HSI Young Handler Regional Championship Winners from Clarecastle Agricultural Show
- 5 September 2019, 11:17
Horse Sport Ireland held the final Young Handler Championship Qualifier in Region 4 last Saturday 31st August at the Clarecastle Agricultural Show. The young handler series aims to promote Breeding and Production amongst the next generation of Irish producers, supporting the development of skills required to present and prepare horses for sale.
The winner of the senior section was Emma Reilly, presenting her Connemara Pony, ‘Corhogan Star Shadow’. Emma has been involved in the young breeder’s scheme run by Horse Sport Ireland and Teagasc for the last year and when she saw this championship advertised on Facebook she thought it would be good to take part.
“I’ve been part of the young breeders training programme for the last year and have been practicing the trotting in-hand. I will be trying to attend as many shows as possible before the final to get more practice in.”

Senior section winner, Emma Reilly and Corhogan Star Shadow (CP) with Michael Slattery Chairman of Clarecastle Agricultural Show and judges Tiernan Gill and Wendy Conlon. Photo: Alison Corbally
The winner of the junior section was Niamh Sheridan showing her Irish Pony ‘Wyndham Limelight’. Niamh discovered the young handler series last year when she competed at Roscommon and was eager to compete in the series this year when she saw it advertised.
“My sister Erin (3rd place) and I set up a triangle of poles in the field and we have been practicing loads. I am really looking forward to competing in the final at the National Ploughing Championships.”

Junior section winner, Niamh Sheridan and Wyndham Limelight in action at Clarecastle Agricultural Show.Photo: Alison Corbally
The judges scored the handlers under the following categories: Control of their horse/pony; Skills in Showing; Courtesy and Sportsmanship; Horse/pony turnout; Handler turnout and Research and knowledge of horses.
The top three placings in each section will advance to the final at the National Ploughing Championships 17th September 2019, where champions will receive €1,500 respectively. Additionally, the senior winner will be awarded a week stay at a top Irish riding and producing yard and the junior winner will receive a family pass to the Horse of the Year Show 2019.
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