Irish Pony Show Jumping Team named ahead of European Championship

Gary Marshall announces the athletes selected to represent Ireland at the Pony European Championship

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to announce the Irish Pony (under 16) Show Jumping team ahead of the FEI Pony European Championships in Les Mans, France, from 26^th – 30^th July 2023.

The combinations are listed in alphabetical order,

Co Westmeath’s James Derwin riding Rincoola Babog (ISH)

Co Limerick’s Kian Dore riding Sparkling Lackamore Joey

Co Kilkenny’s Emily Moloney riding Lady Crown

Co Kilkenny’s Abbie Oakey, riding Boutade Ste Hermelle

Co Sligo’s Paddy Reape riding Fernando

The non-travelling reserves are:

Annie Boland riding Jimtown

Senan Reape riding Nora

Last year Ireland not only claimed the team gold medal but also gold, silver and bronze individual medals. HSI Pony High Performance Manager Gary Marshall will be bidding for another strong performance this year and includes 2022 individual gold medal winner James Derwin in his squad.

Speaking about the announcement Marshall said:

“This has been another difficult year for picking a team as there was enough athletes to make up two teams capable of going to Europeans. It wasn’t an easy decision, we had to go back to previous classes and form.

“I am confident that I have picked the right team and hopefully doing their country, their parents, their trainers and everyone involved proud. They are all very mentally strong and I am confident that we will bring medals home.”

HSI Youth Athletes are kindly supported by GAIN Equine Nutrition.

Breeding:

Rincoola Babog (ISH) – 2011 stallion by Luidam (KWPN) out of Rincoola Abu (ISH) by Cruising [TIH](ISH). Breeder: Harold McGahern. Owner: Jim Derwin. Rider: James Derwin (IRL)

Sparkling Lackaghmore Joey (UNK) – 2013 gelding. Owner: Edel Dore. Rider: Kian Dore (IRL)

Fernando (UNK) – 2010 gelding by Contendro (HOLST) out of Lena. Breeder: Sean Judge. Owner: Jonathan Reape. Rider: Paddy Reape (IRL)