Over the last few months, I had the pleasure of attending many of the Interschools competitions. Not only did I witness firsthand the sheer talent of the next generation of young riders, but the excited ponies, the dedicated parents and grooms, and the smooth running of each show. 

The Equestrian Interschools League has always been huge excitement for young riders. It builds a strong bond between team members, horse and rider as a partnership, and it is also so much fun for those taking part. It is truly a showcase of equestrian excellence from the next generation. 

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all competitors on a strong league, especially over some of the harsh winter months – we all know that 5am feeling when the alarm goes off! The highlight for me was the EII Novice Teams league, in which some of my own riders took part. 

Well done to each team who competed! 

My team in focus for The Equestrian Interschools League is St. Peter’s College Dunboyne. I have to commend such a strong, dedicated team, who put the hard work in consistently – week in, week out! On attendance a Mullingar on Sunday 19^th March, in the EII Novice Teams League St. Peters Dunboyne had 3/4 clear rounds, which brought the team into the jump off with a 2^nd place finish – which was a super result!

The following week 25^th March, we set off to Coilog Equestrian Centre for the TRI Equestrian Interschools League/Semi Final. A beautiful day at a busy venue. St. Peters Dunboyne took home a first place win in a tough competition! This was simply a reflection of the hard work the team put in over the past months and this 1^st place win was extremely well deserved!

The winning team consisted of riders as follows (left to right);

Sadhbh Finlay, Maria Connolly (Redgap Mac), Colleen Kilnowska, & Lilly Knapp-McMahon (Inchydoney). 

April 2^nd, as the sun shone down on the beautiful venue of Wexford Equestrian Centre, the much anticipated Equestrian Interschools Final got underway. I met the team and we had a quick brief before we walked the course together. For me as a coach, little things like walking the course together is hugely important. Not only does it build a stronger team bond, it brings everyone together and really enables team spirit. In competition, there is no team without spirit.

As the saying goes folks – teamwork makes the dream work.

For my team in focus which was St. Peters Dunboyne, we had a strong team of 4 riders for the final, as shown below (from left to right); Lilly Knapp-McMahon (Inchydoney), Jeorjia Knapik (San Francisco Clover), Colleen Klinowska (Ardmount Nazca), and Emily Michael (Slane Twinkle Star).

The team rode an unbelievable 4/4 clear rounds, which brought them into the jump off with our 2 riders Lilly & Emily, who absolutely gave it 110% in a seriously tough final!

We had a super day at the final in Wexford Equestrian, with an overall league result of;

1^st – Loreto Wexford
2^nd – Newbridge College
3^rd – St. Peters Dunboyne

Again, a huge well done to all competitors. We look forward to the 2023/24 Equestrian Interschools League in the coming months! 

Thanks to all riders for partaking in the Equestrian Interschools Team competition this season, for St. Peters Dunboyne.