Dressage Ireland announces launch of Silver Spurs 2010

THE SILVER Spurs scheme aims to identify and develop talented young riders and encourage their progress by awarding training bursaries, giving direction and advice and providing a pathway to help them achieve an international standard in their chosen discipline. The Silver Spurs is open to riders from all disciplines and riders do not need to be members of any particular society.

Following the same format as used in 2009, the Silver Spurs 2010 will consist of qualifiers run at a number of venues throughout the country, culminating in Silver Spurs semi-finals and finals, to be run over two days.

Qualifiers will take place on four consecutive days, starting on 30th March at Clonshire, Co. Limerick, followed by 31st March at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Co. Westmeath, then 1st April at Laurel View Equestrian Centre, Co. Antrim and on 2nd April at Spruce Lodge, Co. Wicklow. There will one final “catch up” day in late June/early July at Spruce Lodge (date to be confirmed).

At each qualifier, the competitors will ride two dressage tests, which will be marked in the normal way, but without the score for the rider. A separate rider score sheet is used by the Master Judge and this rider score counts for two-thirds of the total marks. The best ten riders from each category at the qualifiers will go through to the semi-final at Marlton Stud, Co. Wicklow on 13th August.

Results of the under 12 category will be decided on that day, while the top three in the remaining three categories will go forward in a ride-off at the finals to be held at the Dressage Ireland show at Marlton Stud the following day, 14th August. The top three riders in each section will receive a valuable prize package.

The full schedule and entry forms are available on www.dressageireland.ie or by contacting Martine Greenlee, Kingsland, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork, (021 4888 179 or 086 2902318).