Creagh Show
Creagh 25/01/2009
There were many giggles punctuating the cold morning air as the children prepared to contest the first leg of the Under 12's league at the 9th running of the Creagh Equestrian Centre Dressage show on the 25th of January. 2009. Riding in Test 7, Emma Kennedy on Baloue came out on top followed by Sophie Lowe, Leila Oakman, Jane Field and the Kennedy siblings, Andrew and Louise.
By far, the largest haul of red rosettes went to the Ardfry contingent. Travelling from their stud near Corofin, Co.Galway, all of Claire and Pascal Crawford's charges came away with a red rosette. Claire rode Ardfry Balmoral to 1st and 2nd places in the registered sections of Tests 7 and 18, respectively. Another of Claire's rides, the Connemara Pony stallion, Cashel Bay Prince, won registered Test 18 and placed second in Novice 25. Ardfry stable jockey, Padraig Flanagan, rode Young Walt, also a Connemara Pony stallion, to 1st and 3rd places in the Junior sections of tests 7 and 18. And, not to be outdone by Mum, Petaire Crawford placed first in the Pony Club class followed by Sophie Brown, second, and Jane Field, third.
Several high scores, in the 69/70% region were achieved during the day. Ardfry Balmoral (Claire Crawford) and Mr.Brown ridden by junior rider, Natasha Sterling both scored over 70% in Test 7. While Regina Daniels broke the 70% barrier with Callatra Golden Lad in Novice 25 thereby dominating the Novice section with wins in both classes. Unregistered riders also showed a marked improvement of standards with winners Jennifer Hyland on Portphilip CD scoring 68% in Test 7 and Marjorie Hardiman on Creganna Clover scoring 67.5% in Test 18.
Because of the excellent timekeeping by the judges and stewards alike, competitors in the Elementary and Medium classes were able to warm up in daylight. Siobhan Cazabon Sullivan riding her lovely chestnut, Aramis, won both Medium classes while Elaine Murphy on Geoffrey was first in Elementary 44.