Meadows hosts successful Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge

Showcasing the exceptional talent and potential of young event horses in Ireland

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With threatening skies, The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan completed the inaugural running of their Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge, which took place on Wednesday, August 2.

The prestigious event showcased the exceptional talent and potential of young event horses in Ireland. Sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland through their National Breeding Services funding, ‘The Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge’ was a new initiative for the Meadows, offering a competition that aims to identify and support promising young horses with the potential of having successful careers in the eventing discipline.

Connor McClory and Vina Buller’s ‘Mr Marmalade’ won the Four-year-old class at the Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge at The Meadows. PICTURES: courtesy of Tori O’Connor

Caroline Berry, an esteemed judge renowned for her expertise in assessing young event horses, presided over the competition. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Berry provided valuable insights and guidance throughout the event, ensuring fair and accurate evaluations.

In the Four-year-old class, it was Vina Buller’s Thoroughbred gelding ‘Mr Marmalade’ that turned heads on this occasion. Bred by long-time breeder and owner of Scarvagh House Stud, Alfred Buller, the ‘Lauro’ gelding put in a foot-perfect round to claim the maximum jumping marks available, scoring highly in conformation and gait assessments under the hand of Connor McClory and secured the win, ahead of close challenger Sarah Moore with her own Irish Sport Horse ‘Tyson upto Trix’. 

The Five- and Six-year-old class saw the biggest entry of the day, with 14 combinations coming in front of judge Caroline Berry. The Lougherne Stud came out on top on this occasion, with the beautifully produced ‘Lougherne Cassanova’, the six-year-old bay by ‘Lougherne Caravaggio’, owned and bred by Lougherne Stud owner Jane Allen-Collins. Making the trip from the North Coast, was Tegan White-McMorrow, who finished in second place on the day with her own Irish Warmblood ‘Ballinamurra Sunflight’ by ‘AI Weiwei M2S’ (WSI).

Hannah Blakely and Jane Allen-Collins’ ‘Lougherne Casanova’ won the Five- & Six-year-old class at the Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge.

Lougherne Stud once again found themselves in the winner’s enclosure in the Seven- & Eight-year-old competition. With rider Hannah Blakely firmly in control of her two mounts, ‘Lougherne Kingfisher’ (ISH) was the resulting winner of this class. The grey mare by ‘Colestus’ (WESTF) and out of the ‘Limmerick’-sired ‘Lougherne Gypsy’ (ISH), displayed her scope and natural ability to secure the winner’s rosette, ahead of her stable mate ‘Lougherne After Dark’ (ISH).

Meadows Equestrian Centre, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to equestrian excellence, provided the perfect venue for this new initiative. The centre’s spacious arenas, well-maintained grounds and dedicated staff, created an ideal setting for both competitors and spectators alike.

The Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge consisted of various stages, designed to evaluate the potential of each horse. Participants were judged on their conformation, movement, jumping technique and overall suitability for the eventing discipline. The competition not only served as a platform for breeders to showcase their breeding programmes, but also offered valuable exposure for the young horses.

"We are delighted to have hosted the Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge at Meadows Equestrian Centre," said Aaron McCusker, the event organiser. "The competition provided a unique opportunity for breeders to present their exceptional young horses and for riders and trainers to discover potential stars of the future. We are grateful to Caroline Berry for her invaluable expertise in assessing these talented horses."

Hannah Blakely and Jane Allen-Collins’ ‘Lougherne Kingfisher’ won the Seven- & Eight-year-old class at the Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge.

The Irish Breeders’ Young Event Horse Challenge at Meadows Equestrian Centre was a success, highlighting the ongoing commitment of Ireland's equestrian community to nurturing and promoting young talent. This event served as a testament to the strength and depth of the breeding programmes in Ireland and the future of eventing in the country.

For more information about Meadows Equestrian Centre and upcoming events, please visit: www.themec.co.uk or contact 028 3832 2417.

RESULTS

Four-Year-Old Young Event Horse:

1) Vina Buller’s Mr Marmalade, Conor McClory; 2) Sarah Moore’s Tysons upto Trix, Sarah Moore; 3) Hugh Douglas’ Rock Festival, Ellen Douglas; 4) Brian Clinghan’s  Mallbeck, Yvonne Whiteside; 5) Paul Caves and Josh Mark’s Quality Clinton, Paul Caves; Ailish McBride’s Tek Time Captain Cruise, Ailish McBride.

Five- & Six-Year-Old Young Event Horse:

1) Jane Allen-Collins’ Lougherne Casanova, Hannah Blakely; 2) Tegan White McMorrow’s Ballinamurra Sunflight, Tegan White McMorrow; 3) Lisa and Alison Mitchell’s GHS Fremont, Lisa M Talbot; 4) Paul Caves’ Quality Quinn, Paul Caves; 5) Vina Buller’s Regal Ruler, Connor McClory; 6) Ronnie Hollinger’s Creevagh Hilfiger, Sadie McMahon.

Seven- & Eight-Year-Old Young Event Horse:

1) Jane Allen-Collins’ Lougherne Kingfisher, Hannah Blakely; 2) Jane Allen-Collins’ Lougherne After Dark, Hannah Blakely.