IURCA Riders secure Gold on home turf

The IURCA SRNC took place in Ballindenisk, Cork from 3rd – 7th of October. All 12 countries arrived on Thursday to Ballindenisk to begin a tough weekend of competition, with Ireland eventually securing Team and Individual Gold.

Friday saw the Preliminary “Horseware” Dressage Rounds kicking off with very strong team tests from Netherlands, Canada and Ireland.

Six Riders progressed from Friday to the Finals on Sunday with the Netherlands looking like hot favourites 2 riders through to the Final 6. The Netherlands were unbeatable in the dressage with both riders completing freestyle to music and a Prix Saint George on 2 horses.

The winner was Milou Anthoniese from the Netherlands followed closely by Rosan Retigan also from the Netherlands. Both Riders have now posted 2 wins each this year out of four SRNCS. Netherlands dominance in the Individual rankings secured them the “Horseware” Dressage title also with Canada in Second and Ireland in Third.

The “Ballymaloe Relish” Showjumping rounds began on Saturday. The Fell Family had done a superior job on the ground allowing for excellent jumping conditions underfoot. Ireland proved to be the dominant force in the Showjumping Securing all 3 riders into the final six.

The individual title was won by Domitille Debiesse from France with Clementine Yost from Canada in Runner up spot. Ireland’s exceptional form in the individual rankings insured that they secured the Team title for   James Brennan, Beatrice Gates Hardiman and Melanie Young

The “Horse Sport Ireland” Overall Combined Competition the title everyone wanted to secure. Ireland’s outstanding results ensured that they secured Team Gold on home Turf with Canada in Silver and Netherlands in Bronze. It was an outstanding achievement for Team Ireland.

All three riders are familiar faces on the National Showjumping and Eventing Circles. The Overall Individual Title also went to Ireland, European Medallist Melanie Young finished 3rd in both Showjumping and Dressage and her rankings just allowed her to finish ahead of Clementine Yost from Canada. Young, who hails from Maynooth, is no stranger to success having recently returned from Jardy in France with a European Young Rider Bronze Medal.

The Student Rider Nations Cup Series is complete for 2013 and hopefully Team Ireland will continue their record for 2014.