Ireland’s pony riders made their presence know at the Defender Blair Castle International Horse Trials a few weeks ago. Ten eventers and five pony gamers were selected by Tiggy’s Trust to represent the Tricolour at Blair Castle as part of the Tiggy’s Trust Rider Development project.

Tiggy’s Trust was established to in memory of the immensely talented pony rider Tiggy Hancock, who passed away in 2021. The development programme acts as a catalyst to young pony riders and allows Ms. Hancock’s love for competition live on.

“The team element adds an added dimension – it bonded the squad together and was all about friendship and inclusion.  The mood of the riders was so positive and supportive of each other throughout the week.  The eventers all watched the games competition and likewise the games kids came and supported the eventers.  They just all seems so thrilled just to be there.” Says Mrs. Jane Hancock, founder of Tiggys Trust and mother of the late Tiggy Hancock.

From the get-go, Ireland made their presence known in the CCIP 2*S, with Kitty Cullen and Coppenagh Spring Sparrow a.k.a ‘Schnapps’, setting the pace as first combination out on the Cross-country course. Cullen put in a stellar performance, retaining her position at the top of the podium; with Anna Nagle and Liscannor Tulira taking home third place in the individual section.

The Irish team’s outstanding performance cemented them in overall gold medal position. 

“None of the Eventing kids had ever travelled before – the trip and the training camp taught them what was required for their horse’s welfare when traveling internationally and they were able to travel with the support of Tiggys Trust which hopefully will give them the tools to travel individually in the future.   To head to a big international as a group also meant that everyone was expected to play their part and contribute to make the camp happy and inclusive; it certainly was!  The kids got so much praise for their manners with a sense of fun throughout the week” says Jane.

Now onto mounted pony games, where fifteen teams took to the arena on the Saturday morning of the Blair Castle International. The team of five, guided by Alan Hatton, persevered through the testing conditions, coming out as overall winners. 

There is no doubt that the Tiggy’s Trust Rider Development Project will continue to make a positive impact on the growth of youth sport in Ireland. The team’s unbelievable performance shows that Ireland’s reputation for producing strong international competitors is in safe hands. 

I want to say a massive thank you to Jane Hancock and Tiggy’s Trust for contributing to this piece. 

Thanks for reading !