Galway Equestrian Centre Dressage Show
Galway EC 01/02/2009
Cold east winds swept over the fields in Athenry but the welcome was warm for the competitors and spectators at the second annual running of the Galway Equestrian Centre Dressage Show on the 1st of February, 2009, courtesy of the O'Brien family. And, indeed, Frances O'Brien was the hero of the day by providing hot drinks and toasted sandwiches to the shivering masses. Many of the horses also felt the cold and, in an effort to warm themselves up quickly, displayed some very acrobatic airs above the ground.
Whilst the weather conditions were Baltic, the competition was hot. Claire Crawford dominated in the registered section of Preliminary 18 by securing 1st and 2nd places with Ardfry Balmoral and Cashel Bay Prince, respectively. The highest score of the day, 71.3%, was achieved in the Junior section of Test 18 by Eavan Murphy riding her French bred mare, Nocturne de Coudre.
Ann O'Neill brought out her consistent cob, Barracuda, to win the registered Preliminary 19 and Novice test 22. Regina Daniels was also consistent in taking home both red rosettes when riding Obie in the unregistered sections of 18 and 19. Alanna Cazabon Sullivan emulated Daniels by winning the Under 12's section of 18 and also winning the Pony Club test on the grey pony mare, Lily.
From Novice 38 onwards, it was Shauna Finneran's day. Good riding on the reliable, Creganna Clover, provided Shauna with wins in tests Novice 38, and Elementary 43 and 58. Siobhan Cazabon Sullivan then rode Aramis to victory in Medium 61 after some good placings during the day with her second string, Moonlight Shadow.