9th= in the warm up.

The second day again saw two of the pony riders impressing the judges to score highly. Alana this time came in 9th in the second team test on a great score of 66.79% and Katie not far behind in 12th on 65.89%, (the scores really were tight at the top).

Meabh and Caroline had another good day as well claiming 9th and 11th respectively in the second elementary team test, and Courtney and Rachel Dowley claimed 6th and 12th places in the medium team test.

Irish Squad

Katie Burns with team mascot Princess

A huge congratulations must go to all the riders and their support crews for not only working so hard and gaining great results but also for the great team spirit they showed throughout the week.

Overall Results

— Claire Sedgeman